On The Road
Firing up either of the V6 engines results in a silent, harmonics-free idle. Once under way, the 2.7 litre V6 delivers crisp about-town performance. It remains operationally unobtrusive unless pushed hard, at which point its presence is heard but not so much felt. Despite its adequate highway performance, passing power could be improved with the implementation of the six-speed autobox from the R/T. When pushed to the max, the small V6 works long and hard to make its way through the limited gearing of four cogs instead of six.

A 2.4L I-4 as well as two V6 engines will be offered.

The huskier V6 powering the R/T combined with its more sophisticated transmission, delivers strong, inspiring performance but at a significant penalty to fuel-economy. Unless stout performance is mandatory, I suspect the majority of Avenger seekers will be content with the weaker but more frugal V6; I would be. Unfortunately, I did not sample the 2.4 litre, four-banger engine. From what my colleagues had to say, it was a very satisfying powerplant given its smaller displacement and reduced output.

Avenger ride quality impressed. I dispatched numerous highway and city miles from the business seat of both an SXT mid-model Avenger and the tautly suspended R/T version. My notes pertaining to the SXT read: smooth composed ride over rough roads; solid body structure; low wind and road noise; quiet on the highway. To sum it up, the Avenger conducts itself on the road like a more expensive vehicle. in R/T form, the Avenger simply gets better. Ride quality diminishes slightly due to revised damping and spring rates while in return, handling competency notches significantly upward. The R/T is a very rewarding, performance-oriented sedan that also belies its modest price-point.

Final Word
DaimlerChrysler is redefining its Dodge brand as their performance division. With its campaign theme of, "Boredom is the Villain," the new Avenger lineup is a relatively inexpensive example of that concept. I found the Avenger to be a very worthy example of the ever-improving value that manufacturers are building into modern vehicles. The base Avenger SE bears an attractive Canadian MSRP of $21,995. A nicely equipped SXT starts at $23,960 while the hot, heavily contented R/T can be acquired for just $28,760.

"Boredom is the Villain"

Chiseled styling
Wide range of powerplants
Smooth, composed ride


Only the R/T delivers inspirational acceleration
Four-speed transmission in SE and SXT
No manual transmission availability


Antilock brakes not standard equipment on SE
Electronic Stability Program not standard equipment on SE or SXT


Photo Credit : Rob Rothwell