A price drop of more than $4,000 justifies a renewed interest in Dodge’s mid-size high-value sedan. The 4-door Avenger now starts at just $17,745 for the entry-level SE model and $20,045 for this week’s SXT tester while the performance-oriented R/T version is assigned a start point of $25,645.
Not much new for 2009 other than price
The only real highlight for 2009 is Chrysler’s consumer bonus of $4,750 on all 2009 Avenger models. I’m not sure how long this incentive to adopt the Charger’s little brother will last but it’s certainly substantial and inviting.
Looking like a shrunken Dodge Charger
No doubt the boys at Dodge had the highly successful Charger design on their collective minds when they penned the new Avenger, which was introduced as a 2008 model. The look is distinctive but unlike the Charger, the Avenger is a front-wheel-drive mild-mannered affair.
The tempo does however accelerate with R/T trim, which features a relatively powerful V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission and sport-tuned suspension. But alas, this week finds us pushing the easily winded 4-cylinder base powerplant, which is connected to a 4-speed autobox.
Noisy engine runs smooth
Overall, the 2.4-litre DOHC I-4 mill is a pleasant workhorse but it’s not without its detractions. Excessive engine noise seeps into the cabin when forced into supplying hard acceleration and when asked to climb steep hills.
The disruption’s not unbearable by any stretch and I wouldn’t call it worse than what I have experienced with some competitors but hey, it could be a lot better.
Despite the auditory intrusion, the engine is smooth running although somewhat strained in its delivery of 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque.
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| Apart from its bold styling, the 2009 Avenger is solid, comfortable mode of mid-size transportation. |
Not much new for 2009 other than price
The only real highlight for 2009 is Chrysler’s consumer bonus of $4,750 on all 2009 Avenger models. I’m not sure how long this incentive to adopt the Charger’s little brother will last but it’s certainly substantial and inviting.
Looking like a shrunken Dodge Charger
No doubt the boys at Dodge had the highly successful Charger design on their collective minds when they penned the new Avenger, which was introduced as a 2008 model. The look is distinctive but unlike the Charger, the Avenger is a front-wheel-drive mild-mannered affair.
The tempo does however accelerate with R/T trim, which features a relatively powerful V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission and sport-tuned suspension. But alas, this week finds us pushing the easily winded 4-cylinder base powerplant, which is connected to a 4-speed autobox.
Noisy engine runs smooth
Overall, the 2.4-litre DOHC I-4 mill is a pleasant workhorse but it’s not without its detractions. Excessive engine noise seeps into the cabin when forced into supplying hard acceleration and when asked to climb steep hills.
The disruption’s not unbearable by any stretch and I wouldn’t call it worse than what I have experienced with some competitors but hey, it could be a lot better.
Despite the auditory intrusion, the engine is smooth running although somewhat strained in its delivery of 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque.
 |
| Overall, the 2.4-litre DOHC I-4 mill is a pleasant workhorse but it’s not without its detractions. |