2009 Dodge Avenger Review
Add your own review or comments

By Jim McCraw

Overview

The Dodge Avenger shares all of its major mechanical systems and components with the Chrysler Sebring, although it is by no means just a clone. The front-drive Avenger chassis shared with the Sebring was designed from the beginning for a convertible as well as a sedan, and that means that it is extraordinarily stiff and strong. It's also designed to meet all of the crash regulations aimed at pedestrian safety and get multiple five-start crash ratings, too.

The sibling entry, the Chrysler Sebring, although it starts at about the same price, is a rounder, more traditional design for a different customer. The Dodge Avenger will reach out to those buyers looking for something different in a huge part of the market that offers a lot of sameness: front-wheel drive, four-cylinder or V6 engines, around 100 cubic feet of interior space, navigation, satellite radio and lots of interior storage spaces. This is the largest single passenger-car market segment, and very few of the competitors have the combination of style, features and options that the Avenger offers. Those features include a drink cooler in the dashboard, an optional beverage cooling/heating system in the center console, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system in a sedan body (most are found in minivans and SUVs).

The proposition here is a simple one: a scaled-down Charger four-door coupe for those family sedan buyers who would really like to have a car that looks like a big Charger, but operate their lives on a four-cylinder or V6 budget and sensibility, not a 5.7-liter Hemi budget.

There are two trim levels, the SXT and performance-oriented R/T. The standard engine for each is a 2.4-liter flex-fuel four-cylinder with variable valve timing; it is rated at 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque, it can operate on gasoline or E85, which is the blend of 85-percent ethanol and 15-percent gasoline, and it is matched with a four-speed automatic transmission. Optional on the R/T is a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 235 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque; it uses a six-speed automatic.

There are few changes for 2009. Some trim and interior items have received enhancements, 18-inch chrome-clad wheels are available on the R/T, there's a new color, and there have been changes to the options.

Model Lineup

The two trim levels for the Dodge Avenger, the SXT and R/T, are differentiated by appearance and features. Standard on both models are power mirrors, keyless entry, 60/40-split rear seat, rear defroster, cruise control, tilt-telescoping steering wheel, tire-pressure monitor, and air conditioning.

You can tell them apart by their grilles. The SXT has a body-colored grille, while the R/T has black-and-chrome, and the R/T has a rear decklid spoiler and fog lamps. The R/T also has standard anti-lock brakes, power heated mirrors, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, an upscale sound system with six speakers instead of four, 17-inch tires and alloy wheels instead of the 16-inch tires and steel wheels of the SXT, and a higher level of interior trim. The R/T is also available with a wider range of options.

There are few options for the SXT, but several for the R/T, including Electronic Stability Program ($425), a sunroof ($795), uconnect ($360), and uconnect gps, which includes navigation and entertainment capabilities ($1,285). There are also a couple of options groups available with the R/T. The Navigation and Sound Group includes uconnect gps, navigation, six Boston Acoustics speakers, and other features ($1,695), and the Premium Convenience Group includes automatic climate control, auto headlamps, heated and cooled cupholder, one-touch front power windows, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, remote start, and a garage-door opener ($1,185).