2008 Dodge Avenger

[Intrepidation]

From inside Line

There are at least a couple of reasons why the 2008 Dodge Avenger might look familiar.

First, the midsize Avenger — or D-class in Euro parlance — bears a striking resemblance to the full-size Dodge Charger. The smaller Dodge, which the company unveiled at the Detroit auto show, has the same basic shape. It has the same rear haunch. It has similar squinting quad headlamps. It's more than just the family resemblance or brand DNA that marketers and designers are forever talking about. The Avenger looks simply like a shrunken Charger.

The other reason that you might feel a sense of déjà vu is that the production Avenger, which will go on sale in the first quarter of this year, looks damn near identical to the "concept" Avenger that Dodge unveiled at September's Paris auto show.

We haven't driven the Avenger yet but we imagine that the experience will be pretty familiar to us. That's because the Chrysler Sebring, which we have driven, is almost identical mechanically. We were not terribly impressed with it.

We'll hold out hope for the Avenger, though. It comes standard with the

2.4-liter inline-4 that makes 173 horsepower. There will be two optional V6s. The 2.7-liter DOHC V6 makes 189 hp and is the engine that did not move us greatly in our Sebring test car. We're more excited about the 3.5-liter V6 that comes standard on the R/T version of the car. At 235 hp, this engine is nearly powerful enough to compete with the leaders in the midsize class. The 3.5-liter also comes mated to a six-speed automatic instead of the four-speed box that comes with the lesser engines.

A first for the Avenger is an optional all-wheel-drive system. It's offered only on the R/T model and is a front-biased system. Dodge also offers most of the new comfort and convenience items that Chrysler has been promoting recently. You get the Chill Zone thing standard. That's an air-conditioned box in the instrument panel that can hold and keep cool four soda cans. You can also get heated and cooled cupholders (minimum temperature: 35 degrees; maximum: 140 degrees). Apparently Dodge plans for Avenger owners to do quite a lot of drinking.

You can also opt for the MyGIG system that has a 20-gig hard drive for storing music and pictures, although we're not quite sure why you'd really want to store photographs in your car.

If you choose to get no options on your Avenger, you can get one as cheaply as $18,895.

[Intrepidation]

For comparison: Dodge Avenger R/T Concept

[CSpec]

Just by looking at it you can tell this thing wreaks of cheap.

[Intrepidation]

Initial impressions are mixed. While it's certainly better than the Sebring, and it's pretty close to the concept, I think it suffers the same sort of problem the Aura did compared to it's "concept" version. The smaller wheel flares, less aggressive lower fascia, and smaller wheels take away what I liked so much about the "concept". The other thing I don't like, at all, is that the roofline (like the Sebring, though not as bad) doesn't slope gracefully into the deck...the Charger does a better job...how can the Charger be graceful?! As for the interior, I like the design quite a bit, I just hope you can get in in black/cream like the concept and not cheap looking gray.

Maybe it'll look better in person.

[Sixty8panther]

Kind of goofy. Trying too hard to be a RWD charger & failing pretty bad.

[Cory Wolfe]

Ugly and cheap. Like the concept...

[Mule Bakersdozen LS]

I like the Avenger's exterior styling, but the SE model spyshots looked sparse, and the dashboard is pretty cheap-looking-the Chrysler interior designers are really losing it. I really hate the new Sebring, it was just awful and cramped, and the entry/exit was terrible, and the 2.7-liter V-6 is weak, outdated, and shouldn't exist, and the 3.5-liter V-6 is so detuned (WHY!!???) to the point where it is so far behind most of the class. None of this bodes well for Avenger, and it needs to be a success since Dodge didn't bother to offer a compact sedan for whatever moronic reason.

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

Meh...

But riddle me this:

How can these journalists drive the Mitsubishi version of the platform and give it kudos, and look forward to driving the new Lancer. Yet, hate the Sebring and pass judgment on the Stratus of the very same cloth?

[Croc]

Meh...

But riddle me this:

How can these journalists drive the Mitsubishi version of the platform and give it kudos, and look forward to driving the new Lancer. Yet, hate the Sebring and pass judgment on the Stratus of the very same cloth?

Mitsubishi and Chrysler severed their ties a few years ago...I don't believe this is mechanically identical to the Lancer.

[turbo200]

I believe it's the Lancer platform. It doesn't look all that great, but it's at least forty thousand times better than the Sebring. It has style, but just like in the past, I would never choose DCX over the superior domestic competition.

[sciguy_0504]

I like everything, including the interior styling, except for the rear door or 3/4 area. The kink/bulge styling element just does not work on the smaller Avenger versus the Charger. The interior is a pleasant surprise, IMO. DCX's midsize offerings are just average, though, which is a shame.

[Jazzhead]

I much prefer the Sebring, especially the interior on the uplevel version. I'd also prefer the "world" engine to be coupled to the CVT, as it is in the Caliber and Jeep Compass. I rented a Caliber a couple of weeks ago in Vegas, and thought the drivetrain was first rate for an economy car.

[Satty]

Meh...

But riddle me this:

How can these journalists drive the Mitsubishi version of the platform and give it kudos, and look forward to driving the new Lancer. Yet, hate the Sebring and pass judgment on the Stratus of the very same cloth?

Have you driven both? You cannot say that its unfair unless you've experienced both. Slight differences in tuning make a huge difference. Drive an Impala SS and then a Grand Prix GXP and you'll see what I mean. The Pontiac has a different wheel/tire combo and different shocks and it feels completely different from the Impy.

[aaaantoine]

They refreshed it to look like the Charger, but kept the Stratus tail lamps.

[Guest YellowJacket894]

After seeing what the Avenger will be up against, I think Dodge is going to hurt pretty bad in the mid-sized sedan market.

Likes:

• The concept of the car. A mini-Charger. What's not to like?
• Nice interior design, although we've seen it -- like, what? Twenty-thousand times already in some different form?

Dislikes:

• The idea of the car is nice, but what the hell happened on the way to production? None of the Charger cues work at all on this car. The kangaroo hip kick-up looks like it's cramped for space there on the rear doors.
• Bad stance and ride-height. Like 1995 Cavalier bad. Me no gusta.
• The front overhang is way longer than the rear. What the f@#k?
• Taillamps look like Stratus carryovers.
• Interior materials don't look that great going by the photos.

Edited January 9, 2007 by YellowJacket894

[Cory Wolfe]

After seeing what the Avenger will be up against, I think Dodge is going to hurt pretty bad in the mid-sized sedan market.

Likes:

• The concept of the car. A mini-Charger. What's not to like?
• Nice interior design, although we've seen it -- like, what? Twenty-thousand times already in some different form?

Dislikes:

• The idea of the car is nice, but what the hell happened on the way to production? None of the Charger cues work at all on this car. The kangaroo hip kick-up looks like it's cramped for space there on the rear doors.
• Bad stance and ride-height. Like 1995 Cavalier bad. Me no gusta.
• The front overhang is way longer than the rear. What the f@#k?
• Taillamps look like Stratus carryovers.
• Interior materials don't look that great going by the photos.

Me no gusta? You mean No me gusta?

[Intrepidation]

Meh...

But riddle me this:

How can these journalists drive the Mitsubishi version of the platform and give it kudos, and look forward to driving the new Lancer. Yet, hate the Sebring and pass judgment on the Stratus of the very same cloth?

Mitsubishi takes the time to tune the chassis. They aren't gonna f@#k up the reputation of the Evo. And they can at least make the roof more graceful than DCX did.

Mitsubishi and Chrysler severed their ties a few years ago...I don't believe this is mechanically identical to the Lancer.

The platform was jointly developed. Lancer/Compass/Patriot/Caliber/Sebring/Avenger (and possibly the new Dodge CUV) use a version of this platoform.

[CSpec]

You can tell that this car was done as cheaply as possible. It has a huge front bumper that sticks out (every other modern car has a seemless, integrated bumper), the grill is as plain as can be, the headlights are not interesting in the least, and every body panel is blocky and straight and looks to be done so that costs are as low as possible. The interior design is passable, but I'm sure it is as cheap as the exterior.

