Someone said that there is a car for everyone. If I were 25 years old, liked fast cars, and enjoyed the sound of a precision engine, then the Avenger would be the vehicle for me. But I am 60, like soft music from the 50s, show tunes, and the purring of a luxury engine. All the power of the Avenger engine did for me was loosen my dentures and aggravate my bladder.
But I was young once, and would have loved to have its cat-like pounce and I would have enjoyed the crosshair attitude of this performance vehicle. All I got from the powerful acceleration when I tapped the gas pedal was a dizzy head and faintness in my heart. I would rather have my neck rubbed than popped, and my hair kept on my head rather than blown out the window.
The 2008 Dodge Avenger SXT has standard ABS brakes, chrome grille surround, a fold-flat front passenger seatback, an 8-way power driver's seat and an available Boston Acoustics 6 speaker system. The Sports Appearance Group with the 2.4-liter World Engine includes fog lamps and rear spoiler. The Sports Appearance Group with the optional 2.7-liter Flex fuel V-6 also includes 18-inch Motive "Ultra-brite" machined aluminum wheels and tires.
During my test drive, I found the Avenger's doors were too heavy, and a "boxcar" feeling coupled with added bulk reminded me of the Dodge cars built several generations ago.
The feature that I enjoyed the most was the cup holder that can keep your beverages hot or cold, and the Chill Zone beverage bin above the passenger side glove box that, with the air conditioner on, keeps four pre-chilled canned drinks as cool as your favourite guitar riffs.
Antilock brakes, crush zones, standard supplemental side-curtain air bags, front and passenger air bags, and electronic Stability Programs that assist in adverse conditions help the driver to maintain vehicle directional stability and improve steering control.
If I were 25, I would drive a Dodge Avenger; but since I am 60, I will recommend it to you instead.
The best thing about this vehicle is the cost. It starts at $22,000, and gets 12.9 liters/100km on the road and 7.7 in the city.
Durhl Caussey is an award-winning syndicated columnist based in Dallas, Texas, and a member of the Texas Automobile Writers Association. Please address any questions to dcaussey@sbcglobal.net
Feeds