Styling, engine, smooth running powertrain, and quiet.

Gas consumption (V-6 model) and the dirty looks that police officers give you when you drive by.

I used to drive a 1996 base model Cavalier and I have to say that jumping up into the Avenger was a definate improvement. I have a "fully-loaded" model with the Indy Red paint, and it looks really sharp. I haven't had any problems with this car thus far, and it has plenty of power. The only thing that I have to complain about is the gas mileage. I am used to a four banger getting upwards of 30 mpg and now it seems like I'm filling up every other day. I guess that comes with owning a V-6.

I also like the cockpit feel of the interior. The leather seats provide adequate support for long drives and the controls are all well within reach of the driver. I also like the way the car handles. It has great response and gives the driver a good feedback. Mind you, there are better cars out there, but I am satisfied with my Avenger.

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Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Chevrolet Nova, Chevrolet Malibu (new)

Car feels solid while in turns. Acceleration is moderate from this v-6. I can't beat alot of cars on take off but I can blow them away while on the highway. Took the car to around 130mph with no problem. Wish the v-6 had more peep and takeoff power. Great factory Infinity speakers but replaced the factory head unit with a Kenwood Excelon and added a 10" SAS Bazooka tube.

Brakes t-Totally suck on these cars. I am upgrading my whole brake system to either Baer or HP Racing Big Brake Kit. Length of the front end sucks. I scraped almost all the time but now I have to take it easy since I have low profile tires and coilover package. The door sealing suck!!! I had tar melt onto my doorsill everday in the summer heat from where the bottom of the door seals together. Took Dodge two times to fix this problem. Other than that I am happy with my car.

Great looking car. I love the way the hood is on this car. I do get alot of looks from people especially since I have added performance parts. So far I have had minimal problems with this car. I have read other reviews and it seems that the brakes suck on all these cars. With 28,000 miles(mostly highway), I have had to change the brake pads at 25,000 miles and the tires were just replaced recently with Wynstar 215/40/17 High Performance tires. Upgraded the air intake with an AEM cold air-intake(Part # 21-430). Also added a Magnaflow universal exhaust which adds a nice deep smooth race tone. Just recently purchased a Venom 400 performance module; can't wait to see how it helps throttle response. Hopefully going to order underdrive pulleys kit, aluminum race wing and possible body kit as shown on my page www.avenged.streetracing.org.

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Eclipse - Way to similiar. The Avenger is just a streched eclipse that looks better. I have ordered parts from eclipse's that fit on my car.

the only strength of the car it the way it looks from a distance...

weaknesses...where to start? how about the engine. all belts and pullys are junk as noted in numerous cases.tires ware rapidly from incorrect lining from crystler corporation. this car should have never been released from the crystler corporation, or any other 96 dodge avenger because they are nothing but crap. look around, and find out the history of the avengers before buying... BUYER BEWARE...AVENGER...

EVERYTHING GOES WRONG SOONER OR LATER WITH THE CAR.. TAKE YOUR MONEY ELSEWARE. OR YOUR MECHANIC WILL LOVE YOU

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Hmmm where to start, well if you go to the right web sites there is actually alot of upgrades for the Avenger, it has really good pick-up for a stock 4-cylinder, even though the 5-speed does aid in this area, it looks really good, especially the sleek look, i really like that, i have an aftermarket set of 17 inch rims on it, and it still rides like a champ no matter what speed is obtained, and my favorite strength of all, this car can get girls like its a nature or something...........

Even though this car is great there is always gonna be problems, and one of the most repetitive problems with this car is its passion to just eat brakes pads like they are not even there, but other than that i wish the engine was a little wuicker but i mean come on this car looks good so there is no need for speed, besides if you have about 4000 dollars to drop just go and get a turbo kit, then you will stomp anything about, but like i said for a stock 4-cylinder this car flies..........

I have had my Avenger for about 7 months, and I must say overall it is a very reliable car with the exception of normal maintence, e.g. oil changes, sparks plugs,etc. But all in all it is a very nice car and girls love it.

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i have compared this car to a 1996 Honda Accord, which the Avenger would stomp, but yet the Accord was a bit more reliable......

looks, speed, options available, cockpit design....did i mention looks. Some one else said that this car makes you fall inlove with it, and I totally agree. Sometimes I think it's related to "Christine" the car in the movie. I've evn had cops tell me that I have a cool car.

BRAKES, I'm starting to question whether I actually have them. GAs mileage. The lady at the gas station knows my name now!!!! I need a seperate bank account just for this.

I absolutely love this car!!! It has a lot of good qualities and of course some bad, but nothings perfect. If you are into cars for their looks, this is the one. Mine is black with all the options. I have had girls come out of stores to look at my car. I have had fathers who were with their sons point at my car. I had been approached by grwon old men about my car. i love the attention. It's is pretty fast on the highway, but it leaves a little to be desired on the takeoff.

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I used to drive a cavalier so maybe that's why I harp on the gas so much, but hell....it's worth it!!! I did race my frat brothers maxima, and i must say that once we got on the highway I could hang with him, thank god there wasn't a straight away though, i never could have handled the embarrassment that followed!!!!!

