1995-2000 Dodge Avenger: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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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 |
Year to Year Changes
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
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 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| 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 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 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 |
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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 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| 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. |
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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%.








