2010 Dodge Avenger Review

 The Avenger for 2010 represents Dodge in the mid size sedan class. Trim levels include the midlevel SXT and sporty R/T, plus a new special model, the Express. The Avenger is not in an easy market, as there are many models populating the segment that are valid competitors. But the Avengers strong lines, trademark grille, and great cabin space make it a favorite for many.  Safety features include six airbags, anti-lock brakes, active head restraints, tire pressure monitoring, and a security system. For anyone looking for a daily driver or even a family sedan with some serious presence and style, the Avenger is a good bet. This Dodge model has a starting MSRP $20,230 - $21,730 and an estimated fuel economy of 16-21 mpg city, and 27-30 mpg on the highway.

2010 Avenger Trim Levels

The SXT, Express, Heat, and R/T are differentiated by appearance and features. Standard all both models are power mirrors, keyless entry, 60/40-split rear seat, rear defroster, cruise control, tilt-telescoping steering wheel, tire-pressure monitor, and air conditioning.
You can tell them apart by their grilles. The SXT has a body-colored grille, while the R/T has black-and-chrome, and the R/T has a rear decklid spoiler and fog lamps. The R/T also has standard anti-lock brakes, power heated mirrors, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, an upscale sound system with six speakers instead of four, 17-inch tires and alloy wheels instead of the 16-inch tires and steel wheels of the SXT, and a higher level of interior trim. The R/T is also available with a wider range of options.

Avenger Express adds Uconnect Phone, iPod Control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, power driver's seat, heated premium cloth seats, heated exterior mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, chromed interior accents, Media Center 430 radio with touchscreen and 30-gigabyte hard drive, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, 17-inch aluminum wheels, chromed crosshair grille and 2.4-liter World Engine with automatic transmission.

Driving the Dodge Avenge

 The front-drive Avenger chassis shared with the Sebring was designed from the beginning for a convertible as well as a sedan, and that means that it is extraordinarily stiff and strong. It's also designed to meet all of the crash regulations aimed at pedestrian safety and get multiple five-start crash ratings, too. The 2010 Dodge Avenger is powered by a choice of two engines: a four-cylinder or a V-6. All models are standard with a 173-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The R/T can be equipped with a 235-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine and a six-speed overdrive automatic transmission. The V-4 can operate on gasoline or E85, which is the blend of 85-percent ethanol and 15-percent gasoline, and it is matched with a four-speed automatic transmission. The Dodge Avenger shares all of its major mechanical systems and components with the Chrysler Sebring, although it is by no means just a clone.

Design of the 2010 Avenger

The Avenger proudly takes all of its design cues directly from Dodge's first four-door coupe, the Charger, and just downsizes everything a little bit here and there to become a stylish midsize family sedan. The bodies of the trim levels are the same, front, side and rear, but the R/T version adds a rear decklid spoiler, black-and-chrome grille, and fog lamps just to let you know it's an R/T, even if you're not close enough to read the decklid badge. The grille, the bumpers, the taillights, and that familiar body kick-up at the trailing edge of the rear doors tell you that this is not like the rest of them in the midsize pack. The Avenger offers a sporty look, complementing the Sebring's styling. The rear end looks much like the one on the full-size Charger, and the side profile draws elements from the compact Caliber. Up front, the Avenger gets Dodge's trademark chrome crosshair grille. The Dodge Avenger is the first car in a long time to bring some real style to the middle of the American car market.

Dodge Avenger Cabin

 The Avenger has a well appointed cabin, with room for a small family. One thing that may make the rear seat area more inviting is the optional DVD entertainment system with a small swing-up screen mounted at the rear end of the center console. There's plenty of cargo room inside the car with 60/40 split folding rear seats and an optional folding front seat that enables carrying eight-foot-long cargoes. The trunk, at 13.5 cubic feet, is easy to load and unload because the center of the bumper is dropped to create a lower liftover height. A 60/40-split folding rear seat accommodates longer items from the trunk. For even more-oversized cargo, a fold-flat passenger seat is standard. The interior environs of the 2010 Dodge Avenger are pleasant; the front bucket seats are widely adjustable, comfortable, and generally supportive, although the thigh support is lacking for tall drivers. A standard feature on all models is a tilting, telescoping steering wheel, not usually found in this price class, but welcome and useful. The instruments are laid out in a good-looking array, white on black with chrome trim rings. The rear seat area is adequate, and gives plenty of room for small adults and children.

Conclusions

For 2010, the Avenger gets standard antilock brakes. The base SE trim level has been dropped, while the Avenger receives two new special models: Express and Heat, which add additional features over the SXT trim. Visit the official Dodge Avenger site for more information and updates. The Dodge Avenger is an attractive midsize sedan based off the Chrysler Sebring. With similar looks to a Dodge Charger, the Avenger offers many sporty features and standard equipment found in higher class vehicles. The Dodge Avenger is offered in three trim levels: Express, SXT or R/T. In many ways the Avenger is a scaled-down Charger four-door coupe for those family sedan buyers who would really like to have a car that looks like a big Charger, but operate their lives on a four-cylinder or V6 budget and sensibility, not a 5.7-liter Hemi budget. For more research read a review of the 2010 Avenger by the Car Connection.