2009 Dodge Avenger Road Test Ratings

We hoped for more from this car, but it seems no better than a machine we might have called average a decade ago.

The volume V6 engine is neither particularly economical nor powerful. Transmission gearing is OK, but shifts are overly slurred. Drivers looking for involved steering won't find it here, as there isn't much feedback. All-wheel drive is available -- a distinction in this class.

Our Avenger rode about average over bumps and road imperfections. Our tallest driver had plenty of room and was able to find a good driving position. But the hard front seats made many of us uncomfortable in only 15 minutes. Road noise, engine drone and idle vibration also contribute to a general lack of serenity.

This is the Avenger's strongest area. Just about all of the controls are easy to operate and logically placed. The climate control system consists of three large and intuitive knobs. Even though the steering wheel controls for the audio system are hidden on the back of the spokes, they work great and are easy to remember. Trunk space is good, but rear 3/4 visibility is somewhat compromised by the styling. We're not fans of the LED interior lighting.

We'll give the exterior design crew points for trying to be different, but the rear roof and door junction is plain awkward. We're not as forgiving inside, however, as a weak design is further undercut by hard plastics, exposed flash and questionable texture and color choices. The ugly exposed metal seat tracks that tall drivers get to see are especially inexcusable.