Dodge Avenger
Encyclopedia
The Dodge Avenger is a front-wheel drive, mid-size sedan, built by the Chrysler Corporation
for the Dodge
marque. In its initial debut, the Avenger was produced from 1995 to 2000 as a 2-door coupe
. It was re-introduced to the market as a 4-door sports sedan starting in 2008.
, which was discontinued in 1993. The Avenger, along with the similar Chrysler Sebring
coupe, was built by Diamond Star Motors (DSM), a joint venture
between Chrysler Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors
, on a version of the Mitsubishi Galant
platform (which also spawned the similar Mitsubishi Eclipse
). Mitsubishi purchased Chrysler's share of the joint venture in 1995. Avengers and Sebring coupes built from 1995 to 1996 both have DSM markings in their engine compartments.
The Avenger had a 103 in (2.62 m) wheelbase and used either a 2.0 L straight-4
(the Chrysler 420A) or a Mitsubishi-designed 2.5 L V6. The 4-cylinder was coupled to either a five-speed manual transmission
, shared with the Mitsubishi Eclipse
and Eagle Talon
, or a 4-speed automatic. The V6 was only available with the A604 transmission. Avengers featured a fully independent double wishbone suspension and variable speed rack and pinion steering.
was used in all ES models to 1999. In 1997, the front fascia, trunklid, and rear bumper were changed; 16 inch wheels were standard, and the license plate was moved from the decklid to the rear bumper. In 2000, the V6 and automatic transmission combination was made standard on all Avengers, and ABS was made an "option" for ES models. The four-cylinder engine
was dropped for 2000.
From 1997+, a "Sport Appearance Package" was made available on Base model. This package included 16" wheels, a deck lid spoiler, along with other standard and optional features.
In 2000, the Avenger was discontinued and replaced by the Dodge Stratus
coupe for 2001. This model was also made at the former Diamond Star plant by Mitsubishi, using the Eclipse platform and architecture, though the Stratus sedan was engineered and built by Chrysler.
2008 model as a sedan to replace the Dodge Stratus
, whose coupe version had replaced the original Avenger in 2001. According to some reports, the Avenger, along with the redesigned Chrysler Sebring
, shares a DaimlerChrysler
/Mitsubishi Motors
platform called JS which used the Mitsubishi GS as a starting point, then was heavily modified. The base engine in the SE and SXT trim levels is the 2.4 L GEMA
I4 naturally aspirated "World Engine", a joint venture between DaimlerChrysler
, Mitsubishi
and Hyundai
. Additional engines include an optional 2.7 L V6 in the SXT and a standard 3.5 L V6 in the R/T trim level. In addition to the 2.4 L "World Engine" and the V6s, export vehicles will be offered with the 2.0 L naturally aspirated "World Engine", as well as a 2.0 L turbocharged diesel (Pumpe-Düse) made by Volkswagen
. As a 2008 model, the Dodge Avenger came to showrooms in February 2007.
Features on the new Avenger include optional heated/cooled cup holders as well as Dodge's new "Chill Zone", a feature that comes standard on all Avenger models, which can store up to four 12-US fl oz cans in the glove box and chill them to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Like its Dodge Journey
stablemate, the Avenger's exterior was styled by Chrysler's Ryan Nagode
. The interior was styled by Ben S. Chang.
The Avenger replaced the Charger
as Dodge's car in NASCAR
in 2007 for Car of Tomorrow
races. It got its first win with former Formula One
driver Juan Pablo Montoya
in the 2007 Toyota/Save Mart 350
at the Infineon Raceway
.
The Avenger was officially unveiled at the Paris Motor Show
on September 28, 2006 as a concept car
. It has been launched in Europe
and is sold in Britain
, filling a gap in the Chrysler
range that was left by the Neon's demise four years earlier. It has also been launched in Australia, although currently with only the 2.4L engine.
In the United Kingdom
, it has been discontinued, although sales continue in the Republic of Ireland
and on the Continent (Western Europe). This new version continues with SE, SXT trim levels and is not badged the same way as North American
or the South American versions.
