Vehicle: 2008 Dodge Avenger R/T with Premium Convenience Pkg and ESP
Price as tested: CDN$32525

Performance: The Avenger, just like its Sebring silibing, are powered for 3 engines. The legthegic 172 hp 2.4L 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC that is a collaboration between Chrysler, Mitsubishi and Hyundai standard on SE. A slightly better performing 186hp 2.7L 24-valve DOHC V6 in SXT and the highlight of our tester, a 3.5L V6 SOHC in our R/T. We found it weird that Chrysler decided to put SOHC in its top-of-the-range 3.5L, especially in a supposedly performance-oriented R/T trim level. On the other hand, the lower end of the spectum got the DOHC treatment. Either way, the base powerplant is simply legthegic. It just doesn’t feel like 172hp at all. 186hp 2.7L is a more refined unit compares to the lowly 4, however, its refinement and smoothness still have nothing to write home about. As for 3.5L V6. It got 235 horses and 232 lb/ft of torque. If you have to get an Avenger, this is the engine to get because it finally got the performance it needed. Although its 235 ponies look good on paper, it doesn’t feel as responsive as many of its peers. 232 lb/ft is enough, however, it creates an undesirable effect to its front driver. The engine feels rough and noisy in today’s world. In the higher rpm, its level of noise and vibration are unacceptable consider its an over 30 grand family sedan. The 6-speed Autostick’s gear ratios are tuned more for cruising than acceleration, that explains why they are rather tall. Shift quality is rough and unrefined.

Handling: While Sebring serves as a comfortable cruiser, Avenger is marketed toward a more sporty crowd. Chrysler engineers have given Avenger a sports suspension to match its sporting intentions. The suspension does handle twisties and corners more capably than the Sebring. However, its rough riding quality on low speed and still have some floaty feel on high speed. Steering feel has improved over its Sebring silibing, although that doesn’t mean much. There are plenty of understeer even if the optional ESP kicks in abruptly.

Brakes: R/T is standard with 4-wheel discs and ABS. In this regard, Avenger has done its job acceptably. Both pedal feel and stopping distance are what they should be.

Interior: If you are looking for an interior with soft-touch, high-quality plastic materials; look elsewhere. As one expects from Chrysler, cheap plastic abound. There are tons of hard and cheap-looking/feeling plastic everywhere from dashboard to door panels. Instead of making all black cheap plastic this time. Chrysler designers have made the glovebox and lower door panels grey in our teste; while using thin painted “aluminum trim” to break off the center console. This painted trim feels cheesy on top of the whole lego quality dashboard. Leather materials are equally thin on those seats. The remaining merits are clear analog gauges and large knobs for HVAC control.

Conclusion: After driven a couple of Chrysler products at their annual driving event lately, it doesn’t come as a surprise this company has been rated as “junk”. Except for 300/Magnum/Charger which are really good cars, the rest of the product range are all overpromised and underdelivered. This Avenger is no exception.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008 DODGE AVENGER
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Performance: 2/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 2/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 2/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 2/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 2/5
Value-for-money: 2/5

Overall rating: 2/5