Dodge Avenger

[Spazdog]

We were given the similar Sebring as a loaner which was styled like a 4-door Crossfire.

The styling of it doesn't really match the driving experience. It's a boring car.

The Accord styled previous gen Sonata has the same basic engine architecture, but it's difficult to believe that. The Sonata seemed more responsive. The current GDI Sonata is way more responsive.

I was impressed with how smooth the GEMA 2.4 was. That's really the only positive thing I can say about it. Maybe that's because my Chrysler 2.4 (different engine entirely) is so loud and unrefined. Then again, when I mat the pedal on the right, my 2.4 goes like stink.

 

[daves87rs]

Originally Posted By: Chris142
I just did a major ac job on an 08. The compressor is always on. There is no clutch! So when the compressor goes bad you can't turn it off. It just keeps going round and round and spitting metal through the ac system.

This is untill the compressor locks up and stalls the engine... the orifice tube is in the high side line that's part of the whole high and low manifold assembly.

$1700 to fix that mess.


Now that is scary...

 

[daves87rs]

Originally Posted By: asiancivicmaniac
The gas mileage is kind of iffy for a 4-cyl in this day and age.


That is what happens when it is stuck to a 4 speed auto...

 

[BearZDefect]

Originally Posted By: Nick R
...
there is no clutch because it's something called a I think the term is variable compressor? A lot of modern cars have them. There is no clutch. The Cruze eco has one as well. It helps save weight.

A variable displacement compressor doesn't automatically remove the need for a clutch. I suspect there is more to the setup than just variable displacement in the Avenger. An AC compressor will sap energy even at minimum displacement, so having it disengaged when not needed is beneficial for fuel consumption and response to the go pedal.

My 1997 i30 has a variable displacement compressor and a clutch. The compressor is only engaged (using that clutch) when the climate control system is on AUTO or defrost, but once engaged it stays engaged full time until the climate control mode is changed. There is also the constraint that most compressors should not be run below some given ambient temperature.

I have noticed that none of the new cars I have test driven in recent months have variable displacement compressors - they all cycle the compressor off and on to adjust cooling the way most have been doing it for decades. But I haven't test driven Chrysler products yet, and I haven't been looking at any luxury cars.

 

[Jarlaxle]

Originally Posted By: daves87rs
Okay I have a neighbor who just bought a 2013 with the Pentastar. Now another one of my neighbors is eyeballing one as well. She's looking for simple cheap, and decent on gas (she has an old V6 Escape).

With both the Av and the 200 fleeting quite a bit here, they tend to go for cheap(er) She was told she could pick up a base SE for around 13-14 grand after discounts. Downside is that you get a 4 speed auto instead of the 6.


With over 200k trouble free miles with her escape (neighborhood kid will be buying that if she buys), what are her chances with the Avenger? She takes good care of her cars, and keeps them up to a T. She was even planning on a set of aftermarket rims for it! (She is fun for car talk.)

So before she heads to the dealership to look a one of these, any good advice I can give her? (related to the car, like the 2.4 or the trans)


Don't get a 2.4 Avenger. The V6 is VASTLY superior in all respects and gets the same mileage!

 

[Jarlaxle]

Originally Posted By: Rolla07
I averaged 20mpg on it. The v6 will get you 18-20...


I averaged 27MPG in the V6 200 I drove, and I was NOT driving for economy! That was 75-80MPH on the highway and some spirited 2-lane use.

 

[ms21043]

Originally Posted By: satinsilver
Originally Posted By: Chris142
The compressor is always on. There is no clutch! So when the compressor goes bad you can't turn it off.


Makes you wonder what other parts they skimped on. Having the compressor always on is enough to make me look at something else.


Lexus uses the same type of clutchless compressor and when Lexus uses it it's high tech efficiency. When Chrysler uses the same they're skimping.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: ms21043
Originally Posted By: satinsilver
Originally Posted By: Chris142
The compressor is always on. There is no clutch! So when the compressor goes bad you can't turn it off.


Makes you wonder what other parts they skimped on. Having the compressor always on is enough to make me look at something else.


Lexus uses the same type of clutchless compressor and when Lexus uses it it's high tech efficiency. When Chrysler uses the same they're skimping.

This is typical brand bashing. Happens in every thread!

 

[SLCraig]

I am a Chrysler supporter, but for the Avenger, only post refresh. Even as a Chrysler fan, I hated the original Avenger, it was destined to be a fleet car only.
Since they re-did it, it is a lot more livable. I still don't know if I would buy one, but I like it a lot more now...

The problem is, you can cross shop this car with better models. You can get into a 2013 Accord for a great price.. They start at like 25 or 26K Canadian.

 

[Smokescreen]

What is it supposed to avenge...each proceeding iteration because of failure? I don't get it.

The wiki page on reads like as it has tried to come back a few times after being killed off, but it has never succeeded. I think the coolest versions are the ones that never made it to North America. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillman_Avenger .. rear wheel drive, stick, diesel versions available, compact and purpose built. As mentioned, there are a plethora of other cars from other makes that are better choices.

Not brand bashing either. I think that Dodge has a couple of products that are world class.

 

[Spazdog]

Originally Posted By: Smokescreen
What is it supposed to avenge...each proceeding iteration because of failure? I don't get it.

