Drivers Log.(News)(Product/service evaluation)

2008 Dodge Avenger R/T

In fleet: May 15-29 As-tested price: $28,895 Drivetrain: 3.5-liter V6; fwd, six-speed automatic Output: 235 hp @ 6400 rpm, 232 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Curb weight: 3568 lb Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 19/20.1 mpg

KOVACH: I like the looks of this car. This Avenger wears a kind of metallic orange color, called sunburst, and looks a bit like its Mopar muscle-car ancestors. What I liked best was the roar of the engine when you put your foot to it. I took it to redline (around 6200 rpm), and it gave a good surge of power. The steering feels well weighted, the interior looks sporty, the seats are cool and comfortable, the stereo offers easy-to-use controls and the chrome wheels are sharp.

BLAHNIK: At first glance, I had a hard time telling this apart from the Charger. I think Chrysler's cars are all starting to morph into each other too much. From the front, the car could even be a Magnum, and the interior uses the same gray that I've seen in every other Chrysler for the past couple of years. I like the two-tone seats; they give the car a bit of a sporty look on the inside. And the interior LED lighting was sweet-it gives off a bit of a cool blue tint.

As for driving it, the Avenger is fast enough, but it didn't inspire me much. In fact, I didn't even realize it was the R/T version until after I'd parked the car and looked at the trunk. For an R/T, I just want more: more styling and more fun.

WONG: I agree with Kovach on the car's looks. This is way better-looking than its Chrysler Sebring counterpart, which is hideous. With the typical Dodge front end and rear quarter-panels that mimic the Charger's, it looks aggressive for a midsize sedan.

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