2008 Dodge Avenger Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Expert review
The Dodge Avenger offers sporty styling, multiple V6 engine options, and some truly unique in-car features.
More commonly known for its minivans and performance cars, Dodge is not a name one would readily associate with the family sedan market. The American automaker seeks to change that with the midsize, five-passenger Avenger.
The name “Avenger” was originally used for a sleek Dodge coupe, sold from 1995 to 2000, but this Avenger arrives for the 2008 model year with muscle car-inspired styling and assures it will stand out in a crowded parking lot of cookie-cutter sedans. It is also one of the few midsize sedans for this model year to offer available all-wheel drive.
out of 10 expert review
Look & feel
The Avenger is based on a platform shared with the Chrysler Sebring, Chrysler 200, and the Dodge Journey crossover. While the styling is meant to evoke the Charger sport sedan, it actually looks like a sedan version of Journey. Where the broad lines and dominant grille of the Charger deliver that modern-muscle-car spirit, those design elements on the Avenger leave it feeling blocky, and the high trunk design feels busy.
The Avenger has a more conventional cabin, with a clean design and crisp layout. Unfortunately, the fit-and-finish is lacking, as there is extensive use of hard plastic. What saves the interior of the Avenger is the white-backed instrument panel, adding a touch of luxury to the cabin.
Compared to other family sedans on the market, the Avenger has a simple and straightforward trim level lineup: SE, SXT, and R/T. The SE comes with cloth seats, air conditioning, 16-inch steel wheels, power windows, cruise control, and remote keyless entry.
The SXT adds 17-inch wheels and premium cloth seats with lumbar support for the driver’s seat, while the range-topping R/T boasts unique 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic temperature control, heated leather seats, spoiler, and heated mirrors. A sunroof is available as an option.
Performance
The SE and SXT come with a 173-horsepower 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine The SXT is available with a 2.7-litre V6 engine making power specs of 185 horsepower. Both of these engines send power to front-wheel drive (FWD) through a four-speed automatic transmission.
The R/T is the most powerful version of the Avenger, equipped with a 235-horsepower 3.5-litre V6. It routes power through an AutoStick six-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels or available all-wheel drive (AWD). The 2.7-litre V6 is underpowered and if you want V6 grunt, it's best to simply go with the R/T.
Form & function
The Avenger comes with 379 litres of trunk space. Despite the high rear deck-lid this is on the smaller side for trunk space among the family sedan set. This can be expanded with the split-fold rear bench.
The cabin layout of the Avenger is useful and features a two-tier glovebox, which helps when organizing all your items. The centre stack has a deep tray, as does the centre console. The centre cup holders are quite deep and have integrated ambient lighting.
Technology
The base stereo comes with an AM/FM/satellite radio unit with an auxiliary audio input and four speakers. The stereo in the SXT and R/T upgrades that to six speakers and adds audio controls to the steering wheel.
The Avenger is available with a rear seat entertainment system, which is a rarity among family sedans. It consists of a fold-out screen integrated into the rear of the centre console. The Avenger is also available with a navigation system with a 20-gigabyte hard drive called MyGig with audio and photo storage.
The Avenger also has a very clever feature called the “Chill Zone,” which blows cold air into the upper and lower glove boxes. Both tiers even have grooves for bottles.
Safety
The Avenger comes standard with front and rear head airbags, front-impact airbags, and dual front side-mounted airbags. The Avenger also comes standard with a tire pressure monitoring system, auto-off headlights, traction control, and an emergency interior trunk release.
The SE and SXT have front-disc and rear-drum brakes. Moving up to the R/T adds four-wheel disc brakes, as well as antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, which will offer better pedal feel and stopping accuracy.
Cost-effectiveness
The most efficient version of the 2008 Dodge Avenger is the base 2.4-litre four-cylinder with the four-speed automatic transmission. The 3.5-litre V6 powertrain in the R/T is the least efficient. Fuel economy figures range from 9.7 to 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 6.6 to 8.4 on the highway, depending on the engine and drivetrain selected.
Base MSRP for the 2008 Dodge Avenger SE as a new car in Canada is $21,995, which is steep considering the quality of the competition. That price is less than both the Camry and the Accord, but both are superior vehicles to the Avenger. The Dodge Avenger SXT starts at $23,960, while the range-topping Dodge Avenger R/T starts at $28,895 for the FWD version and $30,895 for the AWD model.
Note: Images show a US model.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2008 Dodge Avenger appreciate its reliability, handling, and good fuel economy, often praising its sporty appearance and fun driving experience. However, some drivers expressed concerns about underwhelming acceleration in the four-cylinder models and noted limited power compared to the V6 version. Many also found the interior attractive but pointed out some durability issues over time."
