Avenger R/T

[6t5frlane]

Anybody actually drive one of these. I saw two, one right behind each other at a traffic light. One Silver,One Black. Better in person then I've seen pictures of. It was a warm day and a guy about 30 was driving the Black one. I yelled " How do you like it " All he did was give me a Thumbs up and screeched off.....Looked kinda cool I have to admit

[Guest YellowJacket894]

I've driven two different SXTs recently, one with the four-banger and one with the 2.7 Flex Fuel V6. It's actually a really nice car with decent styling in person. And the performance with the four-cylinder is actually decent. I like it.

Edited May 31, 2007 by YellowJacket894

[Intrepidation]

I test drove a black R/T...it's blast to drive. With the 3.5L, 6-speed and sport suspension setup it's a great all-around performer. I opened it up on a stretch of open road and when from 30-70 very quickly. It brakes really well too.

The interior has a lot of hard plastic, but it has soft material where it needs to (center and door arm rests, steering wheel and of course seats). The seats were firm but comfortable, kinda remind me of the Saab-3's seats. The steering wheel is think and small, and feels great in your hand.

I have full impressions of it here:

http://www.cheersandgears.com/forums/index...showtopic=16039

and here (the test drive)

http://www.cheersandgears.com/forums/index...=16066&st=0

I've seen a lot of happy reviews for this car.

Edited May 31, 2007 by Dodgefan

[Cory Wolfe]

The ugliness and cheapness ruin it for me.

[FAPTurbo]

I sat in the back seat of an R/T and I instantly felt my net-worth plummet.

[Duncan]

Until Chrysler does something drastic to improve their interiors, I shall remain unimpressed. The SXT (and the Sebring, for that matter) I sat in at the Denver Auto Show struck me as very, very cheap inside - even compared to my seven-year-old Mazda, which is rather depressing. But my 626 honestly has more soft-touch surfaces and better-feeling cloth. (I won't even go into how I feel about the Caliber's interior - that's goddamn depressing.)

I hear good reviews for everything BUT the interior of the Avenger, though, so maybe I could be swayed if the performance is there. Or, better yet, I'll wait for Chrysler's new interior studio to start cranking out some better designs.

[haypops]

this is one of the most negative car reviews that I have ever read.

[Duncan]

this is one of the most negative car reviews that I have ever read.

From the reader comments -

I test drove an Avenger R/T last month. The interior is NOT k-car cheap. The interior in this car is striking in its design, well executed and one of the best looking in its class. Two tone ensemble looks great, chrome and aluminum trim on the doors, dash and even door speaker surrounds shows real attention to detail. If you think this looks bad you must be rockin a Corolla LE, beige on beige, with grey plastic hubcaps probably. Or maybe white. Stop your whining about the grey interior, you CAN get it in a different two tone leight beige and stone color. Moronic journalism at its best. You should be fired.

Now, granted, I haven't driven an Avenger (or a Sebring), so I can't comment on the engine noise. But this guy seriously needs to re-evaluate his standards for interior quality - the Corolla he mentions actually has a MUCH BETTER interior than the Avenger, regardless of whether you're talking about this year's Corolla or one from, say, eight years ago. (Read my previous comment about my seven-year-old Mazda above.)

And since when was "light beige and stone" ever an upgrade in color from gray? Far as I'm concerned, it's the same thing...

[FAPTurbo]

I will constructively add that the Avenger, even in R/T form, is a pile of crap.

[Cory Wolfe]

I will constructively add that the Avenger, even in R/T form, is a pile of crap.

I will agree.

[JT64]

Looks pretty nice on the road.

I've seen maybe 5 or 6 already.

I prefer the Sebring though.

[Intrepidation]

I will constructively add that the Avenger, even in R/T form, is a pile of crap.

Based soley on the interior or what?

[FAPTurbo]

Based soley on the interior or what?

The interior, and the ill fitting panel gaps on the driver-side of the show car. But the interior is what got me the most.

I don't have the highest expectations when it comes to interiors. I drive a seventeen year old truck, so once again, I'm generally a man of simple tastes when it comes to vehicle interiors... As long as it is easy to use, doesn't look cheesy, and suits the price point, I'm a happy camper.

