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Dodge Avenger Review

 

What's New for 2011

The 2011 Dodge Avenger receives a number of updates this year, including  great exterior styling, a revamped interior with quality materials, added safety features and a  powerful 3.6-liter V6.

Introduction

The 2011 Avenger has made great strides forward thanks to an upgraded cabin.

The Avenger's 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is standard equipment for most trim levels and  the new 283-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 is noticeably robust and indeed is actually the most powerful engine in its class. Completely reworked suspension bits and steering make the Avenger a satisfying drive as well.

There is value here, as you get a lot of features for the money.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2011 Dodge Avenger is a midsize sedan that is offered in five trim levels: Express, Mainstreet, Heat, R/T and Lux.

The Express comes with 17-inch steel wheels, full power accessories, cruise control, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, cloth upholstery and a four-speaker stereo with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack.

The Avenger Mainstreet adds alloy wheels, heated outside mirrors, automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power driver seat and a six-speaker stereo with satellite radio. Stepping up to the Heat model will get you a V6 engine, 18-inch wheels, foglights, a rear spoiler, remote ignition, heated front seats and an upgraded stereo with a touchscreen and 30GB of digital music storage.

The sporty R/T adds automatic headlights, performance-tuned steering, a sport suspension, a rear spoiler, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a two-tone leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, leather upholstery, Bluetooth and upgraded Boston Acoustics speakers. The Lux model is similar to the Heat trim but is equipped with the 2.4 Liter I-4 it also includes chrome wheels, leather-upholstered seats and Bluetooth.

Stand-alone options are available on select models and include a sunroof and a navigation system with real-time traffic.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2011 Dodge Avenger is offered with either a four- or six-cylinder engine. The 2.4-liter inline-4 is available in the Express and Mainstreet models and is standard on the Lux. This engine produces 173 hp and 166 pound-feet of torque. The Express also comes with a four-speed automatic transmission, while the Mainstreet and Lux receive a six-speed.

A 3.6-liter V6 that makes 283 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque is standard on the Heat and R/T models and is available as an option on the Lux. A six-speed automatic is the only available transmission for this engine.

Safety

Standard safety features for all 2011 Dodge Avengers include antilock brakes with brake assist, active front head restraints, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, hill start assist, stability control and traction control.

Interior Design and Special Features

This year, the Avenger received an interior makeover.  offering a contoured dash, new steering wheel, reshaped vents and additional soft-touch surfaces.

The dimensions in the cabin mark for comfort, with supportive seats and nice head- and legroom.

Driving Impressions

The mechanical changes made to the 2011 Dodge Avenger have made great for the car's handling, the recalibrated hardware makes the steering feel precise.

The 2.4-liter four-cylinder is great for many buyers' needs, especially when it's mated to the six-speed automatic transmission. The 3.6-liter V6 is also an entertaining option, delivering strong acceleration without a tremendous sacrifice in fuel economy.