Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2013 Dodge Avenger R/T that not only looks good, it is fast and fun to drive sporty sedan. I can’t say I like the car without saying it has an awful lot to do with its recent marriage to Daimler / Mercedes Benz. We’re all better for the relationships we have even when it breaks our hearts. The experience is worth it and after all isn’t the experiences we live for?
General Information:
Parts from the US / Canada 75%, Other 25%. It is assembled in Sterling Heights, MI U.S.A., Classification is Midsize. Cars from Dodge: Avenger, Caliber, Challenger, Charger, Dart, Durango, Grand Caravan, Journey, Nitro and Viper.
Opinions and Observations:
We all have opinions and observations. What are some of yours?
Recently I noted while driving down the freeway there is good news and bad news with traffic these days. The good news is that traffic is tolerable; the bad news is that 2.4 million people are out of work in California and that explains why there are fewer cars on the highways.
But I’ve got to ask why we are putting in a Bullet Train to San Francisco instead of improving local transportation routes. Ok, so I know the reason – because more people wanted it and voted for it than opposed it. Don’t you just love how other people spend your money when they get a chance to?
And finally, I’m guessing those who voted for Brown & Company in Sacramento are the very ones who are out of work. Sadly those same folks will pay more for that system of transportation of the “Few” who will use it than those who are working. Reason:percentage wise lower income folks always pay more than higher income folks as a percentage of income. Regressive taxes like Sales Tax is a great contributor to the disparity.
And don’t be confused with where Sacramento gets the money. The important fact is that ALL taxes are going up to support those bums in government.
Alert:
(According to Triple A)
Watch this video from Fox Business News. If your CAR IS OLDER THAN 2012 Avoid using the new E15 Gas in your car. It is just starting to show up at gas stations and can cause damage.
http://video.foxbusiness.com/
Handling & Performance:
This is really a fun car to drive and brings back memories of the muscle car days of old and the exuberant days of youth. It has a solid, tight feel, and as Steve Martin said in one of his movies that paired him up with a very young girl friend – “I’m young again!”
That thought alone will sell lots of Avengers.
Styling:
Retro and that’s a nice touch of class of designers who also appreciate the golden days of the auto industry.
Fit and Finish:
Very good.
Cost:
I test drove the R/T but the competition below is the base models that more closely match the SE model with an MSRP of $19,000.
Conveniences and comfort:
Very good complement of standard equipment.
Consumer Recommendation:
If you are into yesteryear with improved everything, you probably have owned a Rod rebuilt for today. This is a bit of nostalgia that appears to appeal to most everyone and the really good news you get the performance coupled with far better fuel economy.
Recognized Competition:
Dodge Avenger $25,000, Buick Regal $29,000, Chevrolet Malibu $22,000, Chrysler 200 $19,000, Ford Fusion $22,000, Honda Accord $22,000, Hyundai Sonata $21,000, Kia Optima $21,000, Mazda 6 $21,000, Nissan Altima $22,000, Subaru Legacy $20,000, Toyota Camry $22,000, Toyota Corolla $16,000, Volkswagen Jetta $16,000.
Good News:
Decent fuel economy muscle car, great features for safety and convenience, comfortable ride.
Bad News:
Standard Equipment:
3.6 liter VVT 283 HP V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, front side curtain and seat mounted airbags, stability control, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, traction control, security alarm, wheel mounted speed control and audio controls, front and rear stabilizer bars, auto headlights, remote start, Uconnect DVD MP3 and HDD 40GB Hard Drive / 28 GB available, 6.5” touch screen display, audio with Sirius XM and 6 speakers, leather steering wheel, power 8-way driver seat, heated front seats, climate control, power windows and locks, Bluetooth streaming audio, remote USB Port, tire pressure monitor, tilt and telescoping column, 60/40 rear seat with trunk pass through, l18” Rallye aluminum wheels, fog lights, power heated mirrors and trunk lid spoiler.
Gas Stats:
$3.65 / Gal avg. Jan. 14, 2013
For more information.
19 City and 29 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP R/T pricing $25,495.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
