For the 2011 model year, the Dodge Avenger sports many new refinements — new engine, retuned suspension and improved interior — that almost make up for its predecessor’s lackluster performance. But is it "almost" good enough? Continue reading to find how Mike Hanley ranks the Avenger against competitors like the Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry and Kia Optima.
2011 Dodge Avenger Review
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I would consider the purchase of an Avenger, but I'm leery in doing so. Why? Dodge brand past reliability and dependability issues. I'd rather buy American, but I wish Chrysler offered a better vehicle to consider than this and the 200. Ford and GM have boring alternatives, IMHO.
Speaking 4 myself, though.
Peace!<-AladdinSane-
At least it looks better than the 200. Chrysler is in dire need of some new designers. Dodge seems to be okay, by comparison.
Chrysler has designers?
I purchased a Dodge Avenger in 1995 (back then it was a two door sport coupe). It was the second biggest POS I ever owned. The first being a Chevy I bought in 1988.
I unloaded it on my older brother (revenge for years of turmoil) in 2001 and bought a Nissan (the most reliable car I have ever owned).
rob,
the avenger from 1995 was actually based heavily on the mitsubishi eclipse. it had the same powertrain and interior, just some different body panels. i had friends with each, and while they liked how the cars drove, the interiors tended to fall apart.
the uglyest car in America is still better looking than all but a very few out of japan, Venza? anyone, there is only one true classic from japan, IMHO, the GT2000 toyota from late 60's. THats it!!
Almost doesn't count
Aethestic appeal is certainly subjective. If one prefers the consersative looking car that looks just like any other than that is just your taste. If you follow any of the marketing of the companies, you will clearly see dodge is going for the more aggresive tastes and the chyrsler end of things is going for the "affordable luxury with guts." I think of it as the personality that it would embody would be the dodge guy would be the one to do the dirty work, but the chyrsler one would definitely get his hands dirty-but wearing a suit.
That is just how it strikes me from the tone of the commercials. Take that versus a toyota (haven't seen a honda one in awhile) where it is about family and a completely different audience.
As much as I like the avenger, most of the stuff is just marketing once everyone starts having leather and all the other features. Some have a better price for sure, but if it were all the same, they would be largely the same.
That said, I would certainly grab an avenger/200 because I have the same v6 in the town and country and would love to see what it could do in a much smaller vehicle.