2008 Dodge Avenger First Drive

2008 Dodge Avenger – First Drive: Dale Earnhardt was called the Intimidator, Arnie was called the Terminator. Why? Because Earnhardt’s #3 in a rearview mirror scared the bejeezus out of fellow race drivers, and Governor Schwarzenegger snuffed out bad guys in his own special biomechanical kick-ass way. Now we have the Dodge Avenger (a reintroduced name on the new Stratus replacement), so called because it avenges the carnage the imports have brought upon the midsize domestics. Well, actually, no it doesn’t really, um, , so much as it offers bold American style wrapped around a mediocre sedan, with all-wheel-drive arriving later as an option. The 2008 Avenger represents an admirable effort, but one that ultimately gives Honda and Toyota little to worry about.

The Basics: Origins

Some enthusiasts or former owners may remember the Dodge Avenger when it arrived in coupe form in 1995. That model lived on for about five years, and since then the Avenger name has been absent from the market. Following the release of the redesigned 2007 Chrysler Sebring, Dodge brings back the Avenger for 2008 as a sedan that is based on its Chrysler sibling but with markedly different looks. The two cars share common underpinnings as well as windshields and front window glass, but are visually unique. The front-wheel-drive 2008 Dodge Avenger goes on sale in February, 2007 with an all-wheel-drive version arriving a few months later.

The Basics: Model Mix – SE Standard Features

Priced at $18,895 including a $675 destination charge, the SE is the least expensive option among the 2008 Dodge Avenger offerings. With that entry-level sum buyers get a front-wheel-drive midsize sedan powered by a 173-horsepower four-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, a CD/MP3 player, 16-inch steel wheels, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, keyless entry, and the usual array of electronic goodies such as power windows. Realizing consumers’ clamor for value, Dodge also included cruise control, front-side airbags, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and a tire pressure monitor. The piece d’ resistance is the Chill Zone cooler atop the glovebox, which draws air from the a/c system and chills up to four beverage cans.

The Basics: Model Mix – SXT Standard Features

Not everyone is cool with driving a base model, feature-laden or not, so Dodge offers a mid-level variant of its all-new Avenger sedan. Starting at $19,795, the SXT comes standard with the SE’s four-cylinder/four-speed powertrain but adds 17-inch alloy wheels, antilock brakes, a couple extra speakers for the radio, body-color exterior trim, a handy fold-flat front passenger seat, and numerous little touches including illuminated vanity mirrors, a lumbar adjustment for the driver, an adjustable center armrest, and what Dodge calls Yes Essentials cloth seat fabric. What makes this woven wonder unique is its ability to resist stains and odors, a claim that we wanted to, but ultimately did not, test.

The Basics: Model Mix – R/T Standard Features

When the 2008 Avenger launches in February, shoppers looking for the most powerful and sportiest model will be directed to the R/T. If they go shopping later this spring, they’ll have the added option of an R/T with all-wheel drive capability. As a front-driver, the R/T runs $23,545; in all-wheel-drive guise that jumps to $25,545. All R/Ts feature a 235-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a manually-interactive six-speed automatic transmission, and they boast a climate control system, 18-inch alloy wheels, a six-disc CD changer, heated mirrors, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Also included is a sport-tuned suspension with a rear stabilizer bar, and all-wheel-drive models get the added benefit of traction control.

The Basics: Model Mix – Options

While Dodge has covered most of the content bases with the Avenger’s standard features, there are still plenty of options to be had. The SE and SXT Avengers can be outfitted with a 189-horsepower, 2.7-liter flex-fuel V6 that’s paired with an upgraded suspension system; the SXT can be fitted with rear disc brakes in lieu of the standard drums, and the SE’s can be decked out with antilock brakes. Also available are 18-inch chrome wheels, a variety of audio options such as a Boston Acoustics sound system, stability control, Yes Essentials fabric for the SE, leather seats, a sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity, as well as sport and premium packages. The latter features some groovy heated (140 degrees) and cooled (38 degrees) cupholders.

The Basics: Model Mix – Options – MyGIG, DVD

Rear DVD entertainment systems are enjoying increasing popularity in minivans and SUVs, but they’re relatively rare in four-door sedans, especially those in the sub-$30,000 arena. However, the 2008 Dodge Avenger SXT and R/T models smack convention since each are available with a $1,195 rear DVD player and screen that folds up from the front center console. That’ll keep the backseat drivers entertained while the front occupants work the MyGIG system ($1,895 for the R/T; $2,030 for the SXT). This little bundle of technology includes a voice-activated navigation system, a 20-gig hard drive that will store plenty of your favorite music, and Sirius satellite radio. But what may be even cooler (no pun intended) are the heated and cooled front cupholders

What’s New: Exterior Design

Talk to company executives, and they’ll tell you that bold, capable, street-smart cues are what make a Dodge a Dodge. They point to the 2008 Avenger as the perfect example. The front end is aggressive and resembles that of the larger Charger. The R/T model gets the smoked headlight treatment, while all Avengers are adorned with an odd rear quarter style borrowed, again, from the Charger. The 2008 Avenger stands four inches taller than the outgoing Stratus, and shares only a windshield and front side glass with the 2007 Chrysler Sebring. With R/T cues included, the Avenger does indeed take on a somewhat muscular appearance, which points to one of the few reasons buyers would opt for this ride over its competitors.

What’s New: Interior Design

From a style perspective, the Avenger’s interior is worthy of a few nods of approval. Items such as a rear DVD system, a sliding front armrest, a folding passenger seat, and a four-can cooler atop the dash are all worthy of some praise. Less laudable are the non-adjustable rear headrests, wide rear pillars, and blacked out rear window inserts that limit visibility. Plus, as if we haven’t beat this dead horse enough already, low-rent hard interior plastics have long outlived their welcome. Let’s also take a second to discuss the trunk, which features a wide opening and average lift-over height, but lacks any type of tiedowns or hooks for securing cargo, and while long, might prove too shallow to accommodate larger items.

What’s New: Front Seat Comfort

Don’t underestimate the importance of a little extra padding. After driving an Avenger SXT all morning, we hopped into an R/T for the afternoon drive and immediately appreciated the latter’s padded armrest, placed between the front seats in lieu of the SXT’s slightly rubberized forearm holder. It’s seemingly minor, though increasingly significant as the miles click away. In both rides we welcomed a tilt and telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, and comfortable, spacious front buckets with multiple adjustments. Sizeable headrests are perfectly positioned, and that adjustable armrest is one of the auto world’s greatest little wonders. After a long day of driving, the only comfort-related complaints revolved around the hard armrests and sills on the doors.

What’s New: Rear Seat Comfort

If you’re considering a four-door sedan, chances are you’re at least a smidge concerned about the well-being of rear seat passengers. If so, you could do worse than the 2008 Dodge Avenger. With plenty of leg, foot, and head room, two (or three in a pinch) occupants will have little to complain about, especially if they’ve got the optional DVD system to keep them entertained. The generous leg room negates any ill effects from the hard front seatbacks, and a fold-down center armrest with dual cupholders allows folks to get comfortable. The split bench seat sits a little low, so passengers kind of fall onto it when getting in, but once seated they’re rewarded with soft cushions and a natural recline position.