In the US, the Avenger was launched with a 30 second television ad, "Tuned Up," that debuted Sunday, March 4, 2007 during NHL hockey, an ad in which a lab technician discovers he can play Smoke on the Water
by Deep Purple
on the Avenger's transmission. Another television spot likened the Avenger to the "superhero" vehicle for the everyman, depicting a driver piloting his Avenger through Gotham-like
streets and alleys, speaking to the MyGig entertainment system in distinctly Batman
-reminiscent tones, to arrive home, pull into a two-car garage and open the rear door to a sleeping child in the rear car-seat.
the lowest possible ratings for intermediate cars, ranking them 48 out of 48 cars in their class.. The 2011 Consumer Reports print edition review of new cars noted modest improvements for the latest Avenger but again gave it a low mark for reliability.
US News ranked the 2010 Dodge Avenger #19 out of 19 in their listing of Affordable Midsize Cars, stating "The 2010 Dodge Avenger trails the midsize class in most measures. Reviewers find its performance sluggish, its styling clichéd and its interior lacking in comfort and quality." US News also gave it a low rating for reliability.
, Charger
, Grand Caravan, Journey
& Nitro
models, the "AVENGER" badge at the trunklid's left was pushed to the right to make way for "DODGE" at the left.
Mechanically, the 2011 Avenger comes standard with the existing 173-horsepower 2.4L GEMA
I4, although it is now paired with a 6-speed automatic as well as the option of the previous 4-speed. Also available is the new 3.6L Pentastar V6, which generates 283 horsepower (211 kW) and 260 lb·ft (350 N·m) of torque.
The suspension has been heavily revised to improve handling and ride quality. Trim level designations are also new, with existing trims being replaced by Express, Mainstreet, Lux and Heat models.
, but came to the most prominence being driven by Darrell Alderman, and Scott Geoffrion, during their run from 1994–2000, as the celebrated Dodge Boys. The car was also used for the 1994
and 1995
incarnations of the International Race of Champions
.
The second-generation Dodge Avenger was used in the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup Season as the Car of Tomorrow
model from Dodge. In 2008, the Dodge CoT was changed back to the Charger.
Chrysler
Chrysler Group LLC is a multinational automaker headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA. Chrysler was first organized as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925....
for the Dodge
Dodge
Dodge is a United States-based brand of automobiles, minivans, and sport utility vehicles, manufactured and marketed by Chrysler Group LLC in more than 60 different countries and territories worldwide....
marque. In its initial debut, the Avenger was produced from 1995 to 2000 as a 2-door coupe
Coupé
A coupé or coupe is a closed car body style , the precise definition of which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and over time...
. It was re-introduced to the market as a 4-door sports sedan starting in 2008.
Dodge Avenger coupe (1995-2000)
Introduced as a 2-door coupe in North America, the Dodge Avenger was built from 1995 to 2000 in a similar size and price class as the Dodge DaytonaDodge Daytona
The first car that carried the Daytona name was a sporty version of the Studebaker Lark which was produced from 1963 to 1966 with standard bucket seats and available with an optional Studebaker Avanti V8 high-performance engine....
, which was discontinued in 1993. The Avenger, along with the similar Chrysler Sebring
Chrysler Sebring
The Chrysler Sebring is a line of mid-size cars that was sold by Chrysler from 1995 to 2010.The Sebring came in three generations. The first, from 1995 to 2000, was available first only as a coupe and starting in 1996 as a convertible. The two body designs did not share many components nor any...
coupe, was built by Diamond Star Motors (DSM), a joint venture
Joint venture
A joint venture is a business agreement in which parties agree to develop, for a finite time, a new entity and new assets by contributing equity. They exercise control over the enterprise and consequently share revenues, expenses and assets...
between Chrysler Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors
Mitsubishi Motors
is a multinational automaker headquartered in Minato, Tokyo. In 2009 it was the fifth-largest Japan-based automaker and the 17th-largest in the world measured by production...
, on a version of the Mitsubishi Galant
Mitsubishi Galant
The first generation of the car, initially known as the Colt Galant, was released in December 1969. The design was dubbed "Dynawedge" by Mitsubishi, referring to the influence of aerodynamics on the silhouette. Three models were available, powered by the new 'Saturn' engine in 1.3 or 1.5 L ...
platform (which also spawned the similar Mitsubishi Eclipse
Mitsubishi Eclipse
The Mitsubishi Eclipse was a coupe that was in production since 1989 for left hand drive traffic markets. According to Mitsubishi, the car was named after an 18th century English racehorse which won 26 races, and has also been sold as the Eagle Talon and the Plymouth Laser captive imports through...
