From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Dodge Avenger
Manufacturer	Mitsubishi Motors (1995-2000) Chrysler LLC (2008-)
Production	1995-2000 2008-
Class	Mid-size

First generation
Production	1995–2000
Assembly	Normal, Illinois
Predecessor	Dodge Daytona Dodge Stealth
Successor	Dodge Stratus coupe (for 2001)
Body style(s)	2-door coupe
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Chrysler FJ platform
Engine(s)	2.0 L 420A I4 2.5 L Mitsubishi 6G73 V6
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 4-speed 41TE automatic
Wheelbase	103.7 in (2634 mm)
Length	190.2 in (4831 mm) (1998-2000) 187.2 in (4755 mm) (1995-97)
Width	69.1 in (1755 mm) (1998-2000) 68.5 in (1740 mm) (1995-97)
Height	53.0 in (1346 mm) (1998-2000) 51 in (1295 mm) (1995-97)
Related	Chrysler Sebring (coupe) Eagle Talon Mitsubishi Eclipse Mitsubishi Galant

Second generation
Production	2008-
Assembly	Sterling Heights, Michigan
Predecessor	Dodge Stratus
Body style(s)	4-door sedan
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Engine(s)	2.4 L GEMA I4 2.7 L EER V6 3.5 L EGJ V6 2.0 L TDI I4
Transmission(s)	4-speed 40TES automatic 4-speed 41TES automatic 6-speed 62TE automatic
Wheelbase	108.9 in (2766 mm)
Length	190.9 in (4849 mm)
Width	71.8 in (1824 mm)
Height	58.9 in (1496 mm)
Related	Mitsubishi Lancer Mitsubishi Outlander Chrysler Sebring Dodge Caliber Jeep Compass Jeep Patriot Dodge Journey
Designer	Ryan Nagode, Graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art, Industrial Design Program 2003

Introduced as a 1995 model year vehicle the Dodge Avenger was a rebodied Mitsubishi Eclipse. Not especially quick for its time, it was, however, exceptional when it came to handling. Another major attribute was its interior design/layout which enabled it to fit four average sized adults in relative comfort, something that few coupes or other 2 door vehicles in its class could offer. This model was discontinued after the 2000 model year.

In 2005 rumours started to spread that the Avenger name would be returning to the Dodge lineup though this time it would be replacing the Dodge Stratus, the coupe version of which replaced the Avenger in 2001. This time however it would not be a coupe but a sedan only. The car was officially unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show. That model had a diesel engine, but is currently only available in the US and Canada with a choice of three gasoline engines. The diesel is available in other international markets.

The Dodge Avenger is actually three different cars:

• The Dodge Avenger coupe (1995-2000)
• The Dodge Avenger Concept from the 2003 North American International Auto Show
• The Dodge Avenger (JS) sedan released in 2007 for the 2008 model year.

The name Avenger was originally used on the Hillman Avenger (later Chrysler/Talbot Avenger), produced by Rootes Group while that company was owned by the Chrysler Corporation.

Contents 1 First generation (1995-2000) 1.1 Changes 1.2 Trims 1.2.1 Timeline 2 Second generation (2008-) 2.1 Trims 3 Trivia 4 See also 5 References

The first generation Dodge Avenger was a 2-door coupe produced from 1995 to 2000, replacing the Dodge Daytona and the Mitsubishi-based Dodge Stealth (which was discontinued in 1996). The Avenger, along with the similar Chrysler Sebring coupe, were built by Diamond Star Motors (DSM), a joint venture between Chrysler Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors, on a stretched version of the Mitsubishi Eclipse platform. This joint venture between the two ended in 1995. Avengers and Sebring coupes built from 1995 to 1996 both have DSM markings in their engine compartments.

The Avenger had a 103 in (2.62 m) wheelbase and used either a 2.0 L I4 (the Chrysler 420A) or a Mitsubishi-designed 2.5 L V6. The 4-cylinder was coupled to either a five-speed manual transmission, shared with the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Eagle Talon, or a 4-speed automatic. The V6 was only available with the A604 transmission.

Very subtle changes were made to the Avenger over the years. ABS was equipped in all SE models to 1999. In 1997, the front fascia, trunklid, and rear bumper were changed; 16 inch wheels were standard, and the license plate was moved to the rear bumper. In 2000, the V6 and automatic transmission combo was made standard on all Avengers, and ABS was made an "option" for SE models. The four-cylinder engine was also dropped for 2000.

• 1995-2000 - base (V6 among other options made standard in 2000)
• 1995-2000 - SE

A "Sport Appearance Package" could be added on to Base model cars. This package included alloy wheels (different from those on the SE), among other options.

1994: A 1994 Dodge NASCAR IROC Dodge Avenger sports coupe replaced the Dodge Daytona, which had been used since 1990. Only 6 of these were sold from IROC in New Jersey. [1] [2]

1995: Initial introduction - replaces the Daytona. A DOHC 16-valve 2.0 L I4 engine (140 hp, 130 ft·lbf (176 N·m) of torque) is standard. A SOHC 24-valve 2.5 L V6 engine and an automatic transmission (155 hp, 160 ft·lbf (217 N·m) of torque) are made optional on the ES. Fog lamps and ABS are also optional on the ES.

1996: Power and torque ratings for the V6 are increased (163 horsepower, 170 ft·lbf (230 N·m). torque), ES Coupes wore new seat fabric. Dodge Stealth is discontinued (Only 50-some TTs made), the 3000GT continues.

