Being "different" has been a key part of Dodge's image. They even used "Dodge Different" as their tagline a few years ago.

But is different enough? The new for 2008 Dodge Avenger front-drive midsize sedan will be a good test. I test drove a top-of-the-line and loaded Avenger R/T.

Styling

I like the Dodge Avenger's exterior styling much more than I thought I would. The tall, squared off ends are definitely different than those of other midsize sedans. Paired with the Avenger's relatively short (compared to the Charger) wheelbase and overall length, and the car has the bold purposefulness of a sledgehammer, something you won't find on any competitor.

The only bit that doesn't quite work is the large black plastic triangle used to fake the rear side window outline. But the rest works well enough that my eye wasn't drawn to this.

The related Chrysler Sebring's exterior styling is also unlike that of any other sedan. But the Avenger is different in a good way, not a goofy ungainly way.

I should note that my praise only applies to the R/T, with its deep front airdam, 18-inch five-spoke alloys, and twin large chrome exhaust tips. Without these bits, the lesser Avenger's have all the bold purposefulness of a 1980s K-Car. They're just bricks.

Inside, the Avenger isn't nearly so venturesome. Instead, the instrument panel is very conventionally designed. Materials are a bit better than those in other recent Chrysler designs, but still look and feel much cheaper than most. I especially don't care for the hard-door-mounted armrest with its untextured hard plastic door pull.

Accommodations

The Dodge Avenger is about as roomy inside as the segment leaders. But the seat cushions are too hard and flat to be comfortable. Worse, the lumbar support of the driver's seat adjusts between too much and way too much. It pressed uncomfortably into the center of my lower back. While your experience may vary--seat comfort is very subjective--for me this was the least comfortable driver's seat in recent memory.

Cargo fares better in the Avenger. Every seat but the driver's folds. Beverages fare better still. Four of them can be stored in the "chill zone" above the glove. And a heated and cooled cupholder is also available.

That not enough for you? Other available features include a hard-drive-based media storage system with integrated jukebox, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. No other car in the class can be packed with so much gadgetry.

On the Road

Three engines are available in the Avenger, but only the R/T's 235-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 provides the performance promised by the exterior. Paired with a six-speed automatic that includes short initial ratios, this V6 feels strong throughout its range and provides an especially thrilling, auditorially pleasing rush during the last 1,000 rpm before the redline. There's a bit of torque steer under hard acceleration, but less than most front-drive sedans with this much power. If the torque steer is an issue, all-wheel-drive will soon be available to cure it. The resulting drivetrain could be quite fun.

I was initially shocked by the EPA ratings on the window sticker: 16 city and 26 highway. But then I remembered that all EPA ratings will be down for 2008, courtesy of some more realistic test procedures. Using the old procedures the numbers would have been 19/28, which is on the low side of competitive.

The suspension is more taut and composed than that in the Sebring, but that's not saying much. As in most midsize sedans, the steering could be more quick and communicative for my taste, though in the R/T it does have a satisfying heft to it. Understeer and lean in turns are both present but moderate. The ride is neither plush nor punishing. At least there's no float. The Avenger R/T doesn't feel like a rental.

One drawback to the upcoming AWD R/T is that it will have the SXT's less aggressive steering and suspension tuning. I have no idea why, as this makes little sense.

Dodge Avenger Price Comparisons and Pricing

As expected, the Avenger is priced within dollars of the related Chrysler Sebring when both are comparably equipped.

When both are similarly loaded up, a Dodge Avenger R/T lists for about $3,800 less than a Nissan Altima 3.5 SE. The invoice prices are closer, about $3,100 apart. (Nissan dealers enjoy fatter margins.) Adjusting for remaining feature differences narrows these figures to about $3,000 at MSRP and $2,400 at invoice. Neither model currently has a rebate, but the Dodge probably will before long. So the price difference will probably be even wider in the future.

Do the same with a Pontiac G6 GTP, and you'll find that the prices are very close together--until you include the Pontiac's $1,750 rebate. The Dodge partially compensates with a higher feature level. End result: after adjusting for feature differences teh Pontiac is about $600 less at MSRP and about $400 less at invoice. In other words, the prices are close.

Prices change frequently, and differences will vary based on feature level. To quickly generate these and other comparisons with the specific features you want, visit my Web site, www.truedelta.com. (It's the only site that provides true "apples-to-apples" price comparisons.)

TrueDelta's page for the Dodge Avenger:

http://www.truedelta.com/models/Avenger.php

Last Words

Unlike the Sebring, the new 2008 Dodge Avenger R/T isn't a complete mess. In most ways it's just adequate, and the seats need work, but the styling is distinctively bold (in a good way) and the powertrain performs well. So if you like the styling and can stand the seats, I won't tell you not to buy one--as long as it's the R/T.

A Note on Dodge Avenger Reliability

The Avenger is a new Chrysler design, so many people will be wondering about the car's reliability.

I cannot practically cover reliability within the context of this review. However, many people are interested in such information, so I've started collecting my own data. Results, once they are available, will be posted to my site, www.truedelta.com, with updates every three months.

Unlike other sources, TrueDelta will clearly identify what difference it will make if you buy an Avenger rather than another vehicle by providing "times in the shop" and "days in the shop" stats (among others). You will be able to specify the number of years, annual miles, and types of repairs to include in Dodge Avenger reliability comparisons.

Before I can report results, I need reliability data on all cars--not just the Avenger--from people like you. To encourage participation, those who help provide the data will receive free access to the site's reliability information. Non-participants will have to pay an access fee.

For the details, and to sign up, visit www.truedelta.com.

A link to this website and alphabetized links to my other vehicle reviews can be found on my profile page.

Some of my reviews of related vehicles:
Chevrolet Malibu Maxx SS review
Chrysler Sebring review
Dodge Charger review
Dodge Stratus R/T review
Ford Fusion review
Honda Accord review
MazdaSpeed6 review
Nissan Altima review
Pontiac G6 GTP review
Saturn AURA review
Toyota Camry review