). Mitsubishi purchased Chrysler's share of the joint venture in 1995. Avengers and Sebring coupes built from 1995 to 1996 both have DSM markings in their engine compartments.
The Avenger had a 103 in (2.62 m) wheelbase and used either a 2.0 L straight-4
Straight-4
The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
(the Chrysler 420A) or a Mitsubishi-designed 2.5 L V6. The 4-cylinder was coupled to either a five-speed manual transmission
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
, shared with the Mitsubishi Eclipse
Mitsubishi Eclipse
The Mitsubishi Eclipse was a coupe that was in production since 1989 for left hand drive traffic markets. According to Mitsubishi, the car was named after an 18th century English racehorse which won 26 races, and has also been sold as the Eagle Talon and the Plymouth Laser captive imports through...
and Eagle Talon
Eagle Talon
The Eagle Talon was one of three model names given to a sports coupe that was manufactured between 1990 and 1999 and sold by the then Chrysler Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors of Japan in a joint 50/50 corporate venture known as Diamond-Star Motors...
, or a 4-speed automatic. The V6 was only available with the A604 transmission. Avengers featured a fully independent double wishbone suspension and variable speed rack and pinion steering.
Changes
ABSAnti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system is a safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to continue interacting tractively with the road surface as directed by driver steering inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and therefore avoiding skidding.An ABS generally offers...
was used in all ES models to 1999. In 1997, the front fascia, trunklid, and rear bumper were changed; 16 inch wheels were standard, and the license plate was moved from the decklid to the rear bumper. In 2000, the V6 and automatic transmission combination was made standard on all Avengers, and ABS was made an "option" for ES models. The four-cylinder engine
Internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine, the expansion of the high-temperature and high -pressure gases produced by combustion apply direct force to some component of the engine...
was dropped for 2000.
Trims
- 1995-2000 - "Highline" base model (V6 among other options made standard in 2000)
- 1995-2000 - ES
From 1997+, a "Sport Appearance Package" was made available on Base model. This package included 16" wheels, a deck lid spoiler, along with other standard and optional features.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1994 | A 1994 Dodge IROC Dodge Avenger sports coupe replaced the Dodge Daytona Dodge Daytona The first car that carried the Daytona name was a sporty version of the Studebaker Lark which was produced from 1963 to 1966 with standard bucket seats and available with an optional Studebaker Avanti V8 high-performance engine.... , which had been used since 1990. Only six of these were sold from IROC in New Jersey New Jersey New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware... . All were powered by a small block V8. |
| 1995 | Initial introduction - replaces the Daytona. A DOHC 16-valve 2.0 L I4 engine (140 hp, 130 lbft of torque) is standard. A SOHC 24-valve 2.5 L V6 engine V6 engine A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft... and an automatic transmission Automatic transmission An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually... (155 hp, 160 lbft of torque) are made optional on the ES. Fog lamps and ABS are also optional on the ES. |
| 1996 | Power and torque ratings for the V6 are increased (163 horsepower, 170 lbft. torque), ES Coupes had new seat fabric. |
| 1997 | Sport model introduced (in addition to the base and ES). The Avenger Sport package consisted of exclusive 16-inch aluminum wheels and a body-color spoiler. New front and rear fascias are added. Added a body-color rear spoiler, P215/50HR17 tires, and 17-inch cast aluminum wheels for the ES. The V6 is also standard for the ES, as well as rear disc brakes. |
| 1998 | An on-board recycling vapor recovery system, cafe latte exterior color and a black and gray interior color combination are added. |
| 1999 | Next generation driver and front passenger airbags are added, as well as a new exterior color: Shark Blue. The V6 engine and automatic transmission are standard on all models in mid-year, as well as several options. |
| 2000 | Last year for the Avenger. V6/automatic drive train are standard. ABS an option on ES models. Gained a number of standard features that had previously been optional, including power windows and locks. Base models added cruise control and 4-wheel disc brake Disc brake The disc brake or disk brake is a device for slowing or stopping the rotation of a wheel while it is in motion.A brake disc is usually made of cast iron, but may in some cases be made of composites such as reinforced carbon–carbon or ceramic matrix composites. This is connected to the wheel and/or... s. ES coupes now come with standard leather upholstery, keyless remote entry, and a power driver's seat. |
In 2000, the Avenger was discontinued and replaced by the Dodge Stratus
Dodge Stratus
The Dodge Stratus was a mid-size 4-door sedan introduced in 1995. It was based on the Chrysler JA platform Cab forward . The Stratus, Breeze, and Cirrus were all on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1996 and 1997. It received critical acclaim at launch, but ratings fell over time...
coupe for 2001. This model was also made at the former Diamond Star plant by Mitsubishi, using the Eclipse platform and architecture, though the Stratus sedan was engineered and built by Chrysler.
Dodge Avenger sedan (2008-present)
The Dodge Avenger name returned in February 2007 as a MYModel year
The model year of a product is a number used worldwide, but with a high level of prominence in North America, to describe approximately when a product was produced, and indicates the coinciding base specification of that product....
2008 model as a sedan to replace the Dodge Stratus
Dodge Stratus
The Dodge Stratus was a mid-size 4-door sedan introduced in 1995. It was based on the Chrysler JA platform Cab forward . The Stratus, Breeze, and Cirrus were all on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1996 and 1997. It received critical acclaim at launch, but ratings fell over time...
, whose coupe version had replaced the original Avenger in 2001. According to some reports, the Avenger, along with the redesigned Chrysler Sebring
Chrysler Sebring
The Chrysler Sebring is a line of mid-size cars that was sold by Chrysler from 1995 to 2010.The Sebring came in three generations. The first, from 1995 to 2000, was available first only as a coupe and starting in 1996 as a convertible. The two body designs did not share many components nor any...
, shares a DaimlerChrysler
DaimlerChrysler
Daimler AG is a German car corporation. By unit sales, it is the thirteenth-largest car manufacturer and second-largest truck manufacturer in the world. In addition to automobiles, Daimler manufactures buses and provides financial services through its Daimler Financial Services arm...
/Mitsubishi Motors
Mitsubishi Motors
is a multinational automaker headquartered in Minato, Tokyo. In 2009 it was the fifth-largest Japan-based automaker and the 17th-largest in the world measured by production...
platform called JS which used the Mitsubishi GS as a starting point, then was heavily modified. The base engine in the SE and SXT trim levels is the 2.4 L GEMA
Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance
The Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance LLC, or GEMA, is a manufacturing arm of Global Engine Alliance LLC, which was a joint venture of Chrysler, Mitsubishi Motors, and Hyundai Motor Company for developing a line of shared engines...
I4 naturally aspirated "World Engine", a joint venture between DaimlerChrysler
DaimlerChrysler
Daimler AG is a German car corporation. By unit sales, it is the thirteenth-largest car manufacturer and second-largest truck manufacturer in the world. In addition to automobiles, Daimler manufactures buses and provides financial services through its Daimler Financial Services arm...
, Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi Motors
is a multinational automaker headquartered in Minato, Tokyo. In 2009 it was the fifth-largest Japan-based automaker and the 17th-largest in the world measured by production...
and Hyundai
Hyundai Motor Company
Hyundai Motor Company is a Korean multinational automaker based in Seoul, South Korea which, along with Kia, comprises the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group, the world's fourth largest automaker as of 2009. As of 2011, it is the world's fastest growing automaker for two years running...
. Additional engines include an optional 2.7 L V6 in the SXT and a standard 3.5 L V6 in the R/T trim level. In addition to the 2.4 L "World Engine" and the V6s, export vehicles will be offered with the 2.0 L naturally aspirated "World Engine", as well as a 2.0 L turbocharged diesel (Pumpe-Düse) made by Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Volkswagen is a German automobile manufacturer and is the original and biggest-selling marque of the Volkswagen Group, which now also owns the Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, SEAT, and Škoda marques and the truck manufacturer Scania.Volkswagen means "people's car" in German, where it is...
. As a 2008 model, the Dodge Avenger came to showrooms in February 2007.