1997: Sport model introduced (in addition to the base and SE). The Avenger Sport package consisted of exclusive 16 inch aluminum wheels and a body-color spoiler. New front and rear fascias are added. Added a body-color rear spoiler, P215/50HR17 tires and 17 inch cast aluminum wheels for are added for the SE. The V6 is also made standard for the ES, as well as rear disc brakes.

1998: An on-board recycling vapor recovery system, Caffe Latte exterior color and a black and gray interior color combination are added.

1999: Next generation driver and front passenger airbags are added, as well as a new exterior color; Shark Blue. The V6 engine and automatic transmission are made standard on all models in mid-year, as well as several options.

2000: Last year for the Avenger. V6/automatic drivetrain are standard. ABS an option on ES models. Gained a number of standard features that had previously been optional, including power windows and locks. Base models added cruise control, and 4-wheel disc brakes. ES coupes now came with standard leather upholstery, keyless remote entry, and a power driver's seat.

In 2000 the Avenger was discontinued, and replaced by the Dodge Stratus coupe for 2001.

The Avenger has returned for 2008 as a sedan to replace the aging Dodge Stratus, whose coupe version had replaced the original Avenger in 2001. The Avenger, along with the redesigned Chrysler Sebring, shares a DaimlerChrysler/Mitsubishi Motors platform called the GS. For the new cars, the GS platform is stretched in size and known as the JS. The base engine in the SE and SXT trim levels is the 2.4 L GEMA I4 naturally-aspirated "World Engine", a joint venture between DaimlerChrysler, Mitsubishi and Hyundai. Additional engines include an optional 2.7 L V6 in the SXT and a standard 3.5 L V6 in the R/T trim level. The new Avenger is expected to be sold worldwide. In addition to the 2.4 L "World Engine" and the V6s, export vehicles will be offered with the 2.0 L naturally-aspirated "World Engine", as well as a 2.0 L turbocharged diesel (Pumpe-Düse) made by Volkswagen [3]. As a 2008 model, the Dodge Avenger came to showrooms in February 2007. [4]

Two of the more uncommon features on the new Avenger are the optional heated/cooled cup holders as well as Dodge's new "Chill Zone", a feature that comes standard on all Avenger models, which can store up to 4 12oz cans in the glove box and chill them to 40 degrees Fahrenheit[5].^[1]

The Avenger replaced the Charger as Dodge's car in NASCAR in 2007 for Car of Tomorrow races. It got its first win by former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya in 2007_Toyota/Save_Mart_350 in Infineon.

The vehicle was officially unveiled at the Paris Motor Show on September 28, 2006 as a concept car.

It has been launched in Europe and will be sold in Britain, filling a gap in the Chrysler range that was left by the Neon's demise four years earlier. It has also been launched in Australia, although currently with only the 2.4L engine.

The Avenger is currently one of only a handful of midsized automobiles for sale in Canada and the US available with AWD and a 6spd transmission.

SE: 2.4L 4 Cyl DOHC 16V Dual VVT 4 spd automatic

SXT: 2.4L 4 Cyl DOHC 16V Dual VVT 4 spd automatic SXT optional powertrain: 2.7L V6 DOHC 24 Valve MPI 4 spd automatic

R/T: 3.5L High Output V6 24V MPI 6spd automatic

R/T AWD: 3.5L High Output V6 24V MPI 6 spd automatic

• The first generation Dodge Avenger body style was widely used in the National Hot Rod Association, but came to the most prominence being driven by Darrel Alderman, and Scott Geoffrion, during their run from 1994 -2000, as the celebrated Dodge Boys.

• Chrysler Sebring

1. ^ Avenger Overview and Specs

Dodge road car timeline, North American market, 1970s-present -  v • d • e
Type	1970s										1980s										1990s										2000s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Subcompact									Omni
										Colt
														Charger
Compact	Colt												400					Shadow								Neon												Caliber
	Dart						Aspen					Aries
Mid-size									Magnum		Mirada			600						Spirit							Stratus												Avenger
	Coronet							Diplomat												Dynasty
Full-size	Monaco									St. Regis											Monaco			Intrepid												Magnum
	Polara																																				Charger
Sport compact															Daytona											Avenger								SRT-4
Sports	Charger
	Challenger								Challenger						Conquest							Stealth																	Challenger
	Super Bee																						Viper

v • d • e Dodge (Vehicles • Chrysler LLC)
Current
Cars	Avenger • Caliber • Charger • Magnum • Viper
Vans / SUVs	Caravan/Grand Caravan • Durango • Journey • Nitro • Sprinter
Trucks	Dakota • Ram
Historic
Cars	024 • 330 • 400 • 600 • 880 • Aries • Aspen • Avenger • Challenger • Charger (B-body) • Charger (L-body) • Charger Daytona • Colt • Conquest • Coronet • Custom 880 • Dart • Daytona • Demon • Diplomat • Dynasty • Intrepid • La Femme • Lancer • Matador • Mirada • Monaco • Neon • Omni • Polara • Shadow • Sierra • Spirit • SRT-4 • St. Regis • Stealth • Stratus • Super Bee
Vans / SUVs	Mini Ram Van • Raider • Ramcharger • Ram Van • Ram Wagon • Sportsman • Town Panel • Town Wagon • Tradesman
Trucks	50 Series • 100 Series • 500 Series • A100 • B Series • C Series • D Series • Power Wagon • Rampage • Ram 50
Corporate	Fratzog • John Francis Dodge • Horace Elgin Dodge