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I've read on the internet so many negative comments regarding Dodge: Nitro, Caliber & the Avenger.
I guess I have poor taste, because I think all 3 look great. Totally cool designs.
But, while I have been in the market for a used car, here is why I did not buy a Dodge:
Caliber SRT4: fab to drive, 260 HP, great cargo space - but pricey, to the point of overpricey
Caliber SXT: CVT might be good for some, but it is frustrating for me, because I consider myself a good driver, and I'd not like to be at the mercy of the CVT. Interiors pre-2010 remind me of rentals.
Nitro: Cool design, lots of cargo space, cool gadgets, but poor fuel economy
Charger SXT: Poor gas mileage and too big, I love the looks, but it would be better as a 2-door
and finally...
THE AVENGER
I must be like a total minority, because I love the looks of this car.
BUT... CVT is not good, and interior leaves a lot to be desired.
I'll buy another car now and wait for a 2011 Avenger to drop in price.
Up until the 2011, Dodge/Chrysler cars have been panned for a very good reason - the competition.
Power? Not the best. Fuel economy? Not great. Cutting edge? Nope. Handling and ride comfort? Meh. Build quality? Ick. Interior materials? Downright dreadful. Price? Still not cheap enough. It was a car ... and that was about it.
Unloading so many to rental fleets didn't help them in the resale value aspect either.
We rented (we always rent for trips) a 2010 Avenger 4dr last fall for a trip. I was not impressed. Ugly (to me) rear door window design hampers rear visibility big time and the HUGE head rests didnt help any... our heads could not even be seen from behind because of the head rests that were practically touching the roof.
Fuel economy was nothing to shout about either. I also was not impressed with the power (ours had the 4-cylinder though) also the interior quality/build materials was not up to par when comparing to the 2010 Ford Fusion we rented last summer. I was also not impressed by the Avengers ride and my right leg was jammed up against the center console/center dash and I am only 5"6".
My mom disliked the car so much, she said for me to never rent another one again - but she is used to the room in her 22 year old S-Class Mercedes sedan. lol, but I even thought my old '88 Honda Civic had more room than the Avenger. Chryslers used to be roomy when they had the "cab-forward" design... my '95 Concorde was roomy and I had a friend even with a '95 Neon and it had more room than this 2010 Avenger.
I may take one if someone gave it to me for free, then I would sell it and buy something else. lol.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Narfcake
Up until the 2011, Dodge/Chrysler cars have been panned for a very good reason - the competition.
Power? Not the best. Fuel economy? Not great. Cutting edge? Nope. Handling and ride comfort? Meh. Build quality? Ick. Interior materials? Downright dreadful. Price? Still not cheap enough. It was a car ... and that was about it.
Unloading so many to rental fleets didn't help them in the resale value aspect either.
Def wait for the 2011 with the 3.6 280HP V6 and updated interior. For the price of a nicely equiped Avenger, I'd get a new 2011 Charger. But then I would take the $25k and buy a used 2008 Charger SRT8 (under 30k miles) with 420HP.
Last edited by PokerMunkee; 01-18-2011 at 11:19 PM..
Had a 2008 Nitro and recently sold it. I had zero problems and averaged about 16.5 mpg. It is what it is...I wouldn't buy another--but would definitely look at a 2-3 year old model for a kid/teen. Again, I had zero issues.
We rented (we always rent for trips) a 2010 Avenger 4dr last fall for a trip. I was not impressed. Ugly (to me) rear door window design hampers rear visibility big time and the HUGE head rests didnt help any... our heads could not even be seen from behind because of the head rests that were practically touching the roof.
The headrest thing isn't a Dodge issue. Beginning in 2008 for front seats and 2010 for rear seats, cars had to meet updated head restraint safety standards. The rules hadn't been updated for almost two decades and it was a noticeable switch in most cars. So, those taller, larger head restraints are now a standard feature in all cars. Personally I like them as I'm tall and the old head rest designs were completely useless to me.
For the OP: it isn't that you have poor taste. It is that your standards are low. Looks is one thing - and overall Chrysler Corp. has done a pretty nice job in the looks department. I don't think the Avenger is ugly - but it is really a mini-Charger in style. The Nitro is a micro-Hummer. They aren't very original but I don't think they are bad looking.
Unfortunately almost everything else about those vehicles is sub par. There are a dozen different models in each category that is better.
I think right now, Dodge is trying to play catch-up with Ford and GM both in build quality and interior quality. The 2011 Durango is a step in the right direction but the rest of their mainstream vehicles (excluding the Challenger) are in need of a complete revamping in the interior portions.
I agree, for the price, there is a better alternative from Ford or GM to every Dodge vehicle on the market.
Avenger? Try the Chevy Malibu or Ford Fusion
Caliber? Try the Chevy Cruze or Ford Focus.
Charger? Try the Ford Taurus.
Journey? Try the Chevy Equinox or Ford Escape.
The Nitro is sort of in a category by itself just because of it's oddity.
LOL, I wouldn't buy anything Chrysler unless it's a Viper or a RAM SRT-10. The only two worth buying from them.
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