[BrewSwillis]

[BrewSwillis]

All-new 2008 Dodge Avenger Packed with Style, Performance and Value Price in Crowded Mid-size Segment:

Bold, aggressive styling brings Dodge heritage to mid-size segment

Available all-wheel-drive, sport suspension and performance steering accentuate Avenger’s on-road attitude

Fuel-efficient powertrain options deliver excellent 30 mpg on the highway and flex-fuel engine availability

Innovative technologies make life easier and safer

With a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $18,895, priced $1,605 below the comparable outgoing Stratus with $985 more content

Detroit, Jan 9, 2007 - The Dodge brand is running on all cylinders, introducing the 2008 Dodge Avenger — an all-new mid-size sedan that combines bold, aggressive Dodge styling with innovative interior features, high-levels of safety and reliability, exhilarating performance and excellent fuel efficiency of 30 miles per gallon (mpg) (32 mpg based on 2007 EPA fuel economy standards).

Avenger also is the Dodge brand’s first mid-size car to offer all-wheel-drive capability combined with a sport-tuned suspension, performance steering and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Traction Control, all of which combine to give Avenger its on-road performance attitude. And with a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $18,895 (including a $675 destination charge), the all-new Avenger is priced $1,605 below the comparable outgoing Stratus with $985 more content, including standard side-curtain and front-seat-mounted side air bags, Chill Zone™, theft alarm and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, to name a few.

This all-new mid-size sedan also marks a milestone in the Dodge brand’s car renaissance. From Viper to Caliber and every segment in between, Dodge now offers an extremely competitive car.

“The all-new 2008 Dodge Avenger continues the Dodge brand’s product offensive and will bring even more buyers into the Dodge brand showroom,” said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Global Marketing, Chrysler Group. “Just as the Dodge Charger, Magnum, Caliber and Nitro have sparked new interest in the Dodge brand in their respective segments, the Dodge Avenger brings that assertive attitude and bold styling to the competitive mid-size sedan segment. There’s just nothing else like it on the road.”

The 2008 Dodge Avenger will be available in U.S. dealerships in the first quarter of 2007 and in global volume markets, in both left-hand and right-hand drive, by mid-2007. Four models will be offered in the United States: Dodge Avenger SE, Dodge Avenger SXT and Dodge Avenger R/T, and a first for Dodge in the mid-size segment, Dodge Avenger R/T AWD (late availability).

Bold, Aggressive Dodge Styling:

The 2008 Dodge Avenger builds on the bold, aggressive styling, performance and excitement of the Dodge Charger.

“The all-new Dodge Avenger brings Dodge brand American muscle car heritage into the global mid-size car segment,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design, Chrysler Group. “Avenger does for the global D-segment what Caliber has done in the global C-segment — it offers a unique alternative to the competition.”

From the front, there’s no mistaking Dodge’s heritage in Avenger’s aggressive exterior lines. The brand’s signature crosshair grille and large, modern quad headlamps housed in black add to Avenger’s menacing glare. The Dodge Avenger’s chrome grille with black texture accentuates the vehicle’s serious, almost sinister appearance. A stamped formation carries the vertical lines of the crosshair grille over the hood.

Avenger’s side profile shares more family traits with the Dodge Charger. Muscular rear shoulders, large wheels and tires and a sleek rear spoiler embody the Dodge brand attributes of bold, powerful and capable. Avenger’s long greenhouse is created by black appliqués on the B-pillars, which make this mid-size sedan look like it’s pouncing forward, even when it’s at a standstill.

From the rear, large, expressive taillamp modules placed at the corners frame the deck lid, which includes a sleekly integrated, finely tuned body-color spoiler. This spoiler and chrome-tipped dual exhaust outlets communicate the performance capability of the Avenger R/T’s 3.5-liter engine.

The all-new 2008 Dodge Avenger rides on a 108.9-inch wheelbase and 61.8-inch track, which adds to its athletic stance, improves ride quality and stability and maximizes crush space in the engine compartment. Overall, Avenger is 1.2 inches wider and 4 inches taller than the vehicle it replaces.

Impressive Interior Makes Bold Statement:

Graphic design elements, which set the new 2008 Dodge Avenger’s exterior design apart from the competition, also are evident throughout the vehicle’s spacious interior.