Like its Dodge Journey
Dodge Journey
The Dodge Journey is a mid-size crossover SUV built by the Dodge division of Chrysler.-First generation :Unveiled first at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, and later appearing at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Journey identified internally as the JC49, has an almost identical wheelbase as the...
stablemate, the Avenger's exterior was styled by Chrysler's Ryan Nagode
Ryan Nagode
Ryan Christopher Nagode was the exterior designer of the Dodge Avenger and the Dodge Journey, as well as the lead interior designer of the 2009 Dodge Ram....
. The interior was styled by Ben S. Chang.
The Avenger replaced the Charger
Dodge Charger (LX)
The Dodge Charger LX is a rear-wheel drive four-door automobile introduced in February 2005. Built by Chrysler for its North American Dodge brand, the car was created to continue the Dodge Charger line, and replaced the Dodge Intrepid as Dodge's full-size sedan...
as Dodge's car in NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
in 2007 for Car of Tomorrow
Car of Tomorrow
The Car of Tomorrow, sometimes called CoT or "Car of Today", is the car style for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Larger and boxier than the design it replaced, the Car of Tomorrow is safer, costs less to maintain, and was intended to make for closer competition.The car was introduced in the 2007 Cup...
races. It got its first win with former Formula One
Formula One
Formula One, also known as Formula 1 or F1 and referred to officially as the FIA Formula One World Championship, is the highest class of single seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . The "formula" designation in the name refers to a set of rules with which...
driver Juan Pablo Montoya
Juan Pablo Montoya
Juan Pablo Montoya Roldán is a Colombian race car driver known internationally for participating and winning in Formula One and CART race competitions. He has enjoyed great success. Currently, he competes in NASCAR, driving the #42 Target Chevrolet Impala for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing in the Sprint...
in the 2007 Toyota/Save Mart 350
2007 Toyota/Save Mart 350
The 2007 Toyota/Save Mart 350 was the 16th race of the 2007 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season. It took place on June 24, 2007, at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California, about 25 miles north of San Francisco....
at the Infineon Raceway
Infineon Raceway
Infineon Raceway, formerly Sears Point Raceway, is a road course and drag strip located on the landform known as Sears Point in the southern Sonoma Mountains near Sonoma, California, USA. The course is a complex series of twists and turns that go up and down the hills...
.
The Avenger was officially unveiled at the Paris Motor Show
Mondial de l'Automobile
The Paris Motor Show is a biennial auto show in Paris. Held around October, it is one of the most important auto shows, often with many new production automobile and concept car debuts. The show was the first motor show in the world, started in 1898 by industry pioneer, Albert de Dion. The show...
on September 28, 2006 as a concept car
Concept car
A concept vehicle or show vehicle is a car made to showcase new styling and or new technology. They are often shown at motor shows to gauge customer reaction to new and radical designs which may or may not have a chance of being produced....
. It has been launched in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
and is sold in Britain
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, filling a gap in the Chrysler
Chrysler
Chrysler Group LLC is a multinational automaker headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA. Chrysler was first organized as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925....
range that was left by the Neon's demise four years earlier. It has also been launched in Australia, although currently with only the 2.4L engine.
In the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, it has been discontinued, although sales continue in the Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
and on the Continent (Western Europe). This new version continues with SE, SXT trim levels and is not badged the same way as North American
North American
North American generally refers to an entity, people, group, or attribute of North America, especially of the United States and Canada together.-Culture:*North American English, a collective term used to describe American English and Canadian English...
or the South American versions.
In the US, the Avenger was launched with a 30 second television ad, "Tuned Up," that debuted Sunday, March 4, 2007 during NHL hockey, an ad in which a lab technician discovers he can play Smoke on the Water
Smoke on the Water
"Smoke on the Water" is a song by the British hard rock band Deep Purple. It was first released on their 1972 album Machine Head. In 2004, the song was ranked number 426 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest songs of all time, and in March 2005, Q magazine placed "Smoke on the Water"...
by Deep Purple
Deep Purple
Deep Purple are an English rock band formed in Hertford in 1968. Along with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, they are considered to be among the pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock, although some band members believe that their music cannot be categorised as belonging to any one genre...
on the Avenger's transmission. Another television spot likened the Avenger to the "superhero" vehicle for the everyman, depicting a driver piloting his Avenger through Gotham-like
Gotham City
Gotham City is a fictional U.S. city appearing in DC Comics, best known as the home of Batman. Batman's place of residence was first identified as Gotham City in Batman #4 . Gotham City is strongly inspired by Trenton, Ontario's history, location, atmosphere, and various architectural styles...
streets and alleys, speaking to the MyGig entertainment system in distinctly Batman
Batman
Batman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
-reminiscent tones, to arrive home, pull into a two-car garage and open the rear door to a sleeping child in the rear car-seat.
