I am on a trip to PA, and jumped in a 2011 Avenger at the rental car center to see just how much it was improved over the previous year.
I have to say, Chrysler did an excellent job with a mid cycle refresh on this car. The '08-'10 were so noisy and filled with cheap plastic on the interior, I wouldn't even take one as a rental. Well, all has changed with the 2011 model year.
The interior is much improved. Better quality plastics, soft touch surfaces, LED lighting for the overhead lighting and better sound insulation. The 2010 sounded like the engine was sitting in your lap, not so with the 2011!
The ride is nice, quiet and power from the 2.4 is very good, and downshifts even with the 6 speed are rarely necessary. I picked this up in the middle of a snowstorm, the interstate was snow covered and the Avenger handled very well.
Nice touches include a very good sounding touchscreen radio with hard drive, auto climate control and Sirius were much appreciated.
On the downside, torque management is very obvious. Even during light acceleration, you really feel the gas being cut to the engine...I have never experienced this before. It is almost like driving a manual. I kinda like the sensation, but I can see how some would find this annoying. Also, Chrysler needs to ditch the monster key with the remote built into the head. Give me a seperate key fob remote, or a switchblade key.
This is finally a class competitive vehicle. Not best in class, but it is fun and comfortable to drive, and I would consder buying one if the price were right.
I have to say, Chrysler did an excellent job with a mid cycle refresh on this car. The '08-'10 were so noisy and filled with cheap plastic on the interior, I wouldn't even take one as a rental. Well, all has changed with the 2011 model year.
The interior is much improved. Better quality plastics, soft touch surfaces, LED lighting for the overhead lighting and better sound insulation. The 2010 sounded like the engine was sitting in your lap, not so with the 2011!
The ride is nice, quiet and power from the 2.4 is very good, and downshifts even with the 6 speed are rarely necessary. I picked this up in the middle of a snowstorm, the interstate was snow covered and the Avenger handled very well.
Nice touches include a very good sounding touchscreen radio with hard drive, auto climate control and Sirius were much appreciated.
On the downside, torque management is very obvious. Even during light acceleration, you really feel the gas being cut to the engine...I have never experienced this before. It is almost like driving a manual. I kinda like the sensation, but I can see how some would find this annoying. Also, Chrysler needs to ditch the monster key with the remote built into the head. Give me a seperate key fob remote, or a switchblade key.
This is finally a class competitive vehicle. Not best in class, but it is fun and comfortable to drive, and I would consder buying one if the price were right.