Carefully matched grains and low gloss levels contribute to Avenger’s rich-looking interior surfaces. The instrument panel top pad and center stack feature a Franklin grain with low-gloss finish to match the defroster grille, driver cubby and Dodge logo on passenger side surrounds. From the cluster bezel to climate control knobs, circles are a primary graphic element repeated throughout the Dodge Avenger’s interior.

Taking a cue from the Dodge Ram name, the Avenger’s center stack features a V-like ram’s horn shape that surrounds the gated shifter bezel and serves as a design focal point. Avenger’s center stack features dual heating and air conditioning vents. A large opening below the vents provides room for either the standard AM/FM/CD radio or the available cutting-edge MyGIG™ Multimedia Navigation/Audio/Entertainment/Communication system. On vehicles equipped with the UConnect® Hands-free Communication System, phone buttons are packaged in the radio control head for easy access and a clean, streamlined appearance.

Unique to Dodge Avenger in the mid-size segment is Chill Zone™, a chilled beverage storage bin that is standard on all Avenger models. Housed in the passenger side upper instrument panel, the bin can hold and chill as many as four 12-oz. beverage cans.

Avenger’s interior provides comfortable seating for the driver and as many as four passengers. Drivers sit 2.5 inches higher than they did in Dodge’s previous mid-size sedan, giving them a command-of-the-road seating position. The interior cabin also is extremely spacious with 100.9 cu. ft. of room, which is an additional 7 cubic feet of interior passenger volume compared with the vehicle it replaces. There are 2.5 inches more headroom, 1.2 inches more shoulder room and an inch more hip room in the front seat. Luggage volume in the trunk is a competitive 13.35 cubic feet.

All-wheel Drive, Sport Suspension and Performance Steering Accentuate Avenger R/T’s On-road Attitude:

The Avenger R/T also is the Dodge brand’s first mid-size sedan to offer all-wheel-drive capability (late availability). Avenger’s all-wheel-drive system, available on models sold in the United States, works on demand, driving only the front wheels until power to the rear wheels is needed. All-wheel drive also is used on dry pavement between speeds of 25 and 65 mph to enhance handling during performance driving. This system provides added traction on snow, ice and other low-traction surfaces without having to be switched on and off. All-wheel drive, combined with a sport-tuned suspension, performance steering and ESP with Traction Control, all combine to give Avenger R/T its on-road performance attitude.

Powertrain Options Deliver Excellent Power, Fuel Efficiency and Flex-fuel Availability:

Three engine options power 2008 Dodge Avengers sold in the United States: the new standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine, an available flex-fuel 2.7-liter V-6 engine and an available 3.5-liter V-6 engine coupled with a new six-speed automatic transaxle with Auto Stick.

The 2008 Dodge Avenger SE and SXT feature a standard four-cylinder engine that rivals the best in the mid-size car segment when it comes to fuel economy. Avenger's 2.4-liter World Engine with dual variable valve timing delivers fuel efficiency in the city of 21 mpg (24 mpg using 2007 EPA standards), an excellent 30 mpg on the highway (32 mpg based on 2007 EPA standards), as well as smooth, quiet operation. Mated to a four-speed automatic transaxle, this new engine provides a 15 percent increase in horsepower (173 horsepower vs. 150 horsepower) and an 8 percent improvement in fuel economy compared with the 2.4-liter engine it replaces.

The Dodge Avenger SXT features an available Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) 2.7-liter V-6 engine that provides value- and performance-conscious consumers the power of a V-6 engine with a price that compares with the competitions’ four-cylinder engines. Avenger’s 2.7-liter V-6 engine produces 189 horsepower and 191 lb.-ft. of torque, providing more low-end torque (at an rpm 850 lower) compared with the 2.7-liter engine it replaces. This 2.7-liter V-6 engine achieves 19 mpg in the city (22 mpg based on 2007 EPA standards) and 27 mpg on the highway (30 mpg based on 2007 EPA standards). It also can operate effectively on any blend of gasoline and fuel-grade ethanol up to E-85.

