2011 Dodge Avenger

The 2011 Dodge Avenger is a midsize sedan from the automobile giant Chrysler. And for this year, it received a lot of updates, redesigning and improvements in terms of its engine and styling. More features were also added to make the Avenger more competitive in the market this year. This model is offered in 5 trim levels for you to choose from.

Performance

Under the hood, you will find that as a standard, this model has an engine with a capacity for 4 liters. It can also give you as much as 166 lb.-ft. of torque as well as 173 horsepower. But alongside the major improvements for this year’s model, the Dodge Avenger now offers you with a V6 engine with a capacity for 3.6 liters. This new option can give you as much as 260 lb.-feet of torque and 283 horsepower.

As for the transmission, you have two options for certain trim levels this model of the 2011 Avenger. First is an automatic transmission with four speeds. This is basically for the Express trim. On the other hand, the units in the Heat, Mainstreet and LUX trim levels all get an automatic transmission of 6 speeds.

Interior & Exterior

In terms of the styling and design of this year’s model, you will find that there have been efforts to make some improvement in the exterior of the Dodge Avenger. It now comes with a new crosshair grille in the front area. In the same manner, users and reviewers alike also love the new fog lamps and grille inserts of this model. The tail lamps have also been made larger. All these improvements in the exterior somewhat gave this model a sportier look.

However, there are mixed reactions to the styling updates; some reviewers and experts pleased about them; but there are also those who think that the improvements are still too minor to result to any noticeable change in appearance.

On the other hand, the updates and improvements in the interior of the Avenger is another story. It seems that the overhaul done with the interior of this vehicle has paid off really well. The materials and design were updated.

The steering wheel, for one is new. The dashboard also received improvements that make it appear to be more contoured this time. The vents got some reshaping. The manufacturer also made it a point to pay attention to the user’s comfortableness as it changed its basic materials to ones which are considered soft-touch.

However, when it comes to the use of space, nothing much has changed with the interior of this model. Many reviewers and users say that the trunk, for one, is a little bit small considering that this model is a midsize sedan.

In terms of seating, there are also mixed feedbacks for the Dodge Avenger. There are those who find that the Dodge Avenger’s seats are supportive and comfortable as well. However, there are those who think completely otherwise.

Safety & Reliability

When it comes to safety, you can be assured that this model aces the tests. For instance, this is considered as a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. So basically, it means that this model got excellent scores in terms of the impact and roof tests.
There are also safety features that are considered to be standard across all units from this model. Some of which are the electronic stability control, airbags which can be found in the front and sides of the vehicle, a monitoring system for the tire pressure, and anti-lock brakes.

And lastly, when it comes to reliability, this model comes with a bumper-to-bumper warranty that covers up to 36,000 miles or 3 years. There is also a power train warranty that lasts for 100,000 miles or five years; as well as an exterior rust warranty for the same mile and time restrictions.

The Competition

If you want more options, you may look into the Chevrolet Cruze (MSRP $16,720; 26 city / 36 hwy) and Honda Accord (MSRP $21,380; 23 city / 33 hwy) are considered as competitors of the Avenger. All in all, the 2011 Dodge Avenger is best described by the cliché “new and improved”.

Overall Rating
68 out of 100

What others say:

“A new V-6 and interior refresh makes the 2011 Dodge Avenger more intriguing, but in execution this mid-sizer still leaves a lot to be desired.”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

“Improvements abound for the 2011 Dodge Avenger. It’s finally competitive in a segment chock full of good choices.”Edmunds

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Sedan Base Price: $19,245.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.9 gallons (63 liters) Miles Per Gallon: 21 city / 30 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 192.6 in. (489 cm) Width: 72.8 in. (184 cm)
Height: 58.4 in. (148 cm) Wheel Base: 108.9 in. (276 cm)
Curb Weight: 3394 lbs (1539.5 kg) Ground Clearance: 6.0 in. (15.2 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 13.5 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 16-valve inline-4 Dual VVT DOHC Displacement: 2.4-liter
Horsepower: 173 HP Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 166 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic VLP
0-60 mph: 6.2 seconds(3.6L Pentastar) 1/4 Mile: 14.6 seconds(3.6L Pentastar)
Available Trims & Engine
Option:Avenger Mainstreet MSRP: $21,340; MPG: 20 city / 31 hwy
Option:Avenger LUX MSRP: $23,745; MPG: 20 city / 31 hwy
Option:Avenger Heat MSRP: $23,840; MPG: 19 city / 29 hwy

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