Reviews
The 2008 Dodge Avenger and its successors received generally poor reviews from Consumer Reports magazine due to lower than average ratings for fit and finish (low quality interior and a large blind spot in the rear), reliability issues (A/C issues and a fragile shifter), poor fuel economy with the V6 (mid to high 10s in the city), and braking. The 2010 Consumer Reports rankings of new cars gave the Avenger and its sibling, the Chrysler SebringChrysler Sebring
The Chrysler Sebring is a line of mid-size cars that was sold by Chrysler from 1995 to 2010.The Sebring came in three generations. The first, from 1995 to 2000, was available first only as a coupe and starting in 1996 as a convertible. The two body designs did not share many components nor any...
the lowest possible ratings for intermediate cars, ranking them 48 out of 48 cars in their class.. The 2011 Consumer Reports print edition review of new cars noted modest improvements for the latest Avenger but again gave it a low mark for reliability.
US News ranked the 2010 Dodge Avenger #19 out of 19 in their listing of Affordable Midsize Cars, stating "The 2010 Dodge Avenger trails the midsize class in most measures. Reviewers find its performance sluggish, its styling clichéd and its interior lacking in comfort and quality." US News also gave it a low rating for reliability.
Revisions
In the 2009 model year, like its CaliberDodge Caliber
The Dodge Caliber was a compact car produced by the Dodge division of Chrysler. It replaced the Neon, and it went on sale in the spring of 2006 as a 2007 model year vehicle...
, Charger
Dodge Charger (LX)
The Dodge Charger LX is a rear-wheel drive four-door automobile introduced in February 2005. Built by Chrysler for its North American Dodge brand, the car was created to continue the Dodge Charger line, and replaced the Dodge Intrepid as Dodge's full-size sedan...
, Grand Caravan, Journey
Dodge Journey
The Dodge Journey is a mid-size crossover SUV built by the Dodge division of Chrysler.-First generation :Unveiled first at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, and later appearing at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Journey identified internally as the JC49, has an almost identical wheelbase as the...
& Nitro
Dodge Nitro
The Dodge Nitro is a compact SUV from the Dodge division of Chrysler. Launched for the 2007 model year, the Nitro shares its platform with the second generation Jeep Liberty. It is assembled at the Toledo North Assembly Plant in Toledo, Ohio. The Jeep facility is part of an automobile complex...
models, the "AVENGER" badge at the trunklid's left was pushed to the right to make way for "DODGE" at the left.
Changes for 2011
For 2011, the Avenger receives its first major overhaul since its 2008 re-introduction. Exterior changes include slightly revised sheetmetal with a new crosshair grille displaying the new Dodge logo on the lower right corner of the grill, and a sleeker bumper cut design. Changes to the interior are more noticeable with a completely redesigned dashboard and instrument panel featuring an available 6.5-inch navigation/media center screen. Higher-quality soft-touch plastics for dashboard, door, and trim panels replaces the old materials, which were criticized for their poor fit and finish quality, as well as being unpleasant to the touch. The seats receive better cushioning and higher-grade upholstery. Two-tone interior color combinations will be available.Mechanically, the 2011 Avenger comes standard with the existing 173-horsepower 2.4L GEMA
Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance
The Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance LLC, or GEMA, is a manufacturing arm of Global Engine Alliance LLC, which was a joint venture of Chrysler, Mitsubishi Motors, and Hyundai Motor Company for developing a line of shared engines...
I4, although it is now paired with a 6-speed automatic as well as the option of the previous 4-speed. Also available is the new 3.6L Pentastar V6, which generates 283 horsepower (211 kW) and 260 lb·ft (350 N·m) of torque.
The suspension has been heavily revised to improve handling and ride quality. Trim level designations are also new, with existing trims being replaced by Express, Mainstreet, Lux and Heat models.
Trims
- SE: (2008-2009)
- 2.4L GEMAGlobal Engine Manufacturing AllianceThe Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance LLC, or GEMA, is a manufacturing arm of Global Engine Alliance LLC, which was a joint venture of Chrysler, Mitsubishi Motors, and Hyundai Motor Company for developing a line of shared engines...