Dodge Avenger R/T and R/T AWD sedans sold in the United States feature a standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 235 horsepower and 232 lb.-ft. of torque coupled with a new six-speed automatic transaxle that comes standard with Auto Stick. The combination of the upgraded 3.5-liter V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transaxle delivers excellent performance and fuel efficiency, as well as smooth, quiet operation.

The 2008 Dodge Avenger R/T’s six-speed automatic transaxle provides quicker standing-start acceleration than a four- or five-speed transaxle because of its numerically higher first gear ratio. A more robust differential with increased torque capacity enhances launch performance by requiring less torque management, electronically limiting the torque that is available during the initial stages of standing-start acceleration. Smaller steps between ratios also make for a smoother, quieter ride, as the engine speed doesn’t change as often with each shift. In addition, more ratio choices, more appropriate ratios for quicker acceleration and a lower overall top gear ratio provide a quiet ride and improved fuel economy at highway speeds.

Innovative Technologies Make Life Easier and Safer:

In addition to Dodge Avenger’s bold, aggressive design and functional interior, this all-new mid-size sedan also features a slew of new technologies unique in the segment.

“The 2008 Dodge Avenger heats up the mid-size car competition with several cool technologies,” said Tom Loveless, Director – Dodge Marketing and Global Communications, Chrysler Group. “From an available one-of-a-kind chilled beverage storage bin in the instrument panel to a heated/cooled cupholder and heated cloth seats, Avenger offers features buyers will really warm up to.”

Many unique features set Dodge Avenger apart in the extremely competitive mid-size car segment. These features include:

Chill Zone™ — a storage compartment in the top of the instrument panel that holds up to four standing 12 oz. beverage cans. Depending on ambient temperature and air conditioning settings, the bin can keep beverages cool

A heated/cooled front cupholder that keeps cold beverages cool and hot beverages warm. The system heats to 140 degrees Fahrenheit or cools to 35 degrees Fahrenheit

YES Essentials® Fabric — an easy-care, soil-repellent and anti-microbial textile that protects seats from stains, odors and discoloration

Heated cloth seats

An available DVD rear-seat entertainment system that includes AM/FM stereo radio with MP3 capable CD/DVD player, six-disc CD/DVD changer and SIRIUS® Satellite Digital Audio Radio

Light-emitting Diode (LED) interior lighting with high-focus white lights that provide directional lighting in both the front and rear seats

MP3 play capability on all audio systems

The 2008 Dodge Avenger also features MyGIG™, a cutting-edge information, entertainment and safety navigation audio system that raises the bar on in-vehicle communications. This best-in-class, next-generation navigation radio features a 6.5-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Display with a touch-screen panel that can support 65,000 colors, providing a three-dimensional appearance to graphics and animation, as well as multiple font sizes and styles. The MyGIG system follows voice-activated commands and includes many new features for music, sound, movies and personalized picture displays, including:

A 20 gigabyte hard disc drive that includes Music Juke Box for organizing music and pictures on the hard drive

Universal Serial Bus (USB) that provides both MP3 connectivity and downloading of WMA, MP3 and JPEG files onto the hard drive

Gracenote® database installed on the hard drive, which provides song identification, including composer, artist and title

Playlist creation capability to provide easy access to files

Voice memo recording, which allows a message up to 3 minutes long to be recorded using the microphone integrated into the rearview mirror

Radio screen, which can display movies (when vehicle is not in motion)

SIRIUS Satellite Radio, which provides customers with more than 125 channels of the best music, entertainment and information coast-to-coast, 24 hours a day. This includes 100 percent commercial-free music, as well as sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic and weather

UConnect® Hands-free Communication System that uses Bluetooth® technology to provide voice-activated wireless communication between the occupants’ compatible cell phones and the vehicle’s onboard receiver. The hands-free option promotes safety, freedom, value and flexibility

Safety Features and Structure Combine to Protect Vehicle Occupants

Safety and security are a top priority among mid-size car buyers in the United States, and the all-new 2008 Dodge Avenger offers a unique combination of class-leading safety features that are designed to keep occupants both safe and secure. Avenger’s safety cage is constructed with dual-phase, high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel components designed to protect occupants in all driving situations. Avenger’s extremely strong safety cage is complemented with a combination of standard safety items demanded by buyers in the mid-size segment, including:

Advanced multi-stage front air bags

Side-curtain air bags

Front-seat-mounted side air bags

Anti-lock brakes and ESP with Traction Control also are available on the 2008 Dodge Avenger.

