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The 2008 Dodge Avenger is the culmination of everything that Dodge has learned, good and bad, over the last 20 years. The late 80s Dodge Spirit lacked exactly what its name was. Although Dodge had its own identity, it was never as clearly defined as it is today. The Stratus that followed the Spirit was not without some charm or numerous reliability issues, but at least it proved a car with anyone with average transportation needs.
The Avenger, during the second half of the 90s, was a sporty coupe with mild performance aspirations. Of the two engines offered (a 2.0L 4-cylinder and a 2.5L V6), neither was very stellar in the dependability or refinement department. By 2000, the nameplate had been retired and of the extended family of Chrysler FJ and FF platform cars (Sebring, Breeze, Cirrus and Avenger), only the Sebring motored on.
The new Chrysler midsize
Last year marked the arrival of the new 2007 Sebring. On its heels arrived the Avenger and Sebring Convertible. The new bolder design was a firm departure from the previous car's ovoid shapes. The Dodge Avenger, now that the brand has firmly established its identity, is a further move away from your friendly neighbourhood car. The 2008 Avenger has more attitude than you can shake a stick, more even than the past Dodge Bad-Ass, the Charger.
Whether or not the in-your-face design works depends on whom you are or how you are feeling. Most of the time, it thought it looked great; my girlfriend thought it was over the top. Its huge grille and squared fenders are certainly not apologetic. The tested SXT included the Sport Appearance package adding 18" wheels, a rear spoiler and fog lights. Draped in black, the car looked good enough.
The Chrysler cabin
The Avenger's interior cuts strait to the chase: no fancy this or that, just plain and functional. When compared to the Sebring's, the Avenger's dash is less ornate not to mention better looking. Wall-to-wall hard plastics are a little difficult to accept especially in a time where a "soft-touch" material is quickly becoming the norm. At least, the visual effect of the materials is not as harsh. Fit and finish are average.
The 2008 Dodge Avenger is the culmination of everything that Dodge has learned, good and bad, over the last 20 years. The late 80s Dodge Spirit lacked exactly what its name was. Although Dodge had its own identity, it was never as clearly defined as it is today. The Stratus that followed the Spirit was not without some charm or numerous reliability issues, but at least it proved a car with anyone with average transportation needs.
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| The new Avenger has two extra doors over the old and is way more aggressive looking. |
The Avenger, during the second half of the 90s, was a sporty coupe with mild performance aspirations. Of the two engines offered (a 2.0L 4-cylinder and a 2.5L V6), neither was very stellar in the dependability or refinement department. By 2000, the nameplate had been retired and of the extended family of Chrysler FJ and FF platform cars (Sebring, Breeze, Cirrus and Avenger), only the Sebring motored on.
The new Chrysler midsize
Last year marked the arrival of the new 2007 Sebring. On its heels arrived the Avenger and Sebring Convertible. The new bolder design was a firm departure from the previous car's ovoid shapes. The Dodge Avenger, now that the brand has firmly established its identity, is a further move away from your friendly neighbourhood car. The 2008 Avenger has more attitude than you can shake a stick, more even than the past Dodge Bad-Ass, the Charger.
Whether or not the in-your-face design works depends on whom you are or how you are feeling. Most of the time, it thought it looked great; my girlfriend thought it was over the top. Its huge grille and squared fenders are certainly not apologetic. The tested SXT included the Sport Appearance package adding 18" wheels, a rear spoiler and fog lights. Draped in black, the car looked good enough.
The Chrysler cabin
The Avenger's interior cuts strait to the chase: no fancy this or that, just plain and functional. When compared to the Sebring's, the Avenger's dash is less ornate not to mention better looking. Wall-to-wall hard plastics are a little difficult to accept especially in a time where a "soft-touch" material is quickly becoming the norm. At least, the visual effect of the materials is not as harsh. Fit and finish are average.
 |
| Straight-forward interior is pleasing to the eye but covered in hard plastics. |