2009 Dodge Avenger: Style and Economy in a Mid-Size

By Mike Blake, Carlisle Events

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

The Dodge Avenger, which has no relationship to the original Hillman Avenger of the 1970s (often branded a Dodge), or the 1995-2000 Dodge Avenger Coupe of IROC (International Race of Champions fame), is a sedan that replaced the Dodge Stratus in Dodge’s 2008 line-up. Curiously, Stratus replaced the earlier Avenger for Dodge in 2001.

Assembled in Sterling Heights, Michigan, with 73 percent of its parts coming from the United States or Canada, the Avenger is an aggressively styled, roomy, fuel-efficient midsize sedan that has been marketed as a driver’s performance vehicle, but which doesn’t quite live up to that portion of the hype. The plant at which Avenger is built (along with Chrysler’s Sebring) was not included in the sale of the company to a new company formed in alliance with Fiat – Chrysler Group LLC. The facility will be leased by Chrysler Group until the end of 2010, at which time the plant will close, so we wonder about the future of Avenger.

But Avenger is here this year with innovative exterior architecture, comfortable cabin, lots of interior electronics and a great car name. Built on the same underpinnings as its factory mate, the Sebring, Avenger is fronted by its signature crosshair grille, emphasized by large quad headlamps. With muscular rear shoulders, reminiscent of Charger, my test Avenger was bathed in Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat exterior paint, and it took on an athletic appearance that culminated with a rear spoiler, 17-inch aluminum-clad wheels and fog lamps.
The 2009 Dodge Avenger rides on a 108.9-inch wheelbase with an overall length of 190.9 inches, width of 71.8 inches and height of 58.9 inches, weighing in at 3405 lbs. Its 61.8-inch track adds to its athletic stance, improves ride quality and stability and maximizes crush space in the engine compartment.
The athletic appearance didn’t translate into real-world thrust and agility, as my test vehicle was underpowered by a noisy and disappointing 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. The system hums out 173hp and 166 lbs.-ft. of torque but also available on the R/T trim is the brawnier 3.5-liter high-output V-6 that produces 235 horses, and a flex-fuel 2.7-liter V-6 that is good for 186 horses. My 2.4-liter front-wheel-drive test ride cantered down the track with unremarkable times of 8.9 seconds for a zero-to-60mph run and 17-flat for a quarter-mile. Chrysler says that the R/T with the larger engine can do the sprint in 7.7 seconds.

On the road, power rack-and-pinion steering is responsive, but acceleration is hesitant and body roll provided only a moderately confident ride. The ride was comfortable, but cornering was loose during quick, tight maneuvers. Independent MacPherson strut, coil spring over gas-charged shock absorbers, stabilizer bar with isolated suspension cradle up front and multi-link independent with coil springs, link-type stabilizer bar, gas-charged shock absorbers and isolated rear suspension cradle in the rear create a passenger-friendly smooth ride over most road imperfections.

Built for economy as well as style, my Avenger was EPA rated at 21 mpg in the city and 30mpg on the highway, and nearly 500 miles of mixed-use tests brought in an average of 27.8mpg.

The cabin is spacious and filled with current tech, but overuse of plastics and thin metal hurts the ambience. With seating for five, interior measurements come in at 40 inches for front head room with 38.3 inches in row two; 42.4 inches of front leg room with 36.2 behind and 56.4 inches of shoulder room in row one with 56.3 inches in the rear.

The cabin is outfitted with a tilt/telescope steering column, power locks, power windows, rear window defroster, speed control, power accessory delay, headlamp off time delay, variable intermittent windshield wipers, air conditioning, AM/FM stereo radio with in-dash 6-disc DVD/MP3 player, Sirius Satellite Radio, with 1-year service, six speakers, 8-way power driver’s seat with manually adjustable lumbar support, stain and odor-resistant fabric, instrument panel with Chill Zone Bin to cool drinks or food, outside temperature display and premium front and rear floor mats

Avenger cored well in safety tests and was awarded a perfect five stars by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in front crashes (for both driver and passenger) and front seat side crashes. Back seat side crashes and rollover tests achieved a 4-star rating.

Frontal crash tests yielded a perfect 5-star rating as did front seat side crash tests. Rear seat side crashes and rollover tests garnered a 4-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Safety features include supplemental front seat-mounted side air bags, supplemental side curtain front and rear air bags, center rear 3-point seat belt, child seat anchor system (LATCH ready), height-adjustable front shoulder belts, rear door child protection locks, anti-lock 4-wheel disc brakes, theft-deterrent system, illuminated entry, security alarm and tire pressure monitor and warning signal.

Base priced at an aggressive $21,500, my test Avenger bottom-lined at $23,980 after adding on the electronic stability program and traction control ($425), power sunroof and headliner module ($935), assorted interior items including u-connect phone ($360) and destination charges of $740.

Avenger shows style and economy and is a consideration in the mid-size market.

Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.

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