Hitting the Bulls-eye:

The all-new 2008 Dodge Avenger will compete in the largest, most competitive segment of the U.S. passenger car market: the 1.9-million-unit-a-year standard mid-size segment, which accounts for approximately 11.4 percent of the total car and truck industry and approximately 31 percent of the passenger car market. Highly fluctuating gas prices and new model offerings suggest the market will see future growth, and with its bold Dodge design, value price, solid standard equipment and innovative features, the new Dodge Avenger is ready to pounce when traditional mid-size car buyers are drawn into Dodge dealer showrooms, looking for what only Avenger can offer: pure Dodge attitude in an affordable performance package.

Avenger is designed to appeal to Generation Xers who are 30-45 years old, married and have a median income of approximately $60,000. Sixty percent are male, and 40 percent are college-educated. Many have small families with one or two children. These mid-size car buyers are youthful, full-of-life and have active lifestyles. They enjoy challenging themselves at their jobs and with their hobbies. They want a vehicle that is affordable and matches their personality, something with a unique style that offers sporty performance, enhances their self image and is fun to drive. Dodge Avenger, with its bold, aggressive Dodge design, functional interior, innovative features and essential levels of reliability, gives them a car that will impress their friends with its looks and performance.

2008 Dodge Avenger Production:

Production of the 2008 Dodge Avenger began in the fourth quarter of 2006 at the refurbished Sterling Heights (Mich.) Assembly Plant, alongside the Chrysler Sebring and Chrysler Sebring Convertible. Avenger’s 173 horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine is built in the state-of-the art Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) plant in Dundee, Mich. The 2.7-liter V-6 engine and the 3.5-liter V-6 engine are built at the Kenosha (Wis.) Engine Plant.

Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA):

The World Engine is a family of world-class four-cylinder engines produced by GEMA in Dundee, Mich., delivering an exceptional combination of quality, fuel efficiency, refinement and performance. GEMA is owned equally by DaimlerChrysler Corp., Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and Hyundai Motor Co. By optimizing the three joint venture partners’ strengths, global economies of scale and the latest practices in flexible teams and machines, GEMA aims to set a new benchmark in engine plant productivity.

Dodge Brand:

Dodge sold more than 1.4 million vehicles worldwide in 2005. With a U.S. market share of 7 percent, Dodge is the fifth-largest nameplate in the United States and the eighth-largest nameplate in the automotive industry. The Dodge global portfolio includes a range of cars, trucks, minivans and sport-utility vehicles. Dodge Caliber spearheaded the Dodge brand’s expansion into volume markets outside North America, followed by the Dodge Nitro, Dodge Avenger and the high-performance Dodge Caliber SRT4.

Chrysler Group Media

Thanks to "redriderbob" from Allpar for originally posting this.

[Northstar]

It's certainly better than the Sebring, and it has some cool features, but some of the exterior looks bad (goofy looking hump over the real wheel, rear looks 7 years old already).

Avenger -> <- Malibu

[scotthendersonfan]

Rental Special

[ToniCipriani]

Maybe it's just the vertical cut of the rear door, but to me it's true to the Dodge Spirit.

And that interior reminds me of a 89' Cavalier.

[BrewSwillis]

Maybe it's just the vertical cut of the rear door, but to me it's true to the Dodge Spirit.

And that interior reminds me of a 89' Cavalier.

89 Cavalier:

07 Avenger:

Almost the same. . . .

[ichbinjohnk]

I dunno...I kinda like it. It does look like it was done a little on the cheap (especially the interior), and the rear 3/4 kick-up does look kinda cramped on a car this size...but still looks pretty good. I'm too lazy to read up on mechanicals and such at the moment, so I'll limit my comments to visuals.

[aaaantoine]

It's a good looking car.

I would consider it for what it is: a budget FWD Charger.