Good value for the price no issues thus far very happy
January 20, 2026Its a good value and very reliable car, I own the 2014 SE version of this car and it never gave me a problem. Its good on gas and the model I have used flex fuel which saves me a ton on money. This car is pretty much not missing anything and I would compare this to been a little brother of a charger. Its very fast and has the Same engine as the v6 Charger in the v6 Avenger. 3.6
March 19, 2021I love my car. It gets over 30 mpg and handles smoothly on the road. Plenty of room for my son and with the 60000 mile warranty I don't have to pay out of pocket for any repairs. Plenty of trunk space and having sirius satellite radio already subscribed to isn't half bad either.
August 3, 2008What owners say
Good value for the price no issues thus far very happy
January 20, 2026Its a good value and very reliable car, I own the 2014 SE version of this car and it never gave me a problem. Its good on gas and the model I have used flex fuel which saves me a ton on money. This car is pretty much not missing anything and I would compare this to been a little brother of a charger. Its very fast and has the Same engine as the v6 Charger in the v6 Avenger. 3.6
March 19, 2021I love my car. It gets over 30 mpg and handles smoothly on the road. Plenty of room for my son and with the 60000 mile warranty I don't have to pay out of pocket for any repairs. Plenty of trunk space and having sirius satellite radio already subscribed to isn't half bad either.
August 3, 2008I love it. Great gas mileage and beautiful exterior.
May 16, 2008One of the most reliable and fun car I have ever bought I love it plus it has some good speed if you need it... interior is beautiful outside has that Rambo tough look... engine and transmission are perfect low maintenance is also a plus
August 24, 2021My best investment. This car hasn't given me a bit of trouble in the two years I've owned it. Easy to maintain. Easy clean up of interior. Brakes were different but overall an amazing car. Wish it would last forever.
December 17, 2014The car handles great, very comfortable. I enjoyed that it has the safety features Dual Front Air Bags, F&R Side Air Bags. If I didn't have a car Iwould keep this one. Love it wish I could keep it.
June 25, 2013Stone White, Rear Spoiler, Tinted Windows, Leather, Power Moonroof, MP3, 6-CD Changer, Boston Acoustics, 18" Factory Alloys, I managed to put 46k miles on the tires the car came with new because of proper rotation and alignment and balancing, I was very surprised I got that much mileage out of the stock tires, the car has 46,755 mi. and so far, the best car purchase i've ever made, from quality standpoint and durability. Great handling, light and very responsive steering, decent 4 wheel ABS, gas mileage has been 16 city and up to 32+ on the open highway. We drove the Avenger R/T across the country loaded down to the max! with 5 occupants and the car averaged 27 mpg! Unbelievable! Dodge did a great job in building this car i've had zero problems whatsoever except for a few no big deal recalls, oh and a Limited Lifetime Warranty as long as I own it. Stone White Avenger R/T rolling down the street to this day gets many looks as we drive by, it has been my main transportation and a family car, I have 4 teens and we all fit comfortably we all love this car! I recently paid it off and letting one of my kids use it to go to college and she is thrilled! Thanks for reading...
June 6, 2011the dodge avenger has great handling. the turning radious is very good. braking system is top notch. is had awsome acceleration....0-60 in bout 3 seconds i do believe. it hasnt needed any repairs and theres nuthing wrong with it. it comes with a built in navigation system thats completely up to date. siruis radio and its all on a touch screen. the air can b put on automatic and kicks in very fast and the tempurature chosing goes by degrees so you know what degrees your setting it too. the gas milage is great.we filled it up about half way through pennsylvania and had to drive home to connecticut. we didnt need to stop to fill up. it is a very fun car to drive and its very easy to go super fast in without even thinkin of it. and its got a sun roof!
August 5, 2008I never thought I would say this about Dodge, but the company can make cars that are fun to drive. This was the case for the R/T version of the Avenger. Almost everything was pretty great from the already powerful 3.5L V6 pumping out 235 HP mated to the 6-speed AutoStick, the Boston speakers which makes everything come to life, the MYGIG/Navigation setup and ease of use and plenty of interior space for stuff or friends. If you want better fuel economy, you can go down to the 4 cylinder or the mid-level V6 but those engines will leave you wanting more power. All in all though, a good first shot from Dodge in trying to have a stand-out product in the highly competitive mid-size class. It's definitely worth taking a test drive.
August 5, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $25,795 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.6L 283 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle | Cargo Capacity 13.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $22,795 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 173 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 13.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $20,595 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 173 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 13.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $24,870 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 13.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
