2008 Dodge Avenger: Road Test
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2008 Dodge Avenger ▼
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- MSRP: $18,910 -$25,590
- Invoice: $17,549 -$23,561
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Our road test for the 2008 Dodge Avenger includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Dodge Avenger from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Dodge Avenger, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Dodge Avenger help you decide if a 2008 Dodge Avenger is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SXT | R/T | AWD R/T | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
No opportunity to test with the 2.7-liter V6. With the 4-cylinder, Avenger struggles in passing and merging situations, though it handles around-town driving adequately. Power is ample with the R/T's 3.5-liter V6 with either front- or all-wheel drive, though the transmission suffers from delayed downshifts and unacceptable clunkiness. Powertrain refinement is below the class norm, though the 3.5-liter V6 is far smoother than the 4-cylinder.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SXT | R/T | AWD R/T | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 4 | 5 | 5.6 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a 4-cylinder SXT averaged 23.5 mpg. A front-drive R/T averaged a disappointing 17.7 mpg. An AWD R/T didn't fare much better, averaging 18.2 mpg. Dodge recommends 89-octane gas for the R/T's 3.5-liter V6, regular otherwise.
RIDE QUALITY
| SXT | R/T | AWD R/T | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
Of models tested, SXT is the most compliant, with acceptable isolation from bumps and rough surfaces. With its sport suspension and 17-inch tires, the front-drive R/T is less composed. The added weight of all-wheel drive makes the ride fairly pleasant on the highway, though it's still clunky at low speeds.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SXT | R/T | AWD R/T | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
Handing is compromised by artificial feeling steering and surprising body lean in corners. R/T models demonstrate somewhat improved steering feel and better overall grip but fall short of sporty pretensions, even with all-wheel drive.
QUIETNESS
| SXT | R/T | AWD R/T | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 6.1 |
Wind noise is effectively hushed, even at highway speed. Lack of suspension refinement contributes to excess of creaks and groans over poor road surfaces. Tire noise intrudes as well. Engines tested disappoint for overall refinement. The 4-cylinder is particularly coarse and intrusive during rapid acceleration.
CONTROLS
| SXT | R/T | AWD R/T | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Avenger's large gauges are clearly marked and easy to see. Controls are mostly handy, though many lack quality feel and movement.
DETAILS
| SXT | R/T | AWD R/T | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 5.5 |
The cabin disappoints with abundant hard-plastic surfaces. R/T has upgraded trim, which, with the available leather seating, somewhat improves the interior ambiance. Still, Avenger's cabin falls well short of most anything in its class. In one test model, the plastic housing for the center console's sliding armrest snapped off.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SXT | R/T | AWD R/T | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.7 |
Generous headroom, though the sunroof housing cramps space for taller occupants. Dodge says Avenger's body is about as wide as other midsize sedans, but cabin width is more on par with the compact class. Shoulder space is limited for larger occupants. Thick roof pillars and lack of a rear quarter window severely compromise rear visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SXT | R/T | AWD R/T | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.1 |
Adult-adequate headroom with no excess legroom. Longish doors aid entry and exit. Avenger's narrow cabin rules out three-abreast adult seating.
CARGO ROOM
| SXT | R/T | AWD R/T | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Short decklid and somewhat high liftover limit the utility of a small but usefully shaped trunk. Rear seats split 60/40 and fold nearly flat. Note that the trunk has a cheap-looking low-grade fabric liner that disappoints in appearance and feel. Load options are expanded by the available fold-flat front passenger seat. Interior stowage is limited to a too-narrow center console and smallish glovebox.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SXT | R/T | AWD R/T | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3 | 4 | 6.2 |
Avenger disappoints with crude drivetrain behavior, unsophisticated road feel, and budget-grade cabin appointments. These demerits are offset somewhat by aggressive pricing and an impressive complement of key safety features. Any number of class competitors deserve a higher spot on your shopping list, however.
Total Score
| SXT | R/T | AWD R/T | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48 | 49 | 52 | 63.1 |
Total Score: 50
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