Dodge Avenger (JS)

The Dodge Avenger is Dodge’s current mid-size sedan which recently replaced the outgoing Dodge Stratus. The Avenger starts at $18,895, priced $1,605 below the comparable Stratus and features $985 more content. Four models are offered: Dodge Avenger SE, Dodge Avenger SXT and Dodge Avenger R/T, and a first for Dodge in the mid-size segment, Dodge Avenger R/T AWD (late availability). Built on the JS Platform, the Avenger is virtually identical to its Chrysler counterpart, the Sebring.

Recent Changes

 * For 2011, the whole Dodge lineup gets a massive upgrade. The 2011 Avenger receives a vastly improved and quieter interior, better powertrain choices and more aggressive suspension. Outside, however, changes are minor and only entail a revised lower front fascia, new grille and the addition of LED taillamps out back. Under the hood, Chrysler has fitted a recalibrated version of its 2.4-liter inline-four, mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission. The automaker's new 3.6 litre Pentastar V6 is available, pumping out 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in this application. Additional big changes will be felt from behind the wheel, as Chrysler has heavily reworked the Avenger's suspension geometry. 26 of the car's 30 suspension bushings have been completely redesigned, the front and rear tracks have been bumped out by an inch, wider tires have been fitted and the car rides a bit lower to the ground. The steering has also been reworked to offer a more precise feeling and better level of engagement.

Styles and Major Options
SE

$18,985, 2.4 liter Four Cylinder, Dual variable valve timing, 21 city / 30 hwy EPA est. MPG, Anti-lock brakes (ABS), Remote start, UConnect, Heated cloth seats, Daytime running lamps, Engine block heater, Power sunroof,

SXT

$19,795, Anti-lock disc/drum brakes, YES Essentials® premium seat fabric, Fold-flat passenger seat, Power eight-way driver’s seat with lumbar, Passenger seat back map pocket, Chrome rings on the front speakers, Silver accent cluster bezels and six speakers, Chrome grille accents, Body-color body-side molding, SXT badge, 17-inch all-season tires with cast-aluminum machined painted wheels, 2.7-liter V-6 engine, Four-speed automatic transaxle, Stability control, MyGIG™ 30 Gigabyte HDD, Heated leather seats, Leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls,

R/T

$23,545, 235-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, Six-speed automatic transaxle (Auto Stick), Sport-tuned suspension, Performance steering, Leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, Leather-wrapped shift knob, AM/FM six-disc CD radio, Single-zone automatic temperature control, Automatic-dimming rearview mirror, Heated body-color folding exterior mirrors, Body-color bodyside molding, R/T badge, Automatic headlamps, Fog lamps, 18-inch all-season performance tires with burnished cast-aluminum wheels, Rear spoiler, Chrome-tipped dual exhaust,

R/T AWD

$25,545, All Wheel Drive, ESP with Traction Control,

Pricing
Add more fields as necessary.

Gas Mileage
Add more fields as necessary.

As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Engine and Transmission
Specifications, details, graphs, pictures and other information regarding the powertrain is placed in this section.

Performance
Three engine options power 2008 Dodge Avengers sold in the United States: the new standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine, an available flex-fuel 2.7-liter V-6 engine and an available 3.5-liter V-6 engine coupled with a new six-speed automatic transaxle with Auto Stick.

The 2008 Dodge Avenger SE and SXT feature a standard four-cylinder engine that rivals the best in the mid-size car segment when it comes to fuel economy. Avenger's 2.4-liter World Engine with dual variable valve timing delivers fuel efficiency in the city of 21 mpg (24 mpg using 2007 EPA standards), an excellent 30 mpg on the highway (32 mpg based on 2007 EPA standards), as well as smooth, quiet operation. Mated to a four-speed automatic transaxle, this new engine provides a 15 percent increase in horsepower (173 horsepower vs. 150 horsepower) and an 8 percent improvement in fuel economy compared with the 2.4-liter engine it replaces.

The Dodge Avenger SXT features an available Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) 2.7-liter V-6 engine that provides value- and performance-conscious consumers the power of a V-6 engine with a price that compares with the competitions’ four-cylinder engines. Avenger’s 2.7-liter V-6 engine produces 189 horsepower and 191 lb.-ft. of torque, providing more low-end torque (at an rpm 850 lower) compared with the 2.7-liter engine it replaces. This 2.7-liter V-6 engine achieves 19 mpg in the city (22 mpg based on 2007 EPA standards) and 27 mpg on the highway (30 mpg based on 2007 EPA standards). It also can operate effectively on any blend of gasoline and fuel-grade ethanol up to E-85.

Dodge Avenger R/T and R/T AWD sedans sold in the United States feature a standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 235 horsepower and 232 lb.-ft. of torque coupled with a new six-speed automatic transaxle that comes standard with Auto Stick. The combination of the upgraded 3.5-liter V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transaxle delivers excellent performance and fuel efficiency, as well as smooth, quiet operation.

