2008 Dodge Avenger
Posted by admin on 11 Sep 2007
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.
The Electronically Controlled Coupling four wheel drive system is unusual in that it reacts firstly to the position of the throttle – if the driver floors it, the system diverts torque to the rear axle. The system secondarily reads off individual wheel speeds, as when the Avenger loses traction at one end.
All Avengers come standard with a six speed automatic, and there’s no manual option available.
In other markets a diesel and a 2.0 liter four cylinder engine are available.
Inside the Avenger there’s a chill zone compartment above the glovebox that accommodates four soft drink cans, while an option is a centre mounted cupholder that can be set to keep your drink warm or cool. You can also option up MyGig, which is an audio system, navigation system, and general entertainment system that works through a hard drive.
This is not an appealing automobile.
I am the proud owner of an ‘08 R/T. This car is a lot of fun to drive and I highly recommend it.
I was a PROUD owner of the 2008 Avenger.I’ve had my car for 8 months. I’ve taken my car to two different dealership at least 10 times for different problems. Six of those times was because my car would hesitate to start. An everytime I pick it up the problem is supposed to be fixed. I deal with this problem at least twice a month. My advice is not to get a car thats been on the market for less than a year.
Dawn,
I agree with you. I got mines in Sept. and at this point I would not drive it on a long trip. The dealer has had mines for approx 1 1/2 months for problems. It took them two times and a little over a month to figure out that the computer was telling the car the door was open while I was driving on the freeway – thus the car is trying to shut down while I’m going 60 mph. I’ve been told that since it’s a 2008 it’s new and they are working out the bugs. I am now having a brake light problem. I really am thinking if I can tell them I don’t want this car it’s a lemon or if all other Avengers are having the same problems.
My wife is having hesitation problems on start up that can’t be identified. They’ve replaced the alternator, the starter, and the wireless controle system. Once after complaining about it they found wires that were sealed under recall, the wires had melted and were damn closed to causing a fire. She’s had it since Sept 08, they wouldn’t take her complaints at first, they after she hit 15000 miles they started looking into it…bad for us 15000 is the cut off for lemon law in Maryland.
What was the ultimate fix for all your stuttering issues? My car was doing it under warranty they replaced the whole ecm cause check engine kept comin on and now 5000 miles later its doing it again and out of warrant
This is the worst car ever. As soon as a warranty on a part runs out so does the part. First the warranty is a JOKE. I bought my 2008 Avenger in 2008 with 12,000 miles on it. Two months later I needed new brakes and roters which I had to pay out of my pocket because the warranty was only for 12,000 miles. 6 months after I had the car I needed new brake shoes also not under warranty. A year and a half later I needed a new alternator for a car that was under 2 years old. Of course the warranty had just run out. I have had my car less than a year and have shoveled out $2,000. in repairs. I spoke to someone named Becky at Chrysler 1-800-853-1403 and began asking about other recalls that I found out Chrysler was being investigated on. Once I started becoming very inquisitive, Becky (of course she refused to give me her last name) told me that she couldn’t discuss anything that didn’t pertain to my vehicle’s VIN#. Prior to that she told me of two things that had nothing to do with my vehicle and later said she only told me because people were calling in about those issues (which let’s not forget…..still had nothing to do with my vehicle according to her). Chrysler is yet another automobile company that is DISHONEST and trying to sham it’s customers. I will NEVER purchase another car from them again and I am going to make sure EVERY Media source who will listen gets the story on them.