2009 Dodge Avenger Review and Prices
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Price: $21,255 - $26,155
MPG: 21 / 30 / 24
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2009 Dodge Avenger Buying Advice
For all the hype surrounding new-car marketing, one thing is clear: The old school, midsize car is still America’s bread-and-butter choice. Rare is the family that hasn’t put at least one midsize four-door sedan in its driveway at one time or another. The Avenger is Dodge’s entry in this traditional class. Its angle is a non-traditional approach to styling, coupled with economy and a sporting attitude.
Unfortunately, Avenger doesn’t always deliver the driving experience its attitude promises. But it does have an ace in the hole: It’s available with all-wheel drive (AWD) as an alternative to the standard front-wheel drive. AWD is rare in cars, and rarer still in cars of Avenger’s size and price range.
So if you’re considering this sedan from Dodge, and especially if you live in the snow belt, we’d recommend a top-line Avenger R/T model with AWD. With frequent factory incentives and likely dealer discounts, an AWD Dodge Avenger R/T ought to be available for substantially less than its sticker price of $26,000 or so. You’ll get a sporty sedan with plenty of power and the all-weather security of AWD. The driving experience of AWD traction combined with a car’s lower center of gravity is something that could reform a lot of SUV drivers, once they try it.
Avenger competes best as a value-driven alternative in the midsize segment. The base trim levels are aggressively priced, but, a fully loaded R/T carries a sticker price in the low-$30,000s, which pushes it into a comparison with the lower end of larger class cars. That’s a tough neighborhood to try to make a living.
2009 Dodge Avenger Changes back to top
No significant changes are expected for the 2009 Dodge Avenger. Avenger was introduced as a 2008 model to replace the Stratus as Dodge’s midsize-car offering.
No change to the 2009 Dodge Avenger will significantly alter its performance or passenger accommodations from those of the 2008 model. Statements in this review about performance and accommodations are based on detailed test drives of the 2008 Dodge Avenger.
2009 Dodge Avenger Test Drive back to top
Driving the Dodge Avenger: Overall, the Avenger doesn’t match the refined feel of the Accord or Camry, though the top, R/T model gets the closest. The 2.4-liter four has middling power and is loud at full throttle, but if fuel economy is your bottom line, this is the thriftiest choice. The 3.5 V-6 has a comfortable surplus of power and may be worth the tradeoff in miles per gallon if you have a lead foot. The 2.7-liter V-6 is the best balance between the two; sufficient power for all of your driving needs, more refined feeling than the four, in-the-ballpark fuel economy.
Avenger has a fully independent suspension. Going down the highway or tackling a twisty road, the R/T feels tight and responsive. The all-wheel drive system functions in front wheel drive under normal conditions. However, power is automatically transferred to the rear wheels as needed, to enhance traction, on wet or dry roads. The added grip, coupled with the lower center of gravity that a car has (compared to an SUV) gives Avenger a planted feel on the pavement.
Electronic stability control, traction control and antilock brakes combine for added confidence when driving conditions deteriorate. Visibility is generally good, although wide rear roof pillars block part of the driver’s rear-quarter view.
Riding in the Dodge Avenger: The Avenger’s cabin will comfortably hold four; five in a pinch. Front-seat occupants taller than 6-feet will likely need to move their seats far enough rearward to cramp leg room for like-sized back-seat riders.
Ride quality is good throughout the Avenger lineup. The sport-tuned suspension fitted to R/T’s is stiffer than the other trim levels, though not harsh.
Avenger’s interior boasts a couple of cool features – literally. Above the glove box is a separate shelf designated the cool zone, slotted to fit four 12-ounce cans, and chilled to keep the contents cool. Also, the rearmost of the two center console cup holders is offered with an available cooling/heating element. We suggest a round of rock/paper/scissors to determine who gets custody of the sole, climate controlled space.
Dodge uses a two-tone color scheme in the interior to break up the expanse of plastics. Three upholstery options are available: cloth, leather/vinyl and something Dodge calls YES Essentials cloth, which it says is highly resistant to stains and odors.
Molded, door-mounted map pockets are small, but the trunk is usably sized at 13.3 cubic feet. Rear seats split/fold to add to your cargo capacity.
Dodge Avenger dashboard and controls: Avenger’s dashboard display is straightforward and legible. The four-spoke steering wheel (leather wrapped, on R/T models) frames speedometer, tachometer, gas and water temperature gauges.
Controls are generally easy to find and simple to operate. Those for the climate system are centrally located and admirably simple. The optional multimedia/navigation system is fairly intuitive to operate. Door-mounted power window switches are tough to work with a winter gloved hand.
2009 Dodge Avenger Prices back to top
Four models are available: SE (about $19,300), SXT (about $20,200), R/T (about $24,000) and R/T AWD (about $26,000). The options list includes a rear seat video system (about 1,200). Though common in minivans, this feature is unusual in mid-size cars, and the modern way to keep kids quiet during long trips. Another package adds an “infotainment” radio with navigation system.
