2007 Detroit Auto Show: 2008 Dodge Avenger R/T

Dodge is playing it smart with the introduction of the Avenger R/T. Because most of the world has already seen the concept, which looks identical to the real thing shown here, and has read about the new Chrysler Sebring, which shares the same mechanics as the Avenger, Dodge made sure to throw in some news: a starting price and fuel economy numbers.

There will be four trim levels: SE, SXT, R/T and R/T AWD. That’s right, Dodge is offering all-wheel drive to compete with the Ford Fusion in the midsize sedan segment. It’s also giving the base SE a four-cylinder engine that gets 32 mpg on the highway — calculated according to new, stricter EPA regulations — and starting it at $18,225, plus $675 destination. It arrives at dealerships in the next couple of months.

That’s what we like to see at an auto show: Real numbers, real figures and an arrival date that’s on this year’s calendar.

Comments

"Dodge is offering all-wheel drive to compete with the Ford Fusion in the midsize sedan segment."

It seems like that most people INCLUDING the Ford's commercial guys forgot about a car named Subaru Legacy. A mid-size sedan with AWD for under 28K(According to the Ford's commercial).

The exterior is nice, although I'm not completely ga-ga over it; however, I love the interior: straight lines, clean, sharp. Not a big fan of gray, but still an attractive interior in my opinion.

J,
You know you're right about the Legacy. It just doesn't sell in these quantities. BUT it actually offers AWD with a 4cylinder for around $20K!
And the GT with the turbo under $30K is a blast to drive and a lot more fun than either Ford of the proposed Avenger (assuming it drives like the Sebring).

Much better looking than the old Stratus. Too bad they won't make a 2-door Avenger coupe.

Interior looks like it reused some of the cheap bits from the Caliber.

Is Dodge encouraging drinking Red Bull and driving?!? For shame!!! And it looks like you can carry 1 can per person, too (except for the poor SOB who gets the middle seat in the rear, should there be someone that unlucky.)As for the car, like someone said, ANYTHING is better than the old rental car special Stratus.

I love the interior! The exterior, I do not.. It reminds me too much of the Stratus or even a 2001ish Chevy Impala with a hint of Mustang rear end with an R/T badge slapped on it. In other words, a combination of multiple companie's cars. I expected Dodge to be a little more original and more up to date.

actually in person the parts bin stuff seems to come from the Nitro, which is a much better source of bin parts than the caliber. the steering wheel is also quite nice. Just can't stand those vents. GM finally learned that good looking vents go a long way.

Beautiful car. About time one of the big three got it right. I'll be waiting at the dealership for this car. The steering wheels are great! This is the "little muscle car!"

Super-fantastic car ! Yep, for those who live on the other side of the Atlantic (Europe), Avenger will be the only one "american car" to be sold here. This design is most typical than...a ford focus. Thanks Dodge !

Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse than the 2006 Yellow Cab-like Charger...Daimler rolls out yet another eyesore.

The Avenger has the same unaerodynamic pick up truck grill, the hideous overplayed rear wheel wells and sub-mundane appeal. If Daimler was required to NASCAR race the boxy and stubby stock Charger and Avenger bodies, they would never see victory lane again.

I could have come up with a better design using an Etch-A-Sketch, a monkey, and a bottle of scotch. It's absolutely pathetic that Daimler has completely aborted Dodge's muscle car DNA for barnyard utility vehicles.

It pains this former MOPAR enthusiast to say that while the retooled Mustang hit the mark, Dodge's muscle car heritage was better left alone.

Well, the styling is everything and now these cars stand out. Okay, but...I was going to buy a Charger if they had a two-door, but they don't. And won't, appparently. Chrysler cars in the '90's and early 2000's were beautiful and aerodynamic. I had a NICE Sebring 2001 red 2-door coupe, loaded, the one that was very Jaguar-ish. I will say this however, it's a MAN's car now. The interiors are UGLY though. My Kia Sportage has a better interior. My Pacifica has a BEAUTIFUL interior. Wha' happened? Did the stylists get the boot?

You should maybe think about putting [r/t]in the front on the grill just like on the charger.

well i just ordered my new 2008 dodge avenger r/t awd. sticker price $29290, i paid $26999. did much research on awd cars. this one you get the most bang for your buck. the car comes with a ton of safety features. i don't think a "pretty" car or a "nice" interior ever saved anyones life !

i just want to say i just got a 2008 dodge avenger rt. a very sharp car!!!! i get nothing but complements and everyones eyes are on it!!!!!!!!!!!!

i just got a 2008 dodge avenger rt!!! a very sharp classy car!! i get nothing but complements on it and all eyes are on it !!!!!

I own a 2008 Dodge Avenger R/T. Marathon blue. Modified it a bit, got rid of the chrome 18 inch alloy's & went for some real rimz. I slapped some 20's on there, with KUMHO Ecsta tires, for better grip & handling. Got the 20 inch diamond emblem's on both front tire walls.

I'm still toying with the engine, looking for a body kit maybe. I'm gonna rip out the interior, re-do it the way I want, put better ish in. I got the tint done, put in two Type R 12's the works. I'm going to re-do the paint job as well. Also thinking of putting Lambo doors in the front, might make it even more original & make it a coupe.

Once all this is done, I'm going to buy the whip a fresh new pair of shoes, & keep on haulin' ass. Once he retires, I'm tearing up that tire wall, & throwing 22's or something for more show.

Now, I gotta say this car is built for running. Even with it being a 4 door, mid-sized "sedan".. It makes a Pontiac GT look like a rice burner & that's sad. I've raced so many cars, everything from Ford. Fusions, Focuses, to brand new Mustangs with turbo, even trucks. Now, Honda ain't got ish on it, Pontiac gives some good competition. & Scion..oh no, get out of here with that bullcrap. I will admit, those new Impala's give it a good run, Malibu shouldn't try & Cobalt's shouldn't even look. Well, any other car unless it's an import, it owns them. Other than all that, this little baby can take a stock V8 Charger, but I wouldn't push my luck with those, I've almost lost before.

How does this car pull it off? Amazing.

I can honestly say, I love this car. I enjoy racing it, it's an incredible drive, whether it's just stuntin' going 2 miles an hour, or going 180 miles an hour. Amazingly smooth ride, something you wouldn't expect for something modified to race..most are very uncomfortable, but the comfort zone it offers..damn.

I'm also looking into buying a Dodge Super Bee, blue pearl. Then I'll move onto the next goals of my Dodge craze. Props to Dodge & Mopar. I haven't had one problem & with this kind of reliability I don't ever expect too. Two thumbs up!

Also, forgot to add. As said above, it's a VERY classy car. I get stopped almost everywhere I go, whether it's to the store, to put gas or even grab a bite to eat. All I ever receive is compliments, the only one's who talk ish about it, are the one's sitting 4 stop lights behind me. That being said, once again. GREAT car. 5 stars in my books, has it's flaws but what doesn't? My opinion, personally owned. ;]