2012 Dodge Avenger

The 2012 Dodge Avenger is a sedan that has a lot of space, but isn’t bulky on the outside. It is similar to a lot of other midsize sedans, but has a few luxuries that make it stand out of the crowd.

The 2012 Avenger doesn’t have many changes from the previous year. It does still offer a lot to drivers, including a lot of safety features. This is generally marketed as a family vehicle, but appeals to drivers that want a car on a budget as well.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Sedan Base Price: $18,995.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.9 gallons (64l) MPG: 21 city / 30 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 192.6 in. (489.2 cm) Wheel Base: 108.9 in. (276.6 cm)
Height: 58.4 in. (148.3 cm) Width: 72.8 in. (184.9 cm)
Curb Weight: 3400 lbs (1542 kg) Ground Clearance: 6.0 in. (15.2 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 13.5 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 4 Cylinder DOHC VVT Displacement: 2.4 Liter cc
Horsepower: 173 HP Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 166 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic
Available Trims & Engine
Option:SXT MSRP: $21,495; MPG: 20 city / 31 hwy
Option:SE 3.6L V6 MSRP: $21,495; MPG: 19 city / 29 hwy
Option:SXT Plus 3.6L V6 MSRP: $23,995; MPG: 19 city / 29 hwy
Option:R/T 3.6L V6 MSRP: $25,995; MPG: 19 city / 29 hwy

Engine

The engine is a 2.4 L with 16 variable timing valves. The Inline 4 DOHC produces 173 horsepower and a torque of 166 ft/lbs at 4400 RPM. The turning circle is 36.5 feet and it has front wheel drive for added safety when driving through a variety of weather conditions.

Performance

Transmission is a four speed automatic. The estimated miles per gallon in the city is 21 and on the highway is 30. It takes regular unleaded in order to run. There is a Macpherson strut suspension in the front and stabilizer bars included throughout.

Exterior

The wheels on the vehicle that have 225/55R17 all-season tires installed in them. The rear windows have defoggers and there are intermittent wipers on the front and back.

It has a maximum towing capacity of 1,000 pounds and there are many exterior options that buyers can add on. There are eight exterior paint color options and two interior premium cloth seat colors to choose from.

Interior

The seats in the front are bucket style and the driver side can be adjusted for height. The rear seats can be folded down and there is storage in the center armrest. Power door locks, mirrors and windows all come standard. Some convenience features include: cruise control, power outlets, remote trunk release, cup holders and tilt steering wheel.

There is air conditioning and heating to ensure a comfortable ride as well. The entertainment that comes included is an am/fm radio and single CD player. As with the exterior, there are many interior options that buyers can choose from.

Safety & Reliability

Dodge is well known for how safe its vehicles are and the Avenger lives up to this. The anti-lock brakes offer stability during emergency brake situations and there are traction/stability controls installed as well.

Rear, front, dual front and side-mounted air bags are all standard for all passenger areas. There are also anchors for child seats and rear door locks that are child-proof. Other safety details include: auto headlamps, engine immobilizer, ventilated discs, head restraint whiplash systems and more.

Pros

  • Fast and strong engine.
  • Handles well in all driving situations
  • Looks nice and has a sporty design.

Cons

  • Not much different from the previous year models
  • Doesn’t have a lot of standard luxuries that some drivers might be accustomed to.
  • Doesn’t offer as much as similar-priced midsize sedans

Competition

This sedan segment is filled with other vehicles to choose from, they include the Nissan Altima (MSRP $20,550; 23 city / 32 hwy), the Ford Fusion (MSRP $20,705; 22 city / 32 hwy) and the Chevy Malibu (MSRP $22,110; 22 city / 33 hwy).

Overall Rating
59 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2012 Dodge Avenger has a roomy interior, but back-seat accommodations suffer somewhat from the fashionable exterior.”Car Connection

“The car tracks well, has good steering, and there’s little body lean in fast corners. It’s certainly competent, but not what you would call sporty. Dodge is likely leaving that to the upcoming Avenger R/T.”Consumer Guide

“The Avenger, like the related Chrysler 200, is still an uncompetitive design that trails all other midsized sedans.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“The 2012 Dodge Avenger sedan is a surprisingly fun car to drive. Last year’s complete reworking of the car’s suspension, brakes and steering gear make the 2012 Dodge Avenger sedan perform much more like a nimble European VW or Opel than any mid-size Dodge we’ve driven in the last decade.”KBB

“The 2012 Dodge Avenger is a fully competitive midsize family sedan, but the wealth of stronger competitors makes it difficult to recommend.”Edmunds

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