Vehicle History Report
Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.
- • New Cars
2009 Dodge Avenger Full Review
Date Published: 3/25/08
Also in the 2009 Dodge Avenger Review:
5.
6.
Dodge Avenger Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2009 Dodge Avenger
Sneak Peek
The 2009 Dodge Avenger should see no major changes following its introduction for the 2008 model year. Avenger shares its basic design with the Sebring from Dodge's parent company Chrysler. SE, SXT, and sporty R/T and R/T AWD models should continue for '09. SE and SXT come with a 172-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. A 190-hp 2.7-liter V6 is optional for SXT. R/Ts have a 235-hp 3.5-liter V6. AWD R/T models have all-wheel drive, other Avengers are front drive. The 2.4 and 2.7 use a 4-speed automatic transmission, the 3.5 a 6-speed automatic. Front-drive R/Ts have a sport suspension. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Optional is a navigation system with digital-audio connectivity, wireless cell phone link, and a 20-gigabyte hard drive that can hold music or picture files. Other options include a heated and cooled cupholder, remote engine start, leather upholstery, and DVD entertainment. This report is based on evaluations of the 2008 Dodge Avenger.
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2009 Dodge Avenger Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Front seat headroom | Acceleration (4-cyl) |
| Acceleration (R/T) | Interior materials |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| SXT | R/T | Class Average |
| 4 | 6 | 5.8 |
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
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.
| SXT | R/T | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 5.5 |
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
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.
| SXT | R/T | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 5.9 |
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
Handling 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.
| SXT | R/T | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 5.8 |
Handling 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
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.
| SXT | R/T | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 5.9 |
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
Avenger's large gauges are clearly marked and easy to see. Controls are mostly handy, though many lack quality feel and movement.
| SXT | R/T | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 7 |
Avenger's large gauges are clearly marked and easy to see. Controls are mostly handy, though many lack quality feel and movement.
Details
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.
| SXT | R/T | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 | 5.8 |
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)
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.
| SXT | R/T | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.8 |
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)
Adult-adequate headroom with no excess legroom. Longish doors aid entry and exit. Avenger's narrow cabin rules out three-abreast adult seating.
| SXT | R/T | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 5.2 |
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
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.
| SXT | R/T | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3.7 |
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
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.
| SXT | R/T | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 6.7 |
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 | Class Average |
| 48 | 49 | 64.1 |
Scores for all Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 48 | |
| Average Score | 64 | |
| High Score | 74 |
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2009 Dodge Avenger Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/12/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| SE 4-door sedan | $18,590 | $17,261 | $675 |
|
|
|||
| SXT 4-door sedan | $19,520 | $18,098 | $675 |
|
|
|||
| R/T 4-door sedan | $23,270 | $21,473 | $675 |
|
|
|||
| AWD R/T 4-door sedan | $25,270 | $23,273 | $675 |
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
SE
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, digital-media player connection, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, cooled glove box, rear defogger, automatic-off headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 215/65R16 tires, wheel covers.
SXT adds to SE:
Safety
Antilock brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, fold-flat passenger seat, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
215/60R17 tires, alloy wheels.
R/T adds to SXT:
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, heated power mirrors, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3/DVD changer, steering wheel radio controls
, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, rear spoiler, sport suspension, 215/55R18 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, traction control, antiskid system. Deletes: sport suspension.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Premium Convenience Group
|
||
|
R/T
|
$1,235
|
$1,136
|
|
Heated front seats, interior air filter, trip computer, information display, compass, outside-temperature indicator, remote engine start, universal garage door opener, heated/cooled cupholders, front and rear map lights.
|
||
|
Safety/Security Convenience Group
|
||
|
R/T
|
$740
|
$681
|
|
R/T w/MyGIG
|
$465
|
$428
|
|
Traction control, antiskid system, daytime running lights, wireless cell phone link.
|
||
|
Convenience Group
|
||
|
SXT
|
$550
|
$506
|
|
SXT w/Leather Interior Group
|
$300
|
$276
|
|
Heated front seats and mirrors, remote engine start.
|
||
|
Leather Interior Group
|
||
|
SXT
|
$925
|
$851
|
|
SXT w/MyGIG Multimedia
|
$790
|
$727
|
|
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls.
|
||
|
Sport Appearance Group
|
||
|
SXT
|
$310
|
$285
|
|
SXT w/2.7-liter V6 engine
|
$550
|
$406
|
|
Fog lights, rear spoiler, 215/55R18 tires (w/2.7-liter V6 engine).
|
||
|
Sound Group
|
||
|
SXT
|
$630
|
$580
|
|
SXT Leather Interior Group or MyGIG
|
$495
|
$455
|
|
Boston Acoustics sound system, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls.
|
||
|
|
||
Powertrain |
||
|
2.7-liter V6 engine
|
||
|
SXT
|
$1,350
|
$1,242
|
|
Includes antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, Touring Suspension.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
SXT, R/T
|
$935
|
$860
|
|
SXT/R/T w/Premium Convenience Group
|
$775
|
$713
|
|
Includes illuminated visor mirrors.
|
||
|
DVD entertainment system
|
||
|
SXT, R/T
|
$1,195
|
$1,099
|
|
Requires hard drive and touch screen or MyGIG Multimedia.
|
||
|
MyGIG Multimedia
|
||
|
SXT
|
$1,770
|
$1,628
|
|
SXT w/Safety/Security Convenience Group
|
$1,410
|
$1,297
|
|
R/T
|
$1,200
|
$1,104
|
|
R/T w/Safety/Security Convenience Group
|
$925
|
$851
|
|
Navigation system w/voice recognition, satellite radio, traffic information, CD/DVD player, hard drive, wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night rearview mirror (SXT).
|
||
|
Hard drive and touch screen
|
||
|
SXT
|
$650
|
$598
|
|
R/T
|
$300
|
$276
|
|
Boston Acoustics sound system
|
||
|
R/T
|
$495
|
$455
|
|
Leather upholstery
|
||
|
R/T
|
$775
|
$713
|
|
R/T w/Premium Convenience Group
|
$525
|
$483
|
|
Floormats
|
||
|
SE
|
$30
|
$28
|
|
Smoker's Group
|
||
|
R/T, SE, SXT
|
$30
|
$28
|
|
Ash tray, lighter.
|
||
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Engine-block heater
|
||
|
R/T, SE, SXT
|
$40
|
$37
|
|
Rear spoiler delete
|
||
|
R/T
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
Special paint
|
||
|
R/T, SE, SXT
|
$150
|
$138
|
|
Premium paint
|
||
|
R/T, SE, SXT
|
$225
|
$207
|
|
Chrome alloy wheels
|
||
|
R/T
|
$550
|
$506
|
|
|
||
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2009 Dodge Avenger Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Dodge Avenger 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 108.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 190.9 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.8 |
| Overall Height, in. | 58.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3355 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.4 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.5 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | dohc V6 | sohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /144 | 2.7 /167 | 3.5 /215 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 172 @ 6000 | 190 @ 6400 | 235 @ 6400 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 165 @ 4400 | 190 @ 4000 | 232 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Optional | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|||
| 4-speed automatic | 21/30 | 19/27 | --/-- |
| 6-speed automatic | --/-- | --/-- | 16/28 |
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 4-door sedan |
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
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%.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2009 Dodge Avenger Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Dodge Avenger Full Review
7.
8.
9.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Locate a Dealer
Sell Your Car
Powered by:
-
MAKE -
CATEGORY
Subcompact Car
Compact Car
Midsize Car
Large Car
Premium Midsize Car
Premium Large Car
Sporty/performance Car
Premium Sporty/performance Car
Minivan
Full-size Van
Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Compact Pickup Truck
Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Premium Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Pickup Truck
Premium Compact Car
Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Exotic Car