NICE LOOKING CAR-HAVE HAD MANY COMPLIMENTS ON APPEARANCE

WHERE SHOULD I START? FROM THE VERY BEGINING I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON WITHIN THE FIRST 6 MTHS. AFTER ABOUT 9 MNTHS THE CAR BEGIN TO STALL, JUST CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF 5 O'CLOCK TRAFFIC WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE SERVICE DEPT NEVER PIN POINTED THE PROBLEM BUT CHANGED EVERYTHING FROM BATTERY (3 TIMES) TO SPARK PLUG, TO FUEL PUMP (2 TIMES) AND THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTED. EVEN WITH AUTOPILOT THE CAR'S PROBLEM WAS NEVER DIAGNOSED. I DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM TO BE POOR QUALITY WORKMANSHIP!!! NEVERTHELESS, THE CAR HAS NOT STALLED SINCE THE 9TH SERVICE CALL WAS PERFORMED WHERE THE BATTERY WAS CHANGED OUT. GO FIGURE? THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKE PADS SEEM TO WEAR RATHER QUICKLY. ANOTHER WEAKNESS TO ADD TO THE LIST WOULD BE THE NOISE THIS CARE MAKES. THE FRONT WINDSHIELD MAKE A CRACKING NOISE??? THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG RATTLES, THE BACK BRAKES SEEM TO SOMETIMES MAKE A NOICE LIKE WATER TRAPPED INSIDE THE BACK WALLS OF THE TRUCK SWAYING BACK AND FORTH WHEN I BRAKE. SOMETIMES I LIKE TO JUST DRIVE HOME WITHOUT THE RADIO AND THINK, BUT WITH THIS CAR, THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE. YOU CAN HEAR OUTSIDE NOISES, TRAVELING ON A NORMAL PAVED ROAD SOUNDS LIKE YOUR FLYING A JET PLANE!!! TO CONTINUE WITH THE LIST, MY CAR HAS RECENTLY REACHED 60,000 MILES AND I NOTICED OIL IN THE DRIVEWAY..SURE ENOUGH...THE HEAD GASKETS ARE NOW LEAKING OIL WHICH WILL BE ABOUT A 700.00 TO 800.00 DOLLAR REPAIR. LET ME ALSO SAY THAT I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW BECAUSE I DID NOT WANT A USED CAR THAT I WOULD PROBABLY HAVE TO HAVE MANY REPAIRS ON....BOY WAS I WRONG. DO NOT RECOMMEND DODGE TO ANYONE. I WILL DEFINATELY NEVER EVER EVER BUY ANOTHER DODGE...EVEN IF IT WAS THE ONLY CAR ON EARTH...I'D RATHER WALK.

EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS AUTOMOBILE DUE TO THE NUMEROUS TIMES I HAVE HAD TO HAVE CAR SERVICED.

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Higher speed cornering. Nice look, although doesn't attract the police. Cheaper than it's sister car Chrysler Sebring and steadier than a rag top.

Air dam too low, have torn it in half in the middle now due to catching on those cement parking blocks. Transmission had to be rebuilt at 45,000 miles. Parks like a full size truck (large turning radius). Plastic around door air vents breaking off in the Florida heat, covers for console just barely hanging on.

Car came with tilt and cruise and a few other goodies. Good ride and great handling in the curves, can feel the road, but still smooth. My V-6 gets up and goes when I want it to and the anti-locks have saved me a couple of times. Reasonable gas mileage. Bigger back seat than any other in it's class. Real trunk, not a hatch back, with seats down and cargo net out I can haul 8 ft 2x4s and much more too. Low slung is hard to get into and out of as I get older. I'm short so the adjustable seat belts really help. I put in an Alpine and the amp the previous owner put in is great, even my teens love the stereo. I have to keep reminding them not to move the doors by the windows though (don't like getting me power washed at the touchless place). I added an alarm with remote entry and was surprised the power door locks were there, just not hooked up to a button. Bright red paint was easy to match when car was vandalized, although back around license tag is looking faded and the clear front light covers are no longer clear and are pretty scratched up/opaque. Fog lights give a lot better peripheral driving view. If I had to do it over again, I would get electric remote mirrors, power windows and door locks. I may still add a power trunk latch to be controlled by my keyless entry/alarm and a power antenna.

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In between my smaller Plymouth Laser(Eagle Talon/Mitsubishi Eclipse) and
my larger Stratus with about the same gas mileage as the other V-6. Much bigger than the Pontiac Sunfire I rented especially in the back seat. Liked the black one with all the bells and whistles a little better, but for the price, I'm still happy with my stock Red.

looks good, easy steering,and attention getter.

im not to sure yet........

well weve had our 96 es avenger for about 8 hrs.!!! and the oil pressure drops alot when not moving, brakes squeal, a knocking noise in somwhere near the rgt sided tired well, stereo just quit and wont pick any stations up but when it feels like it. and thats about all ive had problems with so far ,, but they keep saying its a really good car ...... psssh sure im not impressed except with the looks .

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Sporty look... car looks sweet when it's clean!!

Had to replace the speed sensor on it twice in the last 3 months... tires are terribly expensive to replace... and the turning radius absolutely SUCKS!!!

Decent car.

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strong engine, and easy to drive

head gasket leaks, oil on spark plugs, dam car stalls for no reason when
your driving down the road and on idle, mechanics have no clue what the
hells going on with this car and dont know why the rotors keep warping.

the avenger has very few ups and alot of downers. overall impression
SUCKS.

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nothing campares to this hoopty