So when I sit in a new vehicle, and laugh out loud, you know you have a problem. The R/T's interior just felt 'cheap' . The Calibre's interior is just as bad, but it's a cheaper vehicle, so it's forgivable.

I was given a chance to test it, but why bother? If they did a $h!ty job with the interior/exterior, what will the powertrain be like?

Edited June 1, 2007 by Captainbooyah

[Intrepidation]

The interior, and the ill fitting panel gaps on the driver-side of the show car. But the interior is what got me the most.

I don't have the highest expectations when it comes to interiors. I drive a seventeen year old truck, so once again, I'm generally a man of simple tastes when it comes to vehicle interiors... As long as it is easy to use, doesn't look cheesy, and suits the price point, I'm a happy camper.

So when I sit in a new vehicle, and laugh out loud, you know you have a problem. The R/T's interior just felt 'cheap' . The Calibre's interior is just as bad, but it's a cheaper vehicle, so it's forgivable.

I was given a chance to test it, but why bother? If they did a $h!ty job with the interior/exterior, what will the powertrain be like?

Try driving it and see for yourself, otherwise you have no room to judge.

I like the exterior so that's subjective, as is the interior design. Materials could be better but the one I sat in was almost perfectly assembled (I think there was one slight misalignment, but I forget). If you're not gonna have crazy monkey sex on the dash and judge the car on its merits besides the interior materials, you'll find that it is a good car.

Edited June 1, 2007 by Dodgefan

[JT64]

If you're not gonna have crazy monkey sex on the dash and judge the car on its merits besides the interior materials, you'll find that it is a good car.

I thought that's what a Dodge guy would want to do.

You mean I have to go with an Altima to get that?

[Intrepidation]

I thought that's what a Dodge guy would want to do.

You mean I have to go with an Altima to get that?

Or you could buy a bed for that purpose. Hell of a lot cheaper if that's all you plan to use it for.

[Cory Wolfe]

Or you could buy a bed for that purpose. Hell of a lot cheaper if that's all you plan to use it for.

Or... You could buy an midsize competitor, get a much better vehicle in all categories... and then have hot monkey sex on the much, much, much higher quality dash. Hell, might even pocket some money since the Avenger is, surprisingly, not the cheapest in price.

Avenger: $18,895

Fusion: $17,800

Accord: $18,700

Sonata: $17,795

Optima: $16,995

Milan: $18,710

Galant: $18,595

Altima: $18,500

G6: $17,645

Camry: $18,850

Out of all those, it costs the most, yet is no where near being the best car. Sad.

[FAPTurbo]

Or... You could buy an midsize competitor, get a much better vehicle in all categories... and then have hot monkey sex on the much, much, much higher quality dash. Hell, might even pocket some money since the Avenger is, surprisingly, not the cheapest in price.

Avenger: $18,895

Fusion: $17,800

Accord: $18,700

Sonata: $17,795

Optima: $16,995

Milan: $18,710

Galant: $18,595

Altima: $18,500

G6: $17,645

Camry: $18,850

Out of all those, it costs the most, yet is no where near being the best car. Sad.

Are those prices for the midline models?

We're discussing the R/T... and what I understand, the R/T is comparably cheaper than competitors.

And fair enough DF... I haven't driven the damn thing. But by reading the reviews, it seems like I'd be better off spending a half hour watching porn, instead of test driving the Avenger. At least the porn won't make me feel all dirty inside.

The car does have some attitude, and I credit Dodge with trying, and I don't mind the exterior at all. It's just the car the company was showing off had some bad panel gappage. Nothing that would be cause for alarm... but it refelects poorly on the build quality, and shows people that the Dodge is just cheaper car. I love Chrysler's LX models, and I'd pick up a Charger or Magnum in a hearbeat, it's not as if I'm a biased asshole.

I used to love Dodge believe it or not. When I was little, ever since I saw Twister, I wanted a Ram. The Van Halen tracks on the movie helped too . I was amazed by the Chrysler 300, and I have two posters of the current Charger. So really, when Dodge builds GOOD vehicles, I'm a fan. They don't have to even be at the top of any comparison test for me to love them.

But the Avenger is garbage, and deserves to be much better.

Edited June 1, 2007 by Captainbooyah

[Drew Dowdell]

At least the porn won't make me feel all dirty inside.

PM me for links to the stuff that will......

