Dodge Avenger

Avenger's 2011 update brought updated styling, a better ride, a more-powerful V6 engine, and improved interior materials. Still, given it was riding on the same underlying platform, not much could be done about the basic flaws of this car, and the family-sedan market is teeming with better choices. The model scored too low in our Ratings to be recommended. The Avenger was discontinued from Dodge's mainstream product offerings after the 2014 model year, though it lived on in some daily-rental fleets.

Something of a historic nameplate for Dodge, the Avenger name returned in 2008 as sedan-only twin of the Chrysler Sebring. Unfortunately, the resurrection did little to enhance the model name. While the 3.5-liter V6 engine was refined, it couldn't mask the car's many flaws. The ride is stiff and unsettled; the interior uses cheap materials and is too cramped. Additionally, handling is ungainly. As a result, this version of the Avenger comes across as cheap and poorly developed. The model ranks at the bottom of its category.

This sporty coupe, designed by Chrysler and built in Illinois by Mitsubishi, had competent, predictable handling in our tests. The suspension absorbed big bumps well, but little pavement flaws transmitted firm kicks. The front seats provide good support except for the lower back. The rear seat is roomier than those of most sporty coupes and can hold two tall adults in only moderate discomfort; three are a tight squeeze. Look for a model equipped with the 2.5-liter, 163-hp V6 instead of the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The Avenger was replaced by a new Stratus coupe for 2001.