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2000 Dodge Avenger Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2000 Dodge Avenger Review:
2000 Dodge Avenger Review
Dodge's sports coupe shares its underskin design and powertrain with the Chrysler Sebring coupe, but differs in exterior styling. Both are built in Illinois by Mitsubishi, and both are due for a model-2001 redesign. In fact, the Avenger name will be retired and this car rechristened the Dodge Stratus coupe.
Avenger comes in base and ES models, both with a V6 engine and automatic transmission. Power windows and locks are newly standard for 2000. The base model also gains standard cruise control, 4-wheel disc brakes, and 16-inch wheels in place of 14s. The ES retains 17-inch wheels and now comes with the previously optional leather upholstery and keyless remote entry. It also adds a power driver's seat.
Avenger comes in base and ES models, both with a V6 engine and automatic transmission. Power windows and locks are newly standard for 2000. The base model also gains standard cruise control, 4-wheel disc brakes, and 16-inch wheels in place of 14s. The ES retains 17-inch wheels and now comes with the previously optional leather upholstery and keyless remote entry. It also adds a power driver's seat.
Competition
The performance leader in this group is also our Best Buy. The Honda Prelude will hustle two large adults and their luggage in comfort and luxury to a weekend getaway. Prelude has plenty of power, excellent road manners, and gets reasonable fuel economy.
We also recommend you take a look at the Chrysler Sebring (which will be redesigned for 2001 in coupe, convertible, and sedan form) and the Volkswagen New Beetle. The Sebring offers the most room in this class, while the New Beetle has interesting styling and a nice mix of comfort, performance, and economy.
We also recommend you take a look at the Chrysler Sebring (which will be redesigned for 2001 in coupe, convertible, and sedan form) and the Volkswagen New Beetle. The Sebring offers the most room in this class, while the New Beetle has interesting styling and a nice mix of comfort, performance, and economy.
News
VW continues mining the popular retro-Bug for all its worth. Last May, for example, the company introduced two new colors, bright yellow and "vapor blue," in special runs of 2000 each, with orders taken only at VW's Website. Word got around quickly, and orders poured in. But overall demand has cooled somewhat from the New Bug's early-days frenzy. Though orders rose 49 percent in calendar '99 vs. '98, they were only about 7 percent ahead in the first four months of 2000.
Which might make this a good time to introduce the convertible Bug so many people have been clamoring for. Late word is that VW will do just that, but not before early in calendar 2002. Reportedly, the open-air Bug will be assembled at VW's Puebla, Mexico plant alongside hatchback Beetles, but will follow tradition in special body engineering by Karmann of Germany, which built the Beetle convertibles of old. Several private companies have been converting hatchbacks into drop-tops almost from the day the New Beetle went on sale, but VW has refused to honor its warranty on such "chopped" cars, much to the consternation of buyers. Obviously, the company doesn't want to share this business with any outsiders.
Meantime, sources say a hot V6 New Beetle with 4Motion all-wheel drive will go on sale sometime during 2001, probably as an '02 offering. A prototype seen in August 1999 serves as the template for this racier hatchback, which will probably be badged RSi. VW Group chairman Ferdinand Piech has apparently ordained 225 horsepower, plus "boy racer" body add-ons including a prominent rear wing and jumbo wheels and tires. A standard 6-speed manual transmission seems likely too.
Which might make this a good time to introduce the convertible Bug so many people have been clamoring for. Late word is that VW will do just that, but not before early in calendar 2002. Reportedly, the open-air Bug will be assembled at VW's Puebla, Mexico plant alongside hatchback Beetles, but will follow tradition in special body engineering by Karmann of Germany, which built the Beetle convertibles of old. Several private companies have been converting hatchbacks into drop-tops almost from the day the New Beetle went on sale, but VW has refused to honor its warranty on such "chopped" cars, much to the consternation of buyers. Obviously, the company doesn't want to share this business with any outsiders.
Meantime, sources say a hot V6 New Beetle with 4Motion all-wheel drive will go on sale sometime during 2001, probably as an '02 offering. A prototype seen in August 1999 serves as the template for this racier hatchback, which will probably be badged RSi. VW Group chairman Ferdinand Piech has apparently ordained 225 horsepower, plus "boy racer" body add-ons including a prominent rear wing and jumbo wheels and tires. A standard 6-speed manual transmission seems likely too.
2000 Dodge Avenger Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Steering/handling | Noise |
| Rear visibility | |
| Interior materials | |
| Rear-seat entry/exit | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Avenger's Mitsubishi V6 is fairly spunky, but a relative lack of low-speed torque makes for tardy and sometimes abrupt automatic shifts.
| ES, V6 | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.7 |
Avenger's Mitsubishi V6 is fairly spunky, but a relative lack of low-speed torque makes for tardy and sometimes abrupt automatic shifts.