[Duncan]

My comparison, based on what I have generally observed to be the best-selling model in each line. For greater ease, I've totaled up both the four-cylinder and V6 variants. Optional equipment - usually just automatic transmission or required packages - has been added if necessary to keep things fair, and will be noted. Incentives and freight costs have not been calculated into these figures, however. Your mileage may, as always, vary. Specifically not included: the Volkswagen Passat, which has recently priced itself into entry-luxury territory and thus out of this low-end league.

FOURS:

'07 Kia Optima LX (161hp 2.4 DOHC I4, 5A): $17,650

'07 Chevrolet Malibu LT (144hp 2.2 DOHC I4, 4A): $18,375

'07 Hyundai Sonata GLS (162hp 2.4 DOHC I4, 4A): $18,445

'07 Pontiac G6 (167hp 2.4 DOHC I4, 4A): $18,730

'07 Ford Fusion SE (160hp 2.3 DOHC I4, 5A): $19,005 (including $850 for automatic)

'08 Dodge Avenger SXT (172hp 2.4 DOHC I4, 4A): $19,120

'07 Chrysler Sebring Touring (172hp 2.4 DOHC I4, 4A): $19,520

'07 Mercury Milan (160hp 2.3 DOHC I4, 5A): $19,595 (including $850 for automatic)

'07 Nissan Altima 2.5 S (175hp 2.5 DOHC I4, CVT): $20,300

'07 Mazda 6i Sport Value (160hp 2.3 DOHC I4, 5A): $20,330

'07 Honda Accord LX (166hp 2.4 DOHC I4, 5A): $20,925

'07 Toyota Camry LE (158hp 2.4 DOHC I4, 5A): $20,975

'07 Mitsubishi Galant ES (160hp 2.4 SOHC I4, 4A): $20,999

'07 Subaru Legacy 2.5i (175hp 2.5 SOHC H4, 4A): $21,495

SIXES:

'07 Chevrolet Malibu LT (201hp 3.5 OHV V6, 4A): $20,085

'07 Kia Optima EX V6 (185hp 2.7 DOHC V6, 5A): $20,400

'07 Ford Fusion SE V6 (221hp 3.0 DOHC V6, 6A): $20,880

'07 Hyundai Sonata SE (235hp 3.3 DOHC V6, 5A): $21,345

'07 Mercury Milan V6 (221hp 3.0 DOHC V6, 6A): $21,765

'07 Pontiac G6 GT (224hp 3.5 OHV V6, 4A): $22,310

'08 Dodge Avenger R/T (235hp 3.5 SOHC V6, 6A): $22,870

'07 Mazda 6s Sport Value (215hp 3.0 DOHC V6, 6A): $23,040

'07 Toyota Camry LE V6 (268hp 3.5 DOHC V6, 6A): $23,540

'07 Saturn Aura XR (252hp 3.6 DOHC V6, 6A): $23,945

'07 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE (270hp 3.5 DOHC V6, CVT): $24,500

'07 Mitsubishi Galant GTS (230hp 3.8 SOHC V6, 5A): $24,999

'07 Chrysler Sebring Limited (235hp 3.5 SOHC V6, 6A): $25,070 (including $1750 for 3.5/6A combo)

'07 Honda Accord LX V6 (244hp 3.0 SOHC V6, 5A): $25,200

Feel free to analyze as you see fit...

[Intrepidation]

My comparison, based on what I have generally observed to be the best-selling model in each line. For greater ease, I've totaled up both the four-cylinder and V6 variants. Optional equipment - usually just automatic transmission or required packages - has been added if necessary to keep things fair, and will be noted. Incentives and freight costs have not been calculated into these figures, however. Your mileage may, as always, vary. Specifically not included: the Volkswagen Passat, which has recently priced itself into entry-luxury territory and thus out of this low-end league.