I4 DOHC 16V Dual VVT 4-speed automatic
- 2.4L GEMA
- SXT: (2008-2010)
- 2.4L GEMAGlobal Engine Manufacturing AllianceThe Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance LLC, or GEMA, is a manufacturing arm of Global Engine Alliance LLC, which was a joint venture of Chrysler, Mitsubishi Motors, and Hyundai Motor Company for developing a line of shared engines...
I4 DOHC 16V Dual VVT 4-speed automatic - 2.7L EER V6 DOHC 24-valve MPI 4-speed automatic
- 2.4L GEMA
- R/T: (2008-2010)
- 3.5L EGF High Output V6 24V MPI 6-speed automatic
- R/T AWD: (2008-2009)
- 3.5L EGF High Output V6 24V MPI 6-speed automatic
- Express: (2011-present)
- 2.4L GEMAGlobal Engine Manufacturing AllianceThe Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance LLC, or GEMA, is a manufacturing arm of Global Engine Alliance LLC, which was a joint venture of Chrysler, Mitsubishi Motors, and Hyundai Motor Company for developing a line of shared engines...
I4 DOHC 16V MPI 4-speed automatic
- 2.4L GEMA
- Mainstreet: (2011-present)
- 2.4L GEMAGlobal Engine Manufacturing AllianceThe Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance LLC, or GEMA, is a manufacturing arm of Global Engine Alliance LLC, which was a joint venture of Chrysler, Mitsubishi Motors, and Hyundai Motor Company for developing a line of shared engines...
I4 DOHC 16V MPI 6-speed automatic
- 2.4L GEMA
- Lux: (2011-present)
- 2.4L GEMAGlobal Engine Manufacturing AllianceThe Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance LLC, or GEMA, is a manufacturing arm of Global Engine Alliance LLC, which was a joint venture of Chrysler, Mitsubishi Motors, and Hyundai Motor Company for developing a line of shared engines...
I4 DOHC 16V MPI 6-speed automatic - 3.6L Pentastar V6 DOHC 24V MPI 6-speed automatic
- 2.4L GEMA
- Heat: (2011-present)
- 3.6L Pentastar V6 DOHC 24V MPI 6-speed automatic
Total American sales
| Calendar Year | Sales |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 61,963 |
| 2009 | 38,922 |
| 2010 | 50,923 |
Motorsport
The first-generation Dodge Avenger body style was widely used in the National Hot Rod AssociationNational Hot Rod Association
The National Hot Rod Association is a drag racing governing body, which sets rules in drag racing and host events all over the United States and Canada...
, but came to the most prominence being driven by Darrell Alderman, and Scott Geoffrion, during their run from 1994–2000, as the celebrated Dodge Boys. The car was also used for the 1994
IROC XIX
The nineteenth year of IROC competition took place in 1995. IROC XIX was the second and final year the Dodge Avenger was used in competition, and continued the format introduced in IROC XVIII...
and 1995
IROC XX
The twentieth season of IROC competition started on February 16, 1996. IROC XX was the first year that the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was used in competition, and contested races at Daytona International Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, and Michigan International Speedway...
incarnations of the International Race of Champions
International Race of Champions
International Race of Champions, better known as IROC, was a North American auto racing competition, promoted as an equivalent of an American All-Star Game or The Masters...
.
The second-generation Dodge Avenger was used in the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup Season as the Car of Tomorrow
Car of Tomorrow
The Car of Tomorrow, sometimes called CoT or "Car of Today", is the car style for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Larger and boxier than the design it replaced, the Car of Tomorrow is safer, costs less to maintain, and was intended to make for closer competition.The car was introduced in the 2007 Cup...
model from Dodge. In 2008, the Dodge CoT was changed back to the Charger.
See also
- Chrysler Sebring (coupe)
- Chrysler Sebring (sedan)
- ChryslerChryslerChrysler Group LLC is a multinational automaker headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA. Chrysler was first organized as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925....
- DodgeDodgeDodge is a United States-based brand of automobiles, minivans, and sport utility vehicles, manufactured and marketed by Chrysler Group LLC in more than 60 different countries and territories worldwide....