Dayton Daily News

The Dodge brand has had an on-again, off-again relationship with various vehicles named Avenger over the past three decades. Back for the 2008 model year as the replacement for the discontinued Stratus, this taller, aggressive-looking midsize family sedan wants to show buyers it's definitely on again.

Dodge's portfolio has had a lot going on with its trucks, SUVs, crossovers and cars. Infused with new products over the last couple of years, the vehicle lineup is spearheading expansion into international markets, too, led by the Caliber, Nitro, Caliber SRT4 and now, the Avenger.

The Avenger's looks fall into the sporty/athletic vein, and adhere to the bold styling of the Viper, Charger, Magnum, Ram, Dakota and Durango. Present is Dodge's signature crosshair grille, quad headlamps housed in black, muscular rear shoulders, large wheels and tires and a rear spoiler.

Avengers come in three versions, the base SE for $18,220 — impressive for a midsize sedan; the SXT for $19,120; and the sporty R/T (Road/Track) for $22,870. All are front-wheel drive. Of special significance is the final variant, the $24,870 R/T AWD, which adds on-demand all-wheel drive to the lineup.

A 172-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine tied to a 4-speed automatic transmission is standard in SEs and SXTs, with a 190-hp 2.7-liter V-6 engine and the same transmission a $1,350 option for SXTs. Antilock brakes and a touring suspension are included in that price. R/Ts come with the Avenger's peppiest engine, a 235-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 with a more sophisticated 6-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capabilities that keep the driver more engaged in the driving process. SEs ride on 16-inch tires, while SXTs come with 17-inchers and alloy wheels, and R/Ts with 18-inch tires.

Standard features rating a mention include a full slate of such safety features, including front and front-side airbags, head-protecting curtain-side airbags and a tire pressure monitor. The driver is treated to a height-adjustable bucket seat and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. SXTs add antilock brakes, 8-way power driver seat and a fold-flat front passenger seat. R/Ts add automatic climate control, automatic headlights, a rear spoiler and a sport suspension while swapping out the base AM/FM/CD/MP3 player for an AM/FM radio with an in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3/DVD changer.

Here's a list that's hard to resist, of some of the Avenger's comfort-oriented and cutting-edge features:

- Optional: MyGIG, a multimedia audio/entertainment system with an available navigation system.

- Standard: Chill Zone — a storage compartment at the top of the instrument panel that holds up to four standing 12 oz. beverage cans. Depending on ambient temperature and air conditioning settings, the bin can keep beverages cool while the vehicle is on.

- Optional: a heated/cooled front cupholder.

- Optional: YES Essentials seat fabric, a stain-resistant, odor-resistant, anti-microbial textile that protects seats from stains, odors and discoloration.

- Optional: heated cloth seats.

- Optional: DVD rear-seat entertainment system.

- Optional: MP3 play capability on all audio systems.

Final on this list is a novel optional headliner that includes Light-emitting Diode (LED) interior lighting with high-focus white lights that provide directional lighting in both the front and rear seats.

The R/T AWD that I tested had a wealth of options that resulted in a price of almost $29,000 ($28,995, including a $675 destination charge, to be exact). A $225 coat of Inferno Red Crystal Pearl dressed the exterior. Inside were floor mats ($30), leather-trimmed bucket seats and steering wheel ($525), Sirius satellite radio with a year of service included ($195), a Premium Convenience Group ($1,150) and a power sunroof ($775). The convenience group includes the LED headliner, upgraded instrument cluster, heated fronts seats, an air filter, a trip computer, a universal garage door opener, a remote start system feature and the heated/cooled front cupholder.

It's not news that the midsize sedan segment is a crowded, competitive one. But with a brawny-looking exterior and an intriguing set of interior appointments, the 2008 Dodge Avenger is a newcomer not to be taken lightly.

Amy Rollins is Wheels editor at the Dayton Daily News and may be reached at (937) 225-6901 or arollins@coxohio.com. Read this review and others like it at DaytonDailyNews.com/Wheels/