It's been a hot couple of days at Bandimere Speedway outside Denver, CO, where the NHRA is holding its 32nd annual Mopar Mile High Nationals. With nearly fully clear skies... July 24, 2011 by Anne Proffit
Even though the 2012 Dodge Avenger R/T isn't as R/T as some other dodges--it just uses a standard Pentastar V-6 for motivation--it's still a significant upgrade over the... April 21, 2011 by Nelson Ireson 3
After seeing the Dodge Avenger rally car prototype hit the gravel hard, we were left wishing it would one day see competition. Unfortunately, that model was just an exercise... April 18, 2011 by Nelson Ireson 1
Earlier this week Chrysler made a cryptic announcement that it would unveil a new strategic partnership, a new production car, and a new "race-inspired" project car, with... April 13, 2011 by Nelson Ireson
Kurt Busch completes a burnout under the watchful eye of mentor Allen Johnson Photo: Dodge Motorsports Allen Johnson competes at Pomona last November Photo: Anne Proffit... February 15, 2011 by Anne Proffit
The base Avenger lags far behind much of the competition because of its combination of a sorely unrefined base four-cylinder engine and interior appointments that look and feel downright cheap.
In comparison, the new Chevy Malibu's four-cylinder is much more refined and quiet, as is the Altima's.
The Sonata and Optima offer a more comfortable, hushed ride and nice interiors that feel better, even if they aren't as exciting to look at as the Avenger's.
Compared to the 2009 Dodge Avenger, the Ford Fusion feels especially sporty and nimble, and though its interior also has a basic design, the materials are better.
Roominess is one area where the Avenger does pretty well; its backseat feels capacious and has enough headroom for adults, while the backseats in several of these vehicles—especially the Altima—can be tight.
At the six-cylinder level, the Avenger R/T brings a lot of features and a sporty feel for about the same money as more sedately equipped V-6 rival models.