First Drive: 2008 Dodge Avenger

The Dodge version of the Chrysler Sebring gets a new name, but does it face the same fate?

Although the mid-size-sedan segment is a cash cow for most players in the field, Dodge just hasn’t been able to get one right since the full-size Intrepid (remember that?) more than a decade ago. For 2008, Dodge is making a fresh start with an all-new mid-size sedan that will make you forget all about the old Stratus, which went away last year with few people noticing. Renamed the Avenger, an aggressive name that recalls that decidedly unaggressive Mitsubishi-based coupe that Dodge sold in the 1990s, the new sedan arrives at a party where it’s extremely hard to stand out.
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Lem1972 - 3/2/2007 12:55:04 PM

0 Boost

This is the bottom line if Chrysler is to survive:

They need a thoroughly new design philosophy.

speedpropr - 3/2/2007 8:33:35 PM

0 Boost

I just does not , conseive why chrystler insist in this "square" looking abominations on wheels, do they realise is not the "80" anymore? we are living in the year 2007, I can see ,average confort and average performance, in an average priced car, But why do they have to make them less than average apoealing ?

, do they notice what others are doing in the economic price segment? Ot is this like, average music productions, they intend to sell them just by flooding the peolple with promotion and rebates.

I read that american car sales are not doing so well, dont they realise why?

In a market full of similar products, that basic

speedpropr - 3/2/2007 8:33:36 PM

0 Boost

I just does not , conseive why chrystler insist in this "square" looking abominations on wheels, do they realise is not the "80" anymore? we are living in the year 2007, I can see ,average confort and average performance, in an average priced car, But why do they have to make them less than average apoealing ?

, do they notice what others are doing in the economic price segment? Ot is this like, average music productions, they intend to sell them just by flooding the peolple with promotion and rebates.

I read that american car sales are not doing so well, dont they realise why?

In a market full of similar products, that basic

speedpropr - 3/2/2007 8:33:36 PM

-1 Boost

I just does not , conseive why chrystler insist in this "square" looking abominations on wheels, do they realise is not the "80" anymore? we are living in the year 2007, I can see ,average confort and average performance, in an average priced car, But why do they have to make them less than average apoealing ?

, do they notice what others are doing in the economic price segment? Ot is this like, average music productions, they intend to sell them just by flooding the peolple with promotion and rebates.

I read that american car sales are not doing so well, dont they realise why?

In a market full of similar products, that basic

EL34 - 3/2/2007 1:12:11 PM

+2 Boost

I've seen this car and it's not as bad as some of you think.

Lem1972 - 3/2/2007 1:43:47 PM

+4 Boost

EL34,

But that's the problem. If you're Chrysler Corp., and you're trying to survive, your products can't thought of as, "It's not as bad as some of you think". In this market, I want to hear, "It's a great car". Chrysler has been hitting lots of singles. I'm looking for a home run.

EL34 - 3/2/2007 1:53:47 PM

+1 Boost

This Dodge will sell good in the Mid West, but not here in SoCal.

S4cabriofoxone - 3/2/2007 2:25:37 PM

+2 Boost

How do you know it will do well where I live?

I bet you couldn't even locate Chicago on a map.

And you're just pathetic. Not everybody in southern California is as materialistic and ego-driven as you.

EL34 - 3/2/2007 6:19:51 PM

+1 Boost

S4cabriofoxone, I was born in the city of Elhurst at Dupage Hospital and have many relatives in the area as well as Southern Illinois in the city of Carbondale and Green Bay, Wisconsin.

When I was back in Carbondale 2 1/2 years ago I saw a lot of American cars and it's just the opposite here in OC.

S4cabriofoxone - 3/3/2007 6:32:52 PM

+1 Boost

Your pomposity is alarming. I doubt your adulthood, increasingly as every day passes, in fact.

Do you see me bragging about how rich I am or how rich my town is all the time? No. It's just not right.

moparman64 - 6/19/2007 5:34:44 AM

+1 Boost

it is a acsualy VERY attractive car!!!

sold2early - 3/2/2007 1:45:47 PM

+3 Boost

I've been in a Sebring rental; the interior fit/finish and quality of materials was about the worst I've seen in any car.

I can't imagine the Avenger will be any different. They're going to need hefty incentives to move it.

moparman64 - 6/19/2007 5:36:35 AM

+1 Boost

did you rent anythingelse?

lexusis350 - 3/2/2007 2:10:51 PM

0 Boost

I don't like the Avenger. It looks like a Nitro, only made into a car. The new Challenger, though, is way nice.

lewissalem - 3/2/2007 2:23:12 PM

+2 Boost

The new Chrysler interiors are a complete disappointment. There is no excuse for this at any price point. Huge panel gaps, hard shiny plastic surfaces hollow to the touch, etc.

Will_ - 3/2/2007 2:30:28 PM

0 Boost

Behold the “Chargerette”

It appears they are still trying to ride the 300/Charger wave with the Sebring/Avenger. They'll get a nice wake-up call when they realize that people aren't falling for it.

Designer1 - 3/2/2007 4:14:18 PM

+1 Boost

uffff I'm tired. Why are the American companies keep thinking how to keep their Rental Car business going?
This car, just like any of its ancestors, will be nothing but a failure.

neutral - 3/4/2007 12:35:14 AM

+2 Boost

I was quite impressed with this vehicle when I saw it. Same goes for the Sebring. The pictures I saw online previous to the detroit autoshow do not do these cars justice. They're much nicer than I expected. I wouldn't mind having one.

moparman64 - 6/19/2007 5:39:56 AM

+1 Boost

we just got one for my cousin avenger r/t, super good!!! looks tide,drives like a dream,superb finish and quality,interior is very luxury too.thanks.

jt716 - 3/4/2007 8:23:58 PM

0 Boost

Chrysler needd to start getting hits atleast Ford and GM have a plan and hit cars for example Ford: Fusion/Milan/MKZ,Edge,Mariner/Escape. GM:Aura, Solistice (spelling)/Sky, Tahoe, Silverado etc.