Good For: Diamond-Star Motors nostalgia. Almost 2 decades after the dissolution of the DSM agreement, there is still interesting Chrysler and Mitsubishi collaboration involved in the second generation Avenger. The platform shares initial development efforts, and both companies were involved in the development of the 4-cylinder GEMA engine. While the Avenger isn't as interesting as the Eagle Talon, the chassis still feels good for being a front-wheel-drive mid-sized sedan.
Compromises: The base model seems to have everything invented before 1995 stripped out of it. However, Dodge has made the packaging that brings features that you've come to expect from a $20-25k car pretty accessible. I even picked an SXT over a free upgrade to a Buick that I didn't want to experience again. I probably gave up dozens of luxury features, but there was enough in the SXT to not get bored.
Overall reaction - None: I prefer the packaging in the Avenger's sibling, the Chrysler 200, which delivers luxury features in a moderately priced car. The Avenger seems to be an attempt to market a baby Charger. It's probably somewhat fast with the 3.7L Pentastar engine, but it would still be limited by front wheel drive and lack of a manual transmission.
Friday, 7th of June, 2013