[BrewSwillis]

08 Malibu:

08 Avenger:

While the Malibu does have a nice interior....color aside.....it does not "own" the Avenger. Just look at the shifter area. I guess it comes down to if you prefer swoopiness or not. Some people think that modern = swoopiness.

Edited January 10, 2007 by BrewSwillis

[daves87rs]

It doesn't look too bad...

The RT looks pretty nice...

[ToniCipriani]

89 Cavalier:

07 Avenger:

Almost the same. . . .

You know I wasn't talking about appeareance.

[Intrepidation]

You know I wasn't talking about appeareance.

So have you lovingly fondled the dash and had your way with it? Thereby knowing exactly what materials do or do not grace the vehicle?

The problem is that DCX stupid shows us pics of a gray interior. They should know by now gray = not good. I want to see the black/cream interior. Design wise..I almost prefer it to the Malibu...there's better integration of the shifter and the climate control knobs. The Malibu owns this as far as interior colors, but design wise not as much. I like aspects of both. Materials are the key, and unlike some of you, I won't ass judgment until I've been in both.

[Turbojett]

YOU CAN'T TALK TO ME LIKE THAT! I WORK TOO HARD!

I AM A DISTRICT MANAGER IN CHARGE OF 49 PEOPLE!

THEY ARE SCARED OF ME!

I DRIVE A DODGE AVENGER!!!!!!!

eh...naaaaaaaah.

I said it before, I'll say it again.

it's a butterface. the nose styling is absolutely horrible. It looks as if it was trying to capitalize off of the Caliber's Mini-Mag looks, by making the Avenger a Mini-Charger. if not for the hideous headlight/grille treatment, I'd say they succeeded, however that one little area of the design is a big make-or-break part of the car; it's face if you will. And I like everything, butterface.

[Cory Wolfe]

So have you lovingly fondled the dash and had your way with it? Thereby knowing exactly what materials do or do not grace the vehicle?

The problem is that DCX stupid shows us pics of a gray interior. They should know by now gray = not good. I want to see the black/cream interior. Design wise..I almost prefer it to the Malibu...there's better integration of the shifter and the climate control knobs. The Malibu owns this as far as interior colors, but design wise not as much. I like aspects of both. Materials are the key, and unlike some of you, I won't ass judgment until I've been in both.

If you're telling me the materials in it are going to be any better than what's in the Sebring, you're nuts. It's materials are bottom of the barrel cheap, though not as bad as other DCX interiors. Sorry, but this isn't going to be any better. It's going to suck.

[Intrepidation]

If you're telling me the materials in it are going to be any better than what's in the Sebring, you're nuts. It's materials are bottom of the barrel cheap, though not as bad as other DCX interiors. Sorry, but this isn't going to be any better. It's going to suck.

Yeah, good point, especially if the Chrysler is supposed to be the "upmarket" version. Oh well...they aren't that bad (to me), though not as good as what's in my Intrepid. Still, I don't find the Malibu's design any better, but it may trump it materials wise (I dunno, I haven't sat in it yet).

Anyway, edmunds has a video up of the car now, and seeing it in a more real world situation, it looks a lot better...I think I like it again (in R/T form).

[w00t_man]

they gave it a built in minifridge in the dash so you can hide your beer from the cops...and keep it cold at the same time.

while i do not condone such actions, it'll be a selling point. you watch.

[daves87rs]

they gave it a built in minifridge in the dash so you can hide your beer from the cops...and keep it cold at the same time.

while i do not condone such actions, it'll be a selling point. you watch.

Sadly, I was thinking the same thing...

That should be popular with the college crowd...

[Intrepidation]

Here's an shot from the Dodge site of what looks like the black/cream interior.

I like it, although it looks like the armrests will be hard plastic. Which leads me to a question: why do so many new cars have hard armrests?! That's one of the places it should always be soft!

[Cory Wolfe]

That's black on cream?! Yeah, I don't think so. Since when is cream yet another shade of typical DCX gray/beige? Real cream on black:

[Satty]

I like it, although it looks like the armrests will be hard plastic. Which leads me to a question: why do so many new cars have hard armrests?! That's one of the places it should always be soft!