Fuel Economy
Our recent V6 test models have returned 25.6 mpg in mostly highway driving. Expect closer to 20 mpg overall with hard urban work.
| ES, V6 | Class Average |
| 7 | 5.4 |
Our recent V6 test models have returned 25.6 mpg in mostly highway driving. Expect closer to 20 mpg overall with hard urban work.
Ride Quality
Absorbs lumpy pavement better than most sports coupes, though the more firmly sprung ES is harsh over big bumps and potholes.
| ES, V6 | Class Average |
| 3 | 5 |
Absorbs lumpy pavement better than most sports coupes, though the more firmly sprung ES is harsh over big bumps and potholes.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Newly standard 16-inch tires give the base model adept handling. The tauter ES has tenacious grip with its 17-inch rubber.
| ES, V6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 |
Newly standard 16-inch tires give the base model adept handling. The tauter ES has tenacious grip with its 17-inch rubber.
Quietness
The engine is fairly noisy for a modern V6, and combines with lots of tire thrum to betray stingy sound insulation. Transmission whine further irritates.
| ES, V6 | Class Average |
| 3 | 5 |
The engine is fairly noisy for a modern V6, and combines with lots of tire thrum to betray stingy sound insulation. Transmission whine further irritates.
Controls
Avenger's dash comes from the previous Mitsubishi Eclipse, and has the same inconvenient low-mount stereo. Unlit door window and lock switches are hard to find at night.
| ES, V6 | Class Average |
| 4 | 6 |
Avenger's dash comes from the previous Mitsubishi Eclipse, and has the same inconvenient low-mount stereo. Unlit door window and lock switches are hard to find at night.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Spacious for a sports coupe, nearly matching the midsize Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
| ES, V6 | Class Average |
| 3 | 5.2 |
Spacious for a sports coupe, nearly matching the midsize Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Two medium-size adults can ride with reasonable comfort, but leg room is scarce. Entry/exit requires some contortions, though it's easier than in most coupes.
| ES, V6 | Class Average |
| 2 | 4.1 |
Two medium-size adults can ride with reasonable comfort, but leg room is scarce. Entry/exit requires some contortions, though it's easier than in most coupes.
Cargo Room
Ample for a sporty coupe, if not a sedan. Standard split-fold rear seat opens up extra space, but the smallish trunk opening won't swallow bulky items.
| ES, V6 | Class Average |
| 3 | 4.5 |
Ample for a sporty coupe, if not a sedan. Standard split-fold rear seat opens up extra space, but the smallish trunk opening won't swallow bulky items.
Value within Class
Avenger can't match the slick moves or tight construction of a Honda Prelude, but does deliver youthfully aggressive styling, better-than-average interior room, and entertaining handling at a reasonable price.
| ES, V6 | Class Average |
| 2 | 5.3 |
Avenger can't match the slick moves or tight construction of a Honda Prelude, but does deliver youthfully aggressive styling, better-than-average interior room, and entertaining handling at a reasonable price.
Total Score
| ES, V6 | Class Average |
| 38 | 50.2 |
Scores for all Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 38 | |
| Average Score | 50 | |
| High Score | 65 |
2000 Dodge Avenger Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 12/21/1999
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base 2-door coupe | $19,045 | $17,405 | $575 |
|
|
|||
| ES 2-door coupe | $21,290 | $19,403 | $575 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
2.5-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, variable-assist power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, rear defogger, AM/FM/cassette w/six speakers, digital clock, tachometer, variable intermittent wipers, map lights, visor mirrors, remote fuel door/decklid release, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, 205/55HR16 tires, wheel covers.
ES adds to Base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, 6-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, universal garage door opener.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, handling suspension, fog lights, 215/50HR17 tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Quick Order Pkg. 24F
|
||
|
ES
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
Standard equipment.
|
||
|
|
||
Powertrain |
||
|
2.5-liter V6 engine
|
||
|
Base
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
|
||
Safety |
||
|
Antilock brakes
|
||
|
ES
|
$600
|
$534
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
AM/FM/cassette/CD player
|
||
|
Base
|
$435
|
$387
|
|
Infinity sound system
|
||
|
ES
|
$325
|
$289
|
|
Remote keyless entry
|
||
|
Base
|
$305
|
$271
|
|
Includes theft-deterrent system.
|
||
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
Base, ES
|
$685
|
$610
|
|
|
||
2000 Dodge Avenger Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Dodge Avenger 2-door coupe |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.7 |
| Overall Length, in. | 190.2 |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 53.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3137 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.1 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.9 |
| 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.
Engines
| sohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.5 /152 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 163 @ 5500 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 170 @ 4350 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 4-speed automatic | 19/27 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Dodge Avenger 2-door coupe |
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%. Side-impact
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Also in the 2000 Dodge Avenger Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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