2010 Dodge Avenger
- 2009 Dodge Avenger
- Used Dodge Avenger
Based on analysis of 35 Avenger reviews and test drives.
Dodge Avenger - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Dodge Avenger ranks 24 out of 24 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 35 published reviews and test drives of the Dodge Avenger, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The aging Dodge Avenger has always sat at the back of a very large, very competitive group of midsize family cars. It comes into 2010 unchanged, and apart from value pricing, the automotive press finds there is little reason for buyers to consider it.
The Dodge Avenger trails the midsize class in most measures. Reviewers find its performance sluggish, its styling clichéd and its interior lacking in comfort and quality. It does offer strong safety scores and a low asking price. But even that is scant reason to recommend it. Many cars in its class are equally as safe, and in the current sales climate, it's fairly easy to negotiate a low price on any of several cars the automotive press considers superior to the Avenger. The much better-reviewed Chevy Malibu, Ford Fusion, Saturn Aura, even the Nissan Altima have all been available at Avenger-like prices in recent months. See our best car deals page for current offers.
The Avenger does have a few tricks up its sleeve. Available UConnect in-car internet and a chilled storage compartment for beverages are unique touches. But, given the Avenger's mediocre reliability rating (according to J.D. Power and Associates), a so-so driving experience and limited passenger comfort, most auto writers find the gimmicks don't make the Avenger worth buying.
The 2010 Dodge Avenger is available in three main trims: the base SE, the SXT and the R/T. The SXT is available as either the L package or the M package, which feature different engines.
- "Spacious and fuel-efficient, the Dodge Avenger is a viable entry in the midsize sedan segment. However, its love-it-or-hate-it styling, budget interior materials and tepid driving dynamics are liabilities against the talented import-brand competition" -- Edmunds
- "Avenger disappoints with crude drivetrain behavior, unsophisticated road feel, and budget-grade cabin appointments. These demerits are offset somewhat by aggressive pricing on base models, though loaded top-line versions can get quite expensive. Any number of class competitors deserve a higher spot on your shopping list." -- Consumer Guide
- "The Avenger still trails the Honda Accord in refinement and driving enjoyment, but it's a solid effort." -- Car and Driver
- "It's got real sex appeal, good fuel economy, a nice-looking, functional interior with reasonable family room...lots of ordering flexibility with three model lines, and a host of interesting options." -- New Car Test Drive
- "While consumers don't need a mid-size sedan to handle the likes of Lex Luther every day, the Avenger will certainly hold its own against those daily Jokers we all come across on the road." -- Detroit News
- "This new Avenger won't be rewriting any rules for the mid-size class. At best, it's an alternative with a uniquely American accent." -- Automobile Magazine
Avenger Performance - 6.1 (Mediocre)
The Dodge Avenger has consistently carried one of the lowest performance scores in the midsize car class, and with nothing new for 2010, that's unlikely to change. Even the R/T model, marketed as the high-performance version of the Avenger, is a letdown according to many reviewers. Automobile Magazine concludes, "those expecting a performance hit from the V-6 powered R/T ... will be disappointed." Read More
Avenger Exterior - 7.9 (Good)
The 2010 Dodge Avenger borrows its looks from the larger Dodge Charger muscle car. It's a car you either like or don't, but you know your answer right away. A few reviewers like it, but most don't. Car and Driver says "the Avenger looks rather overwrought." Read More
Avenger Interior - 6.9 (Mediocre)
The 2010 Dodge Challenger's cabin features a lot of disappointing hard plastics - something its price doesn't justify. The Truth About Cars reports "once again, the quality of The Chrysler's Group's rock hard plastics is both inexplicable and inexcusable. Even Kia uses finer materials." Read More
Avenger Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)
The 2010 Avenger earned a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, with top scores in the institute's front- and side-impact tests as well as standard stability control. The federal government gave the Avenger a five-star frontal-impact rating, but hasn't performed side-impact tests. When the government performed a side-impact test on the mechanically-similar 2009 Avenger, regulars flagged the car with an important "Safety Concern" because the car's driver-side door opened. Read More
Avenger Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)
The 2010 Dodge Avenger reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2010 Avenger comes with Dodge's three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Read More