Its pretty much just Dodge and Chrysler, and its not just the armrests, everything is cheap hard plastic.

[BrewSwillis]

Its pretty much just Dodge and Chrysler, and its not just the armrests, everything is cheap hard plastic.

Ooops.....looks like the new Malibu is exactly the same. Seriously people.....what kind of door armrests are you looking for? The material is soft, there's just not a padded pillow underneath......like most cars from the 90's on.

[Northstar]

I don't think that many people use the door armrests anyways. Maybe the passenger, but the driver? I doubt it. At least the Malibu's center armrest (the one I personally use the most), is covered in leather.

[z28luvr01]

I guess if you like the Charger, you'll love this. I hate the Charger.

[Cory Wolfe]

On the contrary, I actually like the Charger. This? I don't like... I hate. It's just so pathetic, but not as much so as the Sebring.

[Satty]

Ooops.....looks like the new Malibu is exactly the same. Seriously people.....what kind of door armrests are you looking for? The material is soft, there's just not a padded pillow underneath......like most cars from the 90's on.

I'm looking more at the center console armrest, the only people actually use. The Avenger's looks as inviting to the elbow as my sister's old Hyundai Accent's. I'll takle my Fusion's soft plastic armrest or the Malibu's leather covered one.

[aaaantoine]

The center armrest appears to be padded.

[Intrepidation]

Its pretty much just Dodge and Chrysler, and its not just the armrests, everything is cheap hard plastic.

Apparently you haven't sat in an Aura yet. Same problem. It's not just DCX. I dunno about the new Malibu.

Ooops.....looks like the new Malibu is exactly the same. Seriously people.....what kind of door armrests are you looking for?

Laos, from time to time I do you the door arm rest, and the top of the door (if the window is down...in the Shadow anyway). At least the center one looks padded.

Edited January 11, 2007 by Dodgefan

[Detroit-diesel]

First off im not a big fan of the car, and second who is naming Dodges new line up. I mean come on first Magnum, then Caliber, next Nitro now Avenger, little hint to Dodge you don't have to be edgy your styling cues took care of that. Whats so nirto about the Nitro you squared up a Jeep Liberty and threw some 20's on it and Avenger, no one killed the Charger its still around no need to hurt anyone.

[Robert Hall]

First off im not a big fan of the car, and second who is naming Dodges new line up. I mean come on first Magnum, then Caliber, next Nitro now Avenger, little hint to Dodge you don't have to be edgy your styling cues took care of that. Whats so nirto about the Nitro you squared up a Jeep Liberty and threw some 20's on it and Avenger, no one killed the Charger its still around no need to hurt anyone.

Interesting...as far as the naming goes, they have Ram, Charger, Avenger, Nitro, Caliber, Viper... and Dakota and Durango..all very macho, tough-sounding names...

I guess the marketers are targeting a demographic of right-wingers and rugged outdoors types...

Edited January 12, 2007 by moltar

[Farkas]

Well it is a name from their past:

1995 - 2000 Dodge Avenger

[Intrepidation]

First off im not a big fan of the car, and second who is naming Dodges new line up. I mean come on first Magnum, then Caliber, next Nitro now Avenger, little hint to Dodge you don't have to be edgy your styling cues took care of that. Whats so nirto about the Nitro you squared up a Jeep Liberty and threw some 20's on it and Avenger, no one killed the Charger its still around no need to hurt anyone.

Wow that's very broken grammar.

Interesting...as far as the naming goes, they have Ram, Charger, Avenger, Nitro, Caliber, Viper... and Dakota and Durango..all very macho, tough-sounding names...

I guess the marketers are targeting a demographic of right-wingers and rugged outdoors types...

Dodge has ditched names like the Neon, Stratus, Intrepid in favor of more tough sounding names tog o with their cares, which tend to be bold, macho, etc. This is nothing new guys.

[red]

I've got to say that these new cars from DCX are just pathetic. Seemingly outclassed on every front, as well as being ugly, poorly designed and executed to boot.

And I'm one to root for the underdog, especially when they have some momentum going. Quite a disappointment...MY 2012/3 cannot come soon enough.