The wiki page on reads like as it has tried to come back a few times after being killed off, but it has never succeeded. I think the coolest versions are the ones that never made it to North America. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillman_Avenger .. rear wheel drive, stick, diesel versions available, compact and purpose built. As mentioned, there are a plethora of other cars from other makes that are better choices.

Not brand bashing either. I think that Dodge has a couple of products that are world class.


The Hillman Avenger made it to the United States. It was just badged as a Plymouth Cricket.
It didn't last long. Chrysler was also importing the Mitsubishi Galant rebadged as a Dodge Colt. The Colt wasn't quite up to par with the 2T Hemi powered Corolla or even the BMC A-engine clone powered Datsun B210, but it was probably more profitable than the British made Avenger. Neither sold as much as the Vega (probably began to rust before arriving at the dealer) or Pinto (it's a Pinto) or even the Gremlin (we need a compact! uhhhhhh, chop the trunk off of a Hornet)

 

[daves87rs]

Originally Posted By: SLCraig
I am a Chrysler supporter, but for the Avenger, only post refresh. Even as a Chrysler fan, I hated the original Avenger, it was destined to be a fleet car only.
Since they re-did it, it is a lot more livable. I still don't know if I would buy one, but I like it a lot more now...

The problem is, you can cross shop this car with better models. You can get into a 2013 Accord for a great price.. They start at like 25 or 26K Canadian.


What I thought of the first ones too....

 

[Spazdog]

Originally Posted By: daves87rs
Originally Posted By: SLCraig
I am a Chrysler supporter, but for the Avenger, only post refresh. Even as a Chrysler fan, I hated the original Avenger, it was destined to be a fleet car only.
...

The problem is, you can cross shop this car with better models. You can get into a 2013 Accord for a great price.. They start at like 25 or 26K Canadian.


What I thought of the first ones too....


The first Normal, IL built Avengers were essentially Mitsubishi Eclipses with semi-useable rear seats. It had a V6 before the Eclipse did.

With a manual transmission, the '90s Avenger was somewhat entertaining. Like an Eclipse RS/GS. Not real quick but kinda' fun.

The Accord and Camry coupes (later named Solara) were arguably better, but I remember them being more expensive too. Prelude was considerably better and had more horsepower than the V6 Avenger, but it was a lot more expensive.

 

[sciphi]

Give it a look-see and decide if it's livable. It's a lot of car for the price. From what I've heard, the Pentastar is the engine to get since it gets the same or better fuel economy than the 4-banger with a lot more power.

The old one was a nightmare. The new one, at least in 200 guise, seems like a competent car.

 

[jigen]

I would be looking at the 2013 200's with the V6 engine. With rebates you can snag one up between 15-16k new.

Better looking car, inside and out IMO.

 

[itguy08]

Originally Posted By: Eosyn
Originally Posted By: Bandito440
Don't forget about Chrysler's consistently poor reliability rankings.

I'd suggest they test drive some alternatives.


+1. IMO, the best advice you can give her is to have her avoid Chrysler products.


+2. There is a reason Chrysler products on average being up the bottom of most dependability surveys.

 

[daves87rs]

Originally Posted By: jigen
I would be looking at the 2013 200's with the V6 engine. With rebates you can snag one up between 15-16k new.

Better looking car, inside and out IMO.



She mentioned those too...but somehow the looks of the avenger caught her eye....

 

[jimbrewer]

Originally Posted By: dishdude
Let's keep is simple -

Class leading? No

Reliablity? Average

A brand new base model midsize selling for $13-$14k? = a great deal and a great alternative to a used car.
Originally Posted By: dishdude
Let's keep is simple -

Class leading? No

Reliablity? Average

A brand new base model midsize selling for $13-$14k? = a great deal and a great alternative to a used car.


You bet. This car reviewer gave it sort of a backhanded rave review, and he is obviously a hot-rod type car reviewer.
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2013/04/review-2013-dodge-avenger-se/

There is one in my office parking lot. Interior looks just fine. With a Pentastar, how bad can it be?

 

[hypervish]

Originally Posted By: itguy08
Originally Posted By: Eosyn
Originally Posted By: Bandito440
Don't forget about Chrysler's consistently poor reliability rankings.

I'd suggest they test drive some alternatives.


+1. IMO, the best advice you can give her is to have her avoid Chrysler products.


+2. There is a reason Chrysler products on average being up the bottom of most dependability surveys.

+3, stay away from Chrysler.

 

[ls1mike]

Originally Posted By: Spazdog
Originally Posted By: daves87rs
Originally Posted By: SLCraig
I am a Chrysler supporter, but for the Avenger, only post refresh. Even as a Chrysler fan, I hated the original Avenger, it was destined to be a fleet car only.
...

The problem is, you can cross shop this car with better models. You can get into a 2013 Accord for a great price.. They start at like 25 or 26K Canadian.


What I thought of the first ones too....


The first Normal, IL built Avengers were essentially Mitsubishi Eclipses with semi-useable rear seats. It had a V6 before the Eclipse did.

With a manual transmission, the '90s Avenger was somewhat entertaining. Like an Eclipse RS/GS. Not real quick but kinda' fun.

The Accord and Camry coupes (later named Solara) were arguably better, but I remember them being more expensive too. Prelude was considerably better and had more horsepower than the V6 Avenger, but it was a lot more expensive.

That is how I ended up with my 98 Z28. It was cheaper than all them 22,000 out the door loaded, same MPGs and tore them all up.
I was going to buy an Avenger to replace my Dodge Daytona Turbo. Glad I did not.