The 2008 Dodge Avenger R/T’s six-speed automatic transaxle provides quicker standing-start acceleration than a four- or five-speed transaxle because of its numerically higher first gear ratio. A more robust differential with increased torque capacity enhances launch performance by requiring less torque management, electronically limiting the torque that is available during the initial stages of standing-start acceleration. Smaller steps between ratios also make for a smoother, quieter ride, as the engine speed doesn’t change as often with each shift. In addition, more ratio choices, more appropriate ratios for quicker acceleration and a lower overall top gear ratio provide a quiet ride and improved fuel economy at highway speeds.

Reliability

 * RECALL ALERT: On Oct. 3, 2007, Chrysler LLC announced a recall for MY 2007-2008 Dodge Avenger as part of a massive 72,333 Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring Convertible recall pertaining to potentially unseating front door latch cable which could cause the latch to stick in the unlatched position or the lock function to become inoperative. Additionally, 1,158 MY 2008 Dodge Avengers with all wheel drive (AWD) are being recalled because of improperly manufactured fuel tank straps that could separate causing the fuel tank to loosen and spill.


 * RECALL ALERT: On Nov. 20, 2007, Chrysler announced a massive recall entailing 102,042 MY 2007-2008 Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebrings equipped with the 2.4 liter engine. The problem stems from engine coolant that may be drawn into the left radiator cooling fan motor connector which can cause an electrical short circuit resulting in an engine compartment fire. Chrysler dealers will inspect the connector for contamination or damage, install a wiring harness overlay, and replace the fan motor.

Safety Features
Safety and security are a top priority among mid-size car buyers in the United States, and the all-new 2008 Dodge Avenger offers a unique combination of class-leading safety features that are designed to keep occupants both safe and secure. Avenger’s safety cage is constructed with dual-phase, high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel components designed to protect occupants in all driving situations. Avenger’s extremely strong safety cage is complemented with a combination of standard safety items demanded by buyers in the mid-size segment, including:


 * Advanced multi-stage front air bags
 * Side-curtain air bags
 * Front-seat-mounted side air bags

Anti-lock brakes and ESP with Traction Control also are available on the 2008 Dodge Avenger.

Colors
List the colors that the particular  is offered in.

Main Competitors
Create links to other   pages in this section.

Hybrid Models
If there are hybrid versions of this vehicle manufactured, then please elaborate a little bit on it here.

Unique Attributes
In addition to Dodge Avenger’s bold, aggressive design and functional interior, this all-new mid-size sedan also features a slew of new technologies unique in the segment.

“The 2008 Dodge Avenger heats up the mid-size car competition with several cool technologies,” said Tom Loveless, Director – Dodge Marketing and Global Communications, Chrysler Group. “From an available one-of-a-kind chilled beverage storage bin in the instrument panel to a heated/cooled cupholder and heated cloth seats, Avenger offers features buyers will really warm up to.”

Many unique features set Dodge Avenger apart in the extremely competitive mid-size car segment. These features include:


 * Chill Zone™ — a storage compartment in the top of the instrument panel that holds up to four standing 12 oz. beverage cans. Depending on ambient temperature and air conditioning settings, the bin can keep beverages cool
 * A heated/cooled front cupholder that keeps cold beverages cool and hot beverages warm. The system heats to 140 degrees Fahrenheit or cools to 35 degrees Fahrenheit
 * YES Essentials® Fabric — an easy-care, soil-repellent and anti-microbial textile that protects seats from stains, odors and discoloration
 * Heated cloth seats
 * An available DVD rear-seat entertainment system that includes AM/FM stereo radio with MP3 capable CD/DVD player, six-disc CD/DVD changer and SIRIUS® Satellite Digital Audio Radio
 * Light-emitting Diode (LED) interior lighting with high-focus white lights that provide directional lighting in both the front and rear seats
 * MP3 play capability on all audio systems

The 2008 Dodge Avenger also features MyGIG™, a cutting-edge information, entertainment and safety navigation audio system that raises the bar on in-vehicle communications. This best-in-class, next-generation navigation radio features a 6.5-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Display with a touch-screen panel that can support 65,000 colors, providing a three-dimensional appearance to graphics and animation, as well as multiple font sizes and styles. The MyGIG system follows voice-activated commands and includes many new features for music, sound, movies and personalized picture displays, including:


 * A 20 gigabyte hard disc drive that includes Music Juke Box for organizing music and pictures on the hard drive
 * Universal Serial Bus (USB) that provides both MP3 connectivity and downloading of WMA, MP3 and JPEG files onto the hard drive
 * Gracenote® database installed on the hard drive, which provides song identification, including composer, artist and title
 * Playlist creation capability to provide easy access to files
 * Voice memo recording, which allows a message up to 3 minutes long to be recorded using the microphone integrated into the rearview mirror
 * Radio screen, which can display movies (when vehicle is not in motion)
 * SIRIUS Satellite Radio, which provides customers with more than 125 channels of the best music, entertainment and information coast-to-coast, 24 hours a day. This includes 100 percent commercial-free music, as well as sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic and weather
 * UConnect® Hands-free Communication System that uses Bluetooth® technology to provide voice-activated wireless communication between the occupants’ compatible cell phones and the vehicle’s onboard receiver. The hands-free option promotes safety, freedom, value and flexibility

Exterior
“The all-new Dodge Avenger brings Dodge brand American muscle car heritage into the global mid-size car segment,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design, Chrysler Group. “Avenger does for the global D-segment what Caliber has done in the global C-segment — it offers a unique alternative to the competition.”

