2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year Contenders

Dodge Avenger: Two Parts Charger; One Part Caliber

By far the coolest feature in the Avenger is the new MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment system with navigation. This package gives you a 6.5-inch touch-screen display, voice-command, satellite GPS with real-time traffic, DVD playback, integrated USB 2.0 port, and a 20-gig hard drive that can hold up to 1600 songs. The best part is, the whole package costs just $1200, but spend the extra $495 and get the Boston Acoustic speaker upgrade.

Our tester was the R/T version of the Avenger, sporting the 3.5-liter, 235-horse V-6 with the six-speed transmission. This combo works well together: First through third gears come quick, giving you nice acceleration, but there's a big gap between third and fourth. The SE and SXT versions come standard with a 2.4-liter, 173-horse I-4 coupled to a four-speed automatic, while a flex-fuel 2.7-liter, 189-horse V-6 is optional in the SXT. Only the R/T and upcoming AWD R/T get the big V-6 mated to the six-speed automatic.

You notice the styling cues borrowed from the Charger: The rear doors, C-pillar, and rear-deck spoiler are almost exact copies, just smaller, while the nose looks like that of a refreshed Caliber. The interior is finished like most other Dodge and Chrysler line vehicles, with too much hard plastic, but the Avenger's contrasting materials and stitching set it apart from the rest.

On our test loop, the Avenger performed as expected, the engine and transmission delivering brisk performance. But turn into a corner and the fun factor drops, bringing noticeable body roll and a ton of understeer if you really push it hard.

Which leaves the Avenger looking like a middle child, lacking the Charger's V-8, RWD charm, and the Caliber's nimble dimensions and 285-horse turbo I-4. Without those Yankee hallmarks to set it apart from its tough Asian competition, the Avenger falls short in the significance and superiority categories.

-Scott Mortara

What they did right: The Avenger's six-speed autobox is a starting point for making a new midsize Dodge entry.

Room for improvement: Serious efforts are needed to remedy the Avenger's unbridled torque-steer, poor ride/handling combination, numb steering, and the raucous low-rent interior.

Bet You Didn't Know: The Avenger name predates DaimlerChrysler and even the Iacocca/federal-loan-guarantee times. The name was first used on the 1970 Hillman Avenger (Plymouth Cricket in the U.S.).