FOURS:

'07 Kia Optima LX (161hp 2.4 DOHC I4, 5A): $17,650

'07 Chevrolet Malibu LT (144hp 2.2 DOHC I4, 4A): $18,375

'07 Hyundai Sonata GLS (162hp 2.4 DOHC I4, 4A): $18,445

'07 Pontiac G6 (167hp 2.4 DOHC I4, 4A): $18,730

'07 Ford Fusion SE (160hp 2.3 DOHC I4, 5A): $19,005 (including $850 for automatic)

'08 Dodge Avenger SXT (172hp 2.4 DOHC I4, 4A): $19,120

'07 Chrysler Sebring Touring (172hp 2.4 DOHC I4, 4A): $19,520

'07 Mercury Milan (160hp 2.3 DOHC I4, 5A): $19,595 (including $850 for automatic)

'07 Nissan Altima 2.5 S (175hp 2.5 DOHC I4, CVT): $20,300

'07 Mazda 6i Sport Value (160hp 2.3 DOHC I4, 5A): $20,330

'07 Honda Accord LX (166hp 2.4 DOHC I4, 5A): $20,925

'07 Toyota Camry LE (158hp 2.4 DOHC I4, 5A): $20,975

'07 Mitsubishi Galant ES (160hp 2.4 SOHC I4, 4A): $20,999

'07 Subaru Legacy 2.5i (175hp 2.5 SOHC H4, 4A): $21,495

SIXES:

'07 Chevrolet Malibu LT (201hp 3.5 OHV V6, 4A): $20,085

'07 Kia Optima EX V6 (185hp 2.7 DOHC V6, 5A): $20,400

'07 Ford Fusion SE V6 (221hp 3.0 DOHC V6, 6A): $20,880

'07 Hyundai Sonata SE (235hp 3.3 DOHC V6, 5A): $21,345

'07 Mercury Milan V6 (221hp 3.0 DOHC V6, 6A): $21,765

'07 Pontiac G6 GT (224hp 3.5 OHV V6, 4A): $22,310

'08 Dodge Avenger R/T (235hp 3.5 SOHC V6, 6A): $22,870

'07 Mazda 6s Sport Value (215hp 3.0 DOHC V6, 6A): $23,040

'07 Toyota Camry LE V6 (268hp 3.5 DOHC V6, 6A): $23,540

'07 Saturn Aura XR (252hp 3.6 DOHC V6, 6A): $23,945

'07 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE (270hp 3.5 DOHC V6, CVT): $24,500

'07 Mitsubishi Galant GTS (230hp 3.8 SOHC V6, 5A): $24,999

'07 Chrysler Sebring Limited (235hp 3.5 SOHC V6, 6A): $25,070 (including $1750 for 3.5/6A combo)

'07 Honda Accord LX V6 (244hp 3.0 SOHC V6, 5A): $25,200

Feel free to analyze as you see fit...

Doesn't the G6 also have the 3.6, 6A now as well? I wonder what makes the Sebring more expseisive than the Avenger, especially since it doesn't even have the tuning package the Avenger R/T gets.

[BrewSwillis]

this is one of the most negative car reviews that I have ever read.

Overall, the Avenger got 4.5 out of 5 stars on those reviews. Doesn't seem too negative to me.

[Cory Wolfe]

Are those prices for the midline models?

We're discussing the R/T... and what I understand, the R/T is comparably cheaper than competitors.

Base models... And from what I understand, it doesn't matter. Whore.

My comparison, based on what I have generally observed to be the best-selling model in each line. For greater ease, I've totaled up both the four-cylinder and V6 variants. Optional equipment - usually just automatic transmission or required packages - has been added if necessary to keep things fair, and will be noted. Incentives and freight costs have not been calculated into these figures, however. Your mileage may, as always, vary. Specifically not included: the Volkswagen Passat, which has recently priced itself into entry-luxury territory and thus out of this low-end league.

FOURS:

'07 Kia Optima LX (161hp 2.4 DOHC I4, 5A): $17,650

'07 Chevrolet Malibu LT (144hp 2.2 DOHC I4, 4A): $18,375

'07 Hyundai Sonata GLS (162hp 2.4 DOHC I4, 4A): $18,445

'07 Pontiac G6 (167hp 2.4 DOHC I4, 4A): $18,730

'07 Ford Fusion SE (160hp 2.3 DOHC I4, 5A): $19,005 (including $850 for automatic)

'08 Dodge Avenger SXT (172hp 2.4 DOHC I4, 4A): $19,120

'07 Chrysler Sebring Touring (172hp 2.4 DOHC I4, 4A): $19,520

'07 Mercury Milan (160hp 2.3 DOHC I4, 5A): $19,595 (including $850 for automatic)

'07 Nissan Altima 2.5 S (175hp 2.5 DOHC I4, CVT): $20,300

'07 Mazda 6i Sport Value (160hp 2.3 DOHC I4, 5A): $20,330

'07 Honda Accord LX (166hp 2.4 DOHC I4, 5A): $20,925

'07 Toyota Camry LE (158hp 2.4 DOHC I4, 5A): $20,975

'07 Mitsubishi Galant ES (160hp 2.4 SOHC I4, 4A): $20,999

'07 Subaru Legacy 2.5i (175hp 2.5 SOHC H4, 4A): $21,495

SIXES:

'07 Chevrolet Malibu LT (201hp 3.5 OHV V6, 4A): $20,085

'07 Kia Optima EX V6 (185hp 2.7 DOHC V6, 5A): $20,400

'07 Ford Fusion SE V6 (221hp 3.0 DOHC V6, 6A): $20,880

'07 Hyundai Sonata SE (235hp 3.3 DOHC V6, 5A): $21,345

'07 Mercury Milan V6 (221hp 3.0 DOHC V6, 6A): $21,765

'07 Pontiac G6 GT (224hp 3.5 OHV V6, 4A): $22,310

'08 Dodge Avenger R/T (235hp 3.5 SOHC V6, 6A): $22,870

'07 Mazda 6s Sport Value (215hp 3.0 DOHC V6, 6A): $23,040

'07 Toyota Camry LE V6 (268hp 3.5 DOHC V6, 6A): $23,540

'07 Saturn Aura XR (252hp 3.6 DOHC V6, 6A): $23,945

'07 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE (270hp 3.5 DOHC V6, CVT): $24,500

'07 Mitsubishi Galant GTS (230hp 3.8 SOHC V6, 5A): $24,999

'07 Chrysler Sebring Limited (235hp 3.5 SOHC V6, 6A): $25,070 (including $1750 for 3.5/6A combo)

'07 Honda Accord LX V6 (244hp 3.0 SOHC V6, 5A): $25,200

Feel free to analyze as you see fit...

Yes, that is certainly a more complete list. I intentionally left out higher priced vehicles.. My prices via Motor Trends buyers guide. They seem to differ from those.

[ocnblu]

The Avenger stands out on the street. I like the car, especially in R/T trim with spoiler delete. Chrysler's interiors all look alike these days, yes, and the color choices are dull, but I'm sure they're durable.

[Ravenfreak13]

I'll let you know how durable they are in a year.

[Bimmer325]

The majority of Avengers I've seen have been base model SE's. I've seen a handful of SXT's and R/T's.

In my opinion, it's a mess. The front bumper's underbite looks like something out of 1997 and really accentuates an otherwise lengthy front overhang. The roofline stand too upright, lending to an almost formal look, and the rear-window's arrowhead shape looks weird in relation to the rear door's cutline. The taillights are less imaginative than even the defunct Stratus', the headlights look droopy unless viewed from straight-on, the chunky wheel arches are tacky...I could go on and on.

Needless to say, I'm not a fan. IMO, the Avenger's exterior is spoiled by details that went overlooked. Designers failed to mask it's odd proportions, and the result is a car that looks more like a Neon replacement than a true mid size sedan.

[Duncan]

Yes, that is certainly a more complete list. I intentionally left out higher priced vehicles.. My prices via Motor Trends buyers guide. They seem to differ from those.

My prices are from Consumer Guide Car and Truck Test, June edition (with an Acadia front and center on the cover). I've always liked to have the complete listings to flip through.

[Sgt Beavis]

I got to drive an Avenger RT last week.

I thought the powertrain was ok. The 6 speed was responsive but the engine was harsh. I hope Chrysler has better luck with their next gen V6.

Exterior styling is outstanding IMO. One of the things I've liked about Dodge is their Take it or Leave it approach to styling. For the most part they hit home runs with me.

Interior fit felt good. No rattles and the seats were very comfortable. I drove in 90 degree Texas heat and the AC worked great. IMO it was on par with GM's air conditioning (GM makes the best AC IMO) However Dodge and Chrysler now suffer from the problem that GM is digging themselves out from under, Cheap Materials. I would happily pay a few hundred extra if DCX has put some better quality plastics in their cars. GM finally got a clue and they are slowly rebuilding their rep as a top notch auto builder. Dodge needs to do the same. The cheapness of the interior was a stopping point for me. I won't be getting this car. Fortunately I'm not in a hurry.

If you are shopping for a car in this size class, my recommendation is that you wait for the new Chevy Malibu. If you need a car now, then the Saturn Aura or new Nissan Altima are superior cars (except for exterior styling IMO)

[ponchoman49]

My comparison, based on what I have generally observed to be the best-selling model in each line. For greater ease, I've totaled up both the four-cylinder and V6 variants. Optional equipment - usually just automatic transmission or required packages - has been added if necessary to keep things fair, and will be noted. Incentives and freight costs have not been calculated into these figures, however. Your mileage may, as always, vary. Specifically not included: the Volkswagen Passat, which has recently priced itself into entry-luxury territory and thus out of this low-end league.

FOURS:

'07 Kia Optima LX (161hp 2.4 DOHC I4, 5A): $17,650

'07 Chevrolet Malibu LT (144hp 2.2 DOHC I4, 4A): $18,375

'07 Hyundai Sonata GLS (162hp 2.4 DOHC I4, 4A): $18,445

'07 Pontiac G6 (167hp 2.4 DOHC I4, 4A): $18,730

'07 Ford Fusion SE (160hp 2.3 DOHC I4, 5A): $19,005 (including $850 for automatic)

'08 Dodge Avenger SXT (172hp 2.4 DOHC I4, 4A): $19,120

'07 Chrysler Sebring Touring (172hp 2.4 DOHC I4, 4A): $19,520

'07 Mercury Milan (160hp 2.3 DOHC I4, 5A): $19,595 (including $850 for automatic)

'07 Nissan Altima 2.5 S (175hp 2.5 DOHC I4, CVT): $20,300

'07 Mazda 6i Sport Value (160hp 2.3 DOHC I4, 5A): $20,330

'07 Honda Accord LX (166hp 2.4 DOHC I4, 5A): $20,925

'07 Toyota Camry LE (158hp 2.4 DOHC I4, 5A): $20,975

'07 Mitsubishi Galant ES (160hp 2.4 SOHC I4, 4A): $20,999

'07 Subaru Legacy 2.5i (175hp 2.5 SOHC H4, 4A): $21,495

SIXES:

'07 Chevrolet Malibu LT (201hp 3.5 OHV V6, 4A): $20,085

'07 Kia Optima EX V6 (185hp 2.7 DOHC V6, 5A): $20,400

'07 Ford Fusion SE V6 (221hp 3.0 DOHC V6, 6A): $20,880

'07 Hyundai Sonata SE (235hp 3.3 DOHC V6, 5A): $21,345

'07 Mercury Milan V6 (221hp 3.0 DOHC V6, 6A): $21,765

'07 Pontiac G6 GT (224hp 3.5 OHV V6, 4A): $22,310

'08 Dodge Avenger R/T (235hp 3.5 SOHC V6, 6A): $22,870

'07 Mazda 6s Sport Value (215hp 3.0 DOHC V6, 6A): $23,040

'07 Toyota Camry LE V6 (268hp 3.5 DOHC V6, 6A): $23,540

'07 Saturn Aura XR (252hp 3.6 DOHC V6, 6A): $23,945

'07 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE (270hp 3.5 DOHC V6, CVT): $24,500

'07 Mitsubishi Galant GTS (230hp 3.8 SOHC V6, 5A): $24,999

'07 Chrysler Sebring Limited (235hp 3.5 SOHC V6, 6A): $25,070 (including $1750 for 3.5/6A combo)

'07 Honda Accord LX V6 (244hp 3.0 SOHC V6, 5A): $25,200

Feel free to analyze as you see fit...

The 07 Malibu 3.5 V6 actually now has 217 HP!

[ponchoman49]

Based on a recent test drive of a base 4 cylinder model:

Pros: Distinctive styling, decent power for a 4 banger, trunk space, handling

Cons: Rock hard seats, too much hard plastic, engine noise, old 4 speed automatic, cramped feeling interior, expensive with options, lack of flexability with engine choices

[haypops]

Overall, the Avenger got 4.5 out of 5 stars on those reviews. Doesn't seem too negative to me.

That star rating system is for the review of the car, not the car.