From the front, there’s no mistaking Dodge’s heritage in Avenger’s aggressive exterior lines. The brand’s signature crosshair grille and large, modern quad headlamps housed in black add to Avenger’s menacing glare. The Dodge Avenger’s chrome grille with black texture accentuates the vehicle’s serious, almost sinister appearance. A stamped formation carries the vertical lines of the crosshair grille over the hood.

Avenger’s side profile shares more family traits with the Dodge Charger. Muscular rear shoulders, large wheels and tires and a sleek rear spoiler embody the Dodge brand attributes of bold, powerful and capable. Avenger’s long greenhouse is created by black appliqués on the B-pillars, which make this mid-size sedan look like it’s pouncing forward, even when it’s at a standstill.

From the rear, large, expressive taillamp modules placed at the corners frame the deck lid, which includes a sleekly integrated, finely tuned body-color spoiler. This spoiler and chrome-tipped dual exhaust outlets communicate the performance capability of the Avenger R/T’s 3.5-liter engine.

The all-new 2008 Dodge Avenger rides on a 108.9-inch wheelbase and 61.8-inch track, which adds to its athletic stance, improves ride quality and stability and maximizes crush space in the engine compartment. Overall, Avenger is 1.2 inches wider and 4 inches taller than the vehicle it replaces.

Interior
Graphic design elements, which set the new 2008 Dodge Avenger’s exterior design apart from the competition, also are evident throughout the vehicle’s spacious interior.

Carefully matched grains and low gloss levels contribute to Avenger’s rich-looking interior surfaces. The instrument panel top pad and center stack feature a Franklin grain with low-gloss finish to match the defroster grille, driver cubby and Dodge logo on passenger side surrounds. From the cluster bezel to climate control knobs, circles are a primary graphic element repeated throughout the Dodge Avenger’s interior.

Taking a cue from the Dodge Ram name, the Avenger’s center stack features a V-like ram’s horn shape that surrounds the gated shifter bezel and serves as a design focal point. Avenger’s center stack features dual heating and air conditioning vents. A large opening below the vents provides room for either the standard AM/FM/CD radio or the available cutting-edge MyGIG™ Multimedia Navigation/Audio/Entertainment/Communication system. On vehicles equipped with the UConnect® Hands-free Communication System, phone buttons are packaged in the radio control head for easy access and a clean, streamlined appearance.

Unique to Dodge Avenger in the mid-size segment is Chill Zone™, a chilled beverage storage bin that is standard on all Avenger models. Housed in the passenger side upper instrument panel, the bin can hold and chill as many as four 12-oz. beverage cans.

Avenger’s interior provides comfortable seating for the driver and as many as four passengers. Drivers sit 2.5 inches higher than they did in Dodge’s previous mid-size sedan, giving them a command-of-the-road seating position. The interior cabin also is extremely spacious with 100.9 cu. ft. of room, which is an additional 7 cubic feet of interior passenger volume compared with the vehicle it replaces. There are 2.5 inches more headroom, 1.2 inches more shoulder room and an inch more hip room in the front seat. Luggage volume in the trunk is a competitive 13.35 cubic feet.

2011 Interior

Resale Values
Add more fields as necessary.

Criticisms
Please make sure to keep critiques in a third-person point of view. If using criticisms from a reputable automotive source, then please make sure to cite the quote.

Generations
Fill in as many as appropriate. Add more if necessary and pictures wherever applicable.

Please make sure NOT to use copyrighted pictures.

Production
Production of the 2008 Dodge Avenger began in the fourth quarter of 2006 at the refurbished Sterling Heights (Mich.) Assembly Plant, alongside the Chrysler Sebring and Chrysler Sebring Convertible. Avenger’s 173 horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine is built in the state-of-the art Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) plant in Dundee, Mich. The 2.7-liter V-6 engine and the 3.5-liter V-6 engine are built at the Kenosha (Wis.) Engine Plant.

Worldwide
If the vehicle is sold in other markets worldwide, then this is the section to mention that information. Also, mention if the  goes by another name in these other markets.

Design quirks and oddities
Refer to any pop-culture tidbits about the vehicle in this section.

Awards
List out notable awards that the model has recieved while in production. Boldface the company or orgainization that gives out the award, and Italicize the name of the award.