Dodge Avenger Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show: Call it a polite Charger. Debuted at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show and due to hit US streets in late spring of 2007 with a base price of $18,895 (including $675 destination charge), that’s exactly what the Avenger is. Despite the Charger-esqe attitude of the sheetmetal, this is really a front-drive Sebring twin with the same guts, save for a more performance-oriented ride with the R/T model.

Built off the same platform as the 2007 Chrysler Sebring and utilizing the same global Mitsu-Hyundai-Chrysler family of engines, the Avenger boots the insignificant Stratus from the Dodge lineup and gives Dodge dealers a complete set of newly designed cars to sell, starting with the popular Caliber hatch. Its Charger looks, combined with more polite road manners, may make it a hit with buyers who want that style but aren’t willing to sacrifice a nice and sedate daily commute.

This is where the Avenger runs and hides. Sure, it looks like it would be a good friend to have in a bar fight, but once the action starts you’re left with a trio of engines that are more inclined to want to give peace a chance. The Avenger comes equipped with the base 2.4-liter four-cylinder that generates 173 horsepower. Those who want more power can upgrade to a 189-hp flex-fuel 2.7-liter V6. Both the four-cylinder and the 2.7-liter V6 are mated to a four-speed automatic. The Avenger R/T gets a 235-hp 3.5-liter V6 with 232 lb.-ft. of torque, a six-speed automatic, sport suspension and all-wheel drive.

Dodge is betting that legions of sedan buyers out there want more style than your typical brown-bag Camry, Accord, or Sonata, and that many will like the Avenger. It may be a strong bet. With a one-two punch of the more sophisticated Sebring and aggressive Avenger, Chrysler group dealers have two good-looking sedans with which to lift sales. That said, the Avenger will polarize its share of consumers, what with styling cues that strongly resemble the Charger: long hood, short deck, huge fender flares that threaten to dwarf its wheels, and a Dodge crosshair grille that talks a louder game than its engines can deliver. Notable styling cues are its side arches, angular front end and all-around macho look.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe Concept

The Koreans rustle themselves up a rear-drive pony car. Hyundais nothing if not ambitious. What else but ambition could turn a company known only for shoddily m...

2008 Ferrari F430 Scuderia - Previews

In case the F430 wasnt fast (or good) enough. The great thing about the 430 Scuderiaa faster, lighter, and even more compelling version of the F430 is that Ferr...

2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid Preview

Mercury's new 2006 Mariner Hybrid is what most people would consider to be a no-brainer. Fundamentally identical to the Ford Escape, which is available with a g...

2005 Mercury Mariner Preview

NEW YORK CITY, NY - Mercury is hurting. With the departure of the Cougar sport coupe and Villager minivan, the brand was down to four relatively undistinguished...

2005 Mercury Montego Preview

Mercury lands squarely on the family car game board with the 2005 Montego, the first competitive sedan for the company to sell since the original Sable debuted ...