Peel $1,200 from your wallet (on R/T, about $1,800 on SXT) and you get a upscale sound system with a 20-gigabyte hard disc drive on board to store your own music, photos and voice messages, a navigation system with a 6.5-inch-diameter screen, and a handful of other tech-related items, like a hand’s free communication system for your cell phone, self-dimming rearview mirror and SIRIUS satellite radio.
2009 Dodge Avenger Fuel Economy back to top
EPA estimates say that the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine should get 21 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway. The 2.7 V-6 is rated at 19/27. The 3.5 V-6 is expected to get 16/26 with front wheel drive; 15/24 with all-wheel drive. All engines use regular-grade gas.
2009 Dodge Avenger Safety and Reliability back to top
Avenger’s standard safety equipment includes seat-mounted side airbags and head-protecting side curtain airbags. Anti-lock, four wheel disc brakes, electronic stability program and traction control are standard on the R/T with AWD, and available elsewhere.
This Dodge earned top marks (five stars) in federal government tests of frontal impact protection. Avenger received a five star rating for front seat, side-impact protection, and four stars for the rear.
Introduced just last year, Avenger’s newness makes it difficult to assess its long-range prospects for quality and reliability.
According to J.D. Power and Associates, the well known quality and customer satisfaction evaluators, Dodge vehicles generally rank average to just below average in initial quality studies. Dodge fares better on the design and mechanical quality of features and accessories, worse on overall quality categories. The ratings are about average across the board in J. D. Power’s dependability studies.
That said, Avenger has a notably solid feel going down the road; tight and rattle-free. Chrysler’s lifetime, unlimited warranty on the powertrain should scotch any worries about long term reliability of the motor.
2009 Dodge Avenger Release Date back to top
Release date for the 2009 Dodge Avenger is autumn 2008.
What's next for the 2009 Dodge Avenger back to top
The Dodge Avenger continues in entry-level SE, midline SXT, and sporty R/T models. A 172-horsepower four-cylinder engine is standard on SE and SXT. A 190-horsepower 2.7-liter V-6 is optional for the SXT. Exclusive to the R/T is a 235-hporsepower 3.5-liter V-6. The 3.5 V-6 uses a modern six-speed automatic transmission, Avenger’s other engines use a more-pedestrian four-speed automatic. The R/T is the only model available with AWD.
Dodge (along with Jeep) is a division of Chrysler, which in August was sold by Daimler, the German maker of Mercedes-Benz. Chrysler was purchased by a U.S. investment group, but its change in ownership has put all future product plans under the microscope, with an eye towards streamlining and eliminating duplication.
Avenger’s corporate cousin is the Chrysler Sebring. If Chrysler LLC leans out the lineup, look for Avenger to remain as the midsize standard bearer, since the Dodge has been better received than the Chrysler. However, the Sebring convertible has been a consistent money-maker, and there is no Avenger comparative. We expect the company to find a way to keep that model under the tent.
The Dodge Avenger’s next redesign isn’t due before the 2013 model year, so the 2009 Dodge Avenger will be current in basic styling and engineering until then.
2009 Dodge Avenger Competition back to top
Avenger toils in a segment stacked with some heavy hitters (Honda Accord and Toyota Camry), domestic dark horses (Ford Fusion) and notable newcomers (Chevrolet Malibu).
With refined build quality and a reputation for reliability, the Honda and the Toyota are the obvious choices for those who don’t like to choose. They collectively own the lion’s share of the midsize market.
Accord was last all new for the 2007 model year. The next-generation Accord isn’t likely to arrive before 2012; look for Honda to add a diesel powered version, possibly before the next full redesign.
Camry, too, was all new for 2007 and is available as a gas-electric Hybrid model. Camry may get a style freshening for the 2010 model year, but its next design generation isn’t due until the 2012 model year.
The Ford Fusion offers the Avenger tough competition on several fronts. It’s arguably the highest-quality product Ford has fielded in years, and it is a domestic, for those buyers who prefer to buy American. It also has an all-wheel drive model that goes head to head with Avenger R/T AWD. Introduced for 2006, the Ford Fusion is due for a style freshening for the 2009 model year, when it reportedly will add a gas-electric hybrid version, but likely won’t be re-engineered before the 2013 model year.
All-new for 2008, the Chevy Malibu’s next redesign isn’t anticipated before 2011-2012. Like Fusion, Malibu presents problems for Avenger because of its quality and status as fellow domestic. Unlike Fusion or Avenger, there is no all-wheel drive version at present, but the Chevy does have a hybrid model available, and rolling changes (for example, a six speed automatic became available optionally on four-cylinder models during the second quarter of 2008) help keep the product line fresh.