If you love the Charger, but can’t afford one, Dodge Avenger is your ride! The 2008 Dodge Avenger is a standout in the crowded, look-a-like, midsize sedan market. Avenger’s daddy was clearly the Dodge Charger, a full-size muscle car based on the Chrysler 300 architecture.
Avenger is built on a brand new platform engineered to be the basis of a sedan and convertible among other body styles. That means it is very stiff and structurally strong. Underneath its macho sheet metal, the 2008 Dodge Avenger has the right stuff to be an all-around standout sedan.
Dodge wants you to see “Charger Junior” upon taking in the Avenger. To that end, the Dodge stylists have done a fine job. Avenger has the “bad-boy” look and aggressive stance of the Charger. Based on appearance alone, the package is convincing. Avenger is a replicar built on a more fuel-efficient, front-wheel drive platform, sized and priced for affordability. At a base MSRP of $19,280, the 2008 Dodge Avenger will be a lot of fun and yet a down-to-earth and practical family car, too.
The 2008 Dodge Avenger is offered in base SE, SXT and performance-oriented R/T trim levels. The base SE has a 2.4-liter four cylinder engine under the hood, sports 16-inch steel wheels and includes a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, air conditioning, a CD stereo with an MP3 player input jack, cruise control, full power accessories and an air conditioned glovebox called the “Chill Zone.” The Avenger SXT goes with a 2.7-liter V6 and adds 17-inch alloy wheels, stain-resistant YES Essentials® cloth upholstery, a power driver’s seat, additional speakers for the audio system and a lengthier options list. The performance-equipped Dodge Avenger R/T bumps its V6 to 3.5-liters, adds 18-inch alloy wheels, firmer suspension tuning, single-zone automatic climate control, an in-dash CD changer, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and an auto-dimming rearview mirror among other standard features.
The extensive options list includes leather upholstery, a sunroof, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, Boston Acoustics speakers, satellite radio, heated front seats, heated/cooled front cupholders, Bluetooth connectivity (known as UConnect), keyless remote start and LED interior lighting. The most interesting add-on is a harman/kardon-designed navigation/audio system (known as MyGIG®) with real-time traffic updates (via SIRIUS) and a 20GB hard drive that allows owners to rip their own CDs or download MP3 files from a jump drive using a USB port. All-wheel drive and chrome wheels are optional on the R/T exclusively.
The base 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine develops 173 hp and 166 lb/ft of torque. It offers impressive fuel economy with an EPA estimate of 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. The 2.7-liter V6 is good for 189 hp and 191 lb/ft of torque and an EPA fuel mileage estimate of 19/27. Both the 2.4- and 2.7-liter engines work with a four-speed automatic transmission turning the front wheels. The Avenger R/T’s 3.5-liter V6 is capable of 235 hp and 232 lb/ft of torque and sends power through a sophisticated six-speed automatic transmission in either front-wheel drive or an optional all-wheel drive configuration. Chrysler says the Avenger R/T goes from zero-60-mph in 7.5 seconds while the 2.7-liter V6 in an Avenger SXT will add about a second to the time.
Those who refuse to use imagination to conjure up a Charger from the Avenger should go with the Avenger R/T. A sport-tuned suspension adds feel, even better handling and even more excitement to the Avenger. What’s more, the R/T’s all-disc brakes contribute stopping power equal to its acceleration.
The R/T has the best-looking Avenger interior, too. With white-faced gauges, chrome trim and a two-tone, leather-wrapped steering wheel, the R/T has an interior personality to match its exterior swagger. The seats are bold, bolstered and comfortable. The trim is bright and the cabin feels roomy. And really, it’s not just flash because you will find Avenger’s controls logically placed and easy to operate. Even the multi-featured MyGIG navigation/audio system only takes a few minutes to figure out and use, thanks to simple menus and instructions. The 60/40-split rear bench seats three and it folds down as does the front passenger seat, so you can put something quite long in the trunk and pass it through.
Standard safety equipment on the 2008 Dodge Avenger includes front-seat side airbags, full-length head curtain airbags and a tire-pressure monitor. Antilock brakes are standard on all models except the base SE on which they’re optional. All four-cylinder Avengers come with front disc/rear drum brakes while SXT models with the V6 and all R/T models have four-wheel discs. Stability control is optional on all trim levels except the SE.
If you are bored with what you’ve seen in the midsize sedan segment, take a look at the 2008 Dodge Avenger. Its bold looks and solid build are just the ticket for those with a bit of imagination. Schedule your test drive today.
Reed Brothers Dodge is conveniently located on Route 355 at the Shady Grove Metro at 15955 Frederick Rd in Rockville, Maryland 20855. Call Reed Brothers Dodge in Rockville, Maryland at 877-681-5021 or visit our website www.reedbrothersdodge.com.
Filed under: 2008 Vehicle Reviews | Tagged: 2008 dodge avenger, avenger, dodge avenger, dodge dealer, germantown dodge, md dodge, reed brothers dodge, rockville dodge, sedan, vehicle review
