2008 Dodge Avenger

You wouldn’t pick it looking at the Dodge Avenger, but the car is actually based on the same D-segment platform as the Chrysler Sebring. That’s because of the very Dodge Charger-like styling. The Avenger isn’t as big as the Charger of course, but it fits in well within the aggressively styled Dodge range. Indeed Chrysler product czar Larry Lyons says the Avenger, “completes the Dodge passenger car line-up.” Until now, Dodge has depended on its truck models, but the changes in buyer trends and higher fuel prices mean that Dodge now needs to concentrate on the smaller end of the market.

Dodge also needs to concentrate on markets outside the US and the stylist of the car, Ryan Nagode, has admitted that because the car was intended to sell in Europe it had to stand out as being very ‘American’, and not going into European markets as another boring looking car. Nagode also admits that the front of the Avenger was strongly influenced by his own sunglasses, while the corners of the car were inspired by boxing gloves, to look as if they are protective surfaces for the Avenger.

Like the Sebring the 2008 Avenger Dodge is front wheel drive, allowing an entry level price of $19,020 for the 2.4 liter 173 horsepower four cylinder engine. Helping that low price is the fact that the SE doesn’t even have ABS brakes, which is a surprise these days. The next model in the range - the SXT - gets a 2.7 liter 189 horsepower V6 engine. Topping the range is the R/T edition, which gets 235 horsepower 3.5 liter V6, darkened headlight surrounds, and a two tone interior. There’s also a four wheel drive version of the R/T if you want extra traction from your Avenger.