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By Scott BurgessDetroit Newspapers
February 28, 2007
Criminals, crooks and rapscallions beware, superheroes around the world have a new weapon: The 2008 Dodge Avenger. The all-new Avenger, created by Chrysler Group, promises to take a bite out of the midsize car market as a stylish alternative to the segment's bland best-sellers. The name alone is worthy of Technicolor glory. As helpful as Batman's Alfred, the Avenger, which replaces the Dodge Stratus, is the newest import fighter to hit the streets. It may not usurp the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord or Nissan Altima, which take up nearly half of the growing midsize sedan segment, but it should hold its own. After all, if Batman -- the original TV Adam West version, not the Tim Burton brooding celluloid caped crusader -- taught us anything, it's that an utterly cool car can compensate for tights, a beer belly and an androgynous sidekick. Who cares about any of that when flames shoot out your car's giant bat wing tipped exhaust? Fire shouldn't shoot out of the Avenger's twin chrome-tipped tailpipes, but it's still a pretty cool looking car. The Avenger certainly has a bulked up look compared to its predecessor. It looks like a Stratus wearing a Charger costume for Halloween. That isn't a bad thing. The Charger has a distinctive design. Why not step that down into the midsize segment? However, there are still more than a few differences between an Avenger and a Charger. The Avenger won't ever come with Hemi brawn to chase down bad guys. Its power comes from one of three engines, the 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine, or the 2.7-liter and 3.5-liter, which are both six-bangers. The Clark Kent in me says go with the World Engine. It's a durable, economical and a well-mannered power plant.It manages to let even the Jimmy Olsens of the world punch evil foreign oil regimes in the barrels by maintaining 30 miles per gallon on the highway and 21 mpg in the city. And even though it's a four-cylinder engine mated to a clunky four-speed transmission, it manages 173-horsepower and 166-pound-feet of torque. Compared with the 2.4-liter, the Flex-Fuel capable 2.7-liter engine adds 16 more horses and 25 more pound-feet of torque, while hitting 27 mpg highway.However, my Scotty senses get all tingly when I start to think about the 3.5-liter power plant. Man would not be man if he did not crave more power. The 3.5-liter pushes out 235-horsepower. And Dodge expects to tap into that primal male urge. Executives at the fifth largest brand in the United States said 55 percent of Avenger customers will be men. It is targeting men between the ages of 30 and 35 who earn around $60,000 a year and have at least some college under their belts. They won't be disappointed. Auto Stick is responsive Taking sharp curves at speed in a fully loaded R/T outside of Scottsdale, the Avenger's four-wheel independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and multilink rear suspension stuck to the road like Spiderman to a wall. The platform, which also supports the Chrysler Sebring, can handle the front-wheel drive Avenger or an all-wheel drive version coming out later this year. Even a few miles over the recommended speed, the Avenger delivered excellent performance for a midsize sedan. The clutchless shifting, called Auto Stick by Dodge, is responsive. Its steering is crisp and clean no matter the speed or how hard I drove it. The ride is smooth and quiet, especially on the R/T's 18-inch wheels. The base model SE on 16-inch wheels also rode smoothly, with only slightly more interior noise. Only at speeds foolishly over the state recommendations did I find the vehicle's rear-end tended to push out on tight corners. But Dodge did its best to protect me from myself by including the optional electronic stability control. Perhaps the biggest improvements for Avenger compared with its predecessor are inside the cabin. A driver sits 2.5-inches higher than in the Stratus, giving him good lines of sight and a command position. A good seat and a good view make for confidence behind the wheel. Confidence also comes from the tools and gadgets available at your fingertips. What's Batman without his utility belt or Captain America without his shield? The My Gig Harman/Kardon navigation/infotainment system includes Sirius Satellite Radio and UConnect, a rear-seat video system; both are definite keepers. Included in the optional package is a 276-watt six-channel Boston Acoustics sound system that can divide up the cabin into three sound zones. A demonstration showed me how one person in the back seat could watch a DVD with headphones, while another -- also using headphones -- listens to dirty jokes on satellite radio. The Avenger also has a very nifty cooler. Just pop open a lunch-box sized storage container on the dash in front of the passenger and you can store a row of four soda cans. There's also a cup holder on the center console that can keep a drink either hot or cold. Inside and out, the new Avenger has personality, a welcome addition to a growing segment. A base SE interior package seems light on amenities, but that's to be expected. Dodge expects the middle of the line SXT model, which starts at $19,795 including shipping, to be its top seller. I'd agree. While consumers don't need a mid-size sedan to handle the likes of Lex Luther every day, the Avenger will certainly hold its own against those daily Jokers we all come across on the road. 2008 Dodge Avenger Type : A front-wheel drive mid-size sedan. All-wheel drive available. Retail price: $18,895-$32,770 Trim levels : SE, SXT and R/T Engines : 2.4-liter, 4-cyl World Engine, 173-hp, 166 lb-ft; 2.7-liter V-6, 189-hp, 191 lb-ft; 3.5-liter V-6; 235-hp, 232-lb-ft, 3.5-liter V-6. Transmission: 4-speed or 6-speed automatic, Dimensions : Length: 190.9-inches; Width: 71.8-inches; Wheelbase: 108.9 inches EPA mileage : 2.4-liter: 21 mpg city / 30 mpg highway 2.7-liter: 19 / 27 3.5-liter: 16/26 Estimated 12-month insurance costs, according to AAA Michigan: $716 Report card Overall: *** 1/4 Exterior: Good: Distinctive and different, the Avenger is a clear alternative in the midsize segment. Interior: Excellent: Innovative ideas and easy to use. Safety: Good: Standard front and side curtain airbags. Optional electronic stability control. Performance: Good: Decent power and excellent handling. Smaller engine can feel light at high speeds. Notes: The SXT with a 2.7-liter engine combines the best of power and efficiency. Grading scale Excellent: **** Good: *** Fair: ** Poor: *
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