The Dodge Avenger is a midsize sedan competing with the likes of the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima.
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The Avenger incorporates distinctive muscle-car styling with a brawny hood and big rear fenders--cues also seen on the Dodge Charger.
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The engine in this car is an optional 2.7-liter V-6, offering more power and torque than the standard 2.4-liter inline four.
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The Avenger is built on a front-wheel-drive platform. With the bigger engine also comes a beefed up suspension that incorporates stabilizer bars to keep the car flat in the turns.
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Although there is plenty of room in the front seats, the back seat is a little tight, and three people would be uncomfortable back there for a long trip.
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As part of its sport styling, the Avenger gets this little spoiler attached to the trunk lid.
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The cabin materials made the Avenger feel like a rental car, with hard plastics in beige.
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The steering felt responsive, with some stiffness in the wheel to keep the car in a straight line.
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The left gauge on the instrument cluster has a convenient display for trip and audio information.
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The four-speed automatic operated poorly in shifting between fourth and third gears, due to the large gap in the ratios.
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The stereo is somewhat limited, offering satellite radio, an in-dash six-disc changer, and an auxiliary input.
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The two-line display on the stereo shows track information for both MP3 CDs and satellite radio.
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With a six-speaker audio system, the sound quality isn't great, but the big door speakers add some fidelity.
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Among the nice little tech touches around the Avenger were these LED map lights. We were also pleased to find automatic headlights.
