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2009
Used 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2000

Dodge Avenger

EPA MPG: 19 mpg
Average Retail Price
$3,725 - $3,775
Join for Ratings
RECALL ALERT:
There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
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Overall Reliability
Reliability Details
NA
Owner Satisfaction Details
NA
See All Ratings & Specs
Road Test

The Dodge Avenger ranks at the bottom of its class. The car feels cheap and underdeveloped. It has a stiff ride, suspension noise, poor agility, tight quarters, uncomfortable seats, and substandard interior fit and finish. The Avenger's unique rear door and rear roof pillar styling create a huge blind spot. However, with its optional top-of-the-line powertrain, it accelerates quickly and the transmission works well.

For complete Road Test Report and to see Highs and Lows, become a member

2009 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
NA
vs. Similar Cars
See All Models Reliability

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA
See All Ratings & Specs

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA
See All Ratings & Specs

Dodge vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2006
2007
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
NA
Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
NA
Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
NA

Dodge vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Dodge vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA
See All Ratings & Specs

2009 Midsized cars Ratings

2009 Dodge Avenger
$3,775 - $3,975
economy-icon
EPA MPG 19 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
2009 Chevrolet Malibu
$3,525 - $5,125
economy-icon
EPA MPG 26 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
2009 Chrysler Sebring
$3,225 - $4,400
economy-icon
EPA MPG 25 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
2009 Ford Fusion
$4,300 - $5,200
economy-icon
EPA MPG 24 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
2009 Honda Accord
$6,075 - $6,850
economy-icon
EPA MPG 24 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
See All Midsized cars Ratings
Features & Specs
Body Style
    sedan
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
Front
Engines Available
  • 2.4-liter 4 (173 hp)
  • 2.7-liter V6 (186 hp)
  • 3.5-liter V6 (235 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 6-speed automatic
  • 4-speed automatic
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
See All Ratings & Specs
Model History
2011-
Current Generation
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.
More
2008-2010
2008 Redesign Year
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.
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1995-2007
1995 Redesign Year

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.

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