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2011 Dodge Avenger SXT Review

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Mathieu St-Pierre
A commoner with white gloves
In the Avenger, the 3.6L becomes a massive powerhouse that is clearly, after a week-long test, ill-suited to this car's chassis, if you drive it any. Let's start from a standstill. Crank it up, drop the gear lever into ‘D’, place both hands firmly on the wheel at 9 and 3 and nail it. This is how you will discover the definition of torque steer first-hand. Not pleasant at all.

The Pentastar belts out 283 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, up from 235 and 232, respectively. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com)

It quickly becomes obvious that the 3.6L is madly powerful but not well-matched to the vehicle. The best way I can describe it is that Chrysler only replaced the engine and did nothing to the driveshafts, mounting points, bushings or suspension. The Pentastar belts out 283 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, up from 235 and 232, respectively.

Mated to the extra oomph is a transmission that has race-like gearing: engine rpms drop little between 2nd, 3rd and 4th, sustaining the engine in its juicy power spot. That's all fine and great, but the car can simply not cope with the onslaught of energy. A quick-down on the highway, in a passing manoeuvre, will tug at the steering wheel. The slightest application of pressure on the throttle will upset the car's limited poise and send it reeling to the right.

On the other hand, if you want a V6 just to tell your friends that your car is V6-powered, all will be fine. At 120 km/h, the tranny's 6th cog holds engine speed at only 2,000 rpm, promoting quiet and comfy cruising. Here's the best way to describe the Avenger: It is smooth when the driver is smooth.

Seriously, the Dodge does not like to be rushed as it gets agitated, unruly and even scatterbrained. Over uneven surfaces (welcome to the Snowbelt), the suspension becomes clumsy, displaying difficulty in maintaining composure. On these same roads, I even caught the car wandering, having a tough time keeping its bearing.

Wow, very rough.

Over uneven surfaces (welcome to the Snowbelt), the suspension becomes clumsy, displaying difficulty in maintaining composure. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com)
Mathieu St-Pierre
Mathieu St-Pierre
Automotive expert
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