1995-2000 Dodge Avenger: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1995-2000 Dodge Avenger and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (V6)
- Passenger and cargo room
- Steering/handling
- Available antilock brakes
Cons
- Radio controls
- Road noise
- Acceleration (4-cylinder automatic)
- Rear visibility
Vehicle Highlights
Both Avenger and its corporate cousin, the Chrysler Sebring, were designed by Chrysler but built by Mitsubishi in Illinois. They ride a modified Mitsubishi Galant platform. Sebrings and Avengers differ mainly in grille and taillights, but Dodge's version had fewer standard features and a lower sticker price. Avengers came in base and ES models. The base had a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with dual-overhead camshafts and 140 horsepower. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard and 4-speed automatic optional. The ES got a 2.5-liter single-camshaft V6 that came only with the automatic, but a 4-cylinder engine and manual shift were available as credit options. Antilock brakes were standard on the ES and optional on base Avengers. Dual airbags were standard on both.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Dodge Avenger ES 2.5-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 37 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1995-2000 Dodge Avenger. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1995-2000 Dodge Avenger.
Year to Year Changes
1996 Dodge Stratus:
Changes were few for '96. The ES coupe wore new seat fabrics, and the V6 engine gained eight horsepower this year.
1997 Dodge Stratus:
New front and rear fascias gave the '97 Avenger a revised look, but little else was new this year. Fog lamps were installed on the ES coupe.
1998 Dodge Stratus:
A new Sport package was available on base models with the V6. It added a body-color rear spoiler and 16-inch wheels. Base models also got a rear sway bar.
1999 Dodge Stratus:
Dodge shuffled some options around and, in midyear, deleted the 4-cylinder engine. Otherwise, Avenger was a virtual rerun.
2000 Dodge Stratus:
Avengers gained a number of standard features that had previously been optional, including power windows and locks. Base models added cruise control, 4-wheel disc brakes, and 16-inch wheels (in place of 14s). ES coupes now came with standard leather upholstery and keyless remote entry, as well as a power driver's seat. Chrysler planned to drop the Avenger name after the 2000 model year, replacing it with a new Stratus coupe.
Our road test for the 1995-2000 Dodge Avenger includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1995-2000 Dodge Avenger and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1995-2000 Dodge Avenger is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Front bucket seats offer plenty of head and leg space for two adults. Rear seats are equally pleasing, with space for two adults. However, large people may not want to spend long periods in back, and getting in and out can be a chore. Avenger's trunk has a wide, flat floor, plus split-folding rear seatbacks. Although you sit relatively low, visibility is generally good in all directions. However, a narrow back window, tall parcel shelf, and wide roof pillars make it difficult to see what's directly behind the car. Instruments are easy to read, though auxiliary gauges are small. Most controls are easy to reach while driving. However, the radio is mounted too low and has too many small buttons. Both engines provide adequate acceleration from a stop, but the 4-cylinder is noisy and slowed by the automatic transmission. Four-cylinder pickup is acceptable with manual shift. The V6 is smooth and more powerful, and fairly lively, but it doesn't produce much torque at low speeds. Step on the gas, and there might be a rather long pause before the automatic transmission downshifts. Each model handles adeptly, zipping around corners and through curves with good grip and only moderate body lean. Roadholding is good overall, and the car responds well to steering inputs. Ride quality from the firm suspension is on the choppy side, and when encountering certain pavement separators. Road, engine, and wind noise might all become intrusive at high speeds.
Value for the Money
Attractively styled and capable on the road, the Avenger has a lot going for it: proven mechanical elements, reasonable prices, and wholly adequate room for four.
Attractively styled and capable on the road, the Avenger has a lot going for it: proven mechanical elements, reasonable prices, and wholly adequate room for four.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Dodge Avenger ES 2.5-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 37 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Dodge Stratus includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Dodge Stratus .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Alarm system:
The theft alarm may go off randomly due to a misaligned hood. (1995-96)
Automatic transmission:
Transmission tends to default to second gear only requiring the transmission control computer to be reprogrammed. (1996)
Automatic transmission:
Transmission may shudder when accelerating from a stop, thump when coasting down to a stop, or slip when shifting. (1995)
Engine misfire:
Engines that idle rough, hesitate, stall, or are hard to restart during cold weather may require a new engine control computer. (1995)
Hard starting:
A corroded connector behind the left headlight may cause hard starting, an intermittently flashing "Check Engine" light, or make inoperative the radiator/condenser fan. (1995)
Hard starting:
Intermittent no-starts may be due to a damaged wire near the transaxle shift lever. (1995)
Sunroof/moonroof:
The pivot pin in the power sunroof may come out, or the plastic tabs on the control unit may cause interference. (1995) The sunroof may open by itself if water shorts the control unit. (1995-96)
Vehicle noise:
Noise from rear of vehicle on rough roads might require replacement of spring seats and bushings. (1997-99)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $400 |
| Alternator | $315 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $905 |
| Brakes | $265 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $560 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $370 |
| Exhaust System | $320 |
| Radiator | $530 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $375 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $190 |
Our price chart for this generation Dodge Stratus details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2000 | |||
| Avenger | $3,000-3,600 | $2,300-2,800 | $700-800 |
| Avenger ES | $3,300-4,000 | $2,600-3,200 | $800-1,000 |
| 1999 | |||
| Avenger | $2,600-3,200 | $1,900-2,400 | $500-700 |
| Avenger ES | $2,800-3,400 | $2,100-2,600 | $600-700 |
| 1998 | |||
| Avenger | $2,200-2,700 | $1,600-1,900 | $400-500 |
| Avenger ES | $2,400-2,900 | $1,700-2,100 | $500-600 |
| 1997 | |||
| Avenger | $1,900-2,400 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400 |
| Avenger ES | $2,100-2,600 | $1,500-1,800 | $400-500 |
| 1996 | |||
| Avenger | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| Avenger ES | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
| 1995 | |||
| Avenger | $1,400-1,900 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| Avenger ES | $1,500-2,000 | $1,000-1,300 | $200-300 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Dodge Stratus include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door coupe | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.7 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 187.2 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.5 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 53.0 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2879 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.1 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.1 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.3 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.5 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.0 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Four-cylinder engines went into base Avengers, while the ES got a V6. Rated 155 horsepower at first, the V6 jumped to 163 in the Avenger's second season. Four-cylinder models might have either 5-speed manual shift or 4-speed automatic, but V6 Avengers came only with automatic. During the '99 model year, Dodge quietly dropped the 4-cylinder.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V6 | 2.5 / 152 | 155-163 | 160-170 | 4-speed automatic: 20/27 | 4-speed automatic: 23.6 |
| dohc I4 | 2.0 / 122 | 140 | 130 | 5-speed manual: 22/31 4-speed automatic: 21/30 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Dodge Stratus include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Avenger |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1995-2000 Dodge Avenger directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1995-00:
Rubber boots on lower ball joint can become damaged, allowing dirt and water intrusion, which can cause excessive wear and possible separation.
1997:
On a small number of cars, improperly welded head-restraint support bracket on passenger side can break.
1998:
Dash panel pad can shift, interfering with throttle-cable control.
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