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Dodge Avenger

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The Dodge Avenger is actually three different cars:


The name Avenger was originally used on the Hillman Avenger, produced by Rootes Group while that company was owned by the Chrysler Corporation.

First generation (1995-2000)

The first generation Dodge Avenger was a 2-door coupe produced from 1995 to 2000, replacing the Dodge Daytona and the Mitsubishi-based Dodge Stealth (which was discontinued in 1996). The Avenger, along with the similar Chrysler Sebring coupe, were built by Diamond Star Motors (DSM), a joint venture between Chrysler Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors, on the Mitsubishi Galant (FJDS22) platform. This joint venture between the two ended in 1995. Avengers and Sebring coupes built from 1995 to 1996 both have DSM markings in their engine compartments.

The Avenger had a 103 in (2.62 m) wheelbase and used either a 2.0 L I4 (the Chrysler 420A) or a Mitsubishi-designed 2.5 L V6.The 4-cylinder was coupled to either a five-speed manual transmission, shared with the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Eagle Talon, or a 4-speed automatic. The V6 was only available with the A604 transmission, and cannot be swapped out easily due to a lack of transmissions that can fit around the front axle. The easiest way to swap out the automatic transmission on this car is an entire drivetrain swap.

The second generation Mitsubishi Eclipse (95-99) was a basically a "shorter" version of the Avenger, and at least 80% of the parts can be used on either vehicle. The main exeptions are the windows, exterior lighting, hood, trunklid, and bumpers. One could swap an Avenger front end to an Eclipse and vice-versa, by swapping the fenders, hood, upper and lower radiator supports, and so on. Some drivetrain components are universal, as are with most interior, and almost all the suspension components.

Changes

Very subtle changes were made to the Avenger over the years. ABS was equipped in all ES models to 1999. In 1997, the front fascia, trunklid, and rear bumper were changed; 16 inch wheels were standard, and the license plate was moved to the rear bumper. In 2000, the V6 and automatic transmission combo was made standard on all Avengers, and ABS was made an "option" for ES models. The four-cylinder engine was also dropped for 2000.

Timeline

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1994: A 1994 Dodge NASCAR IROC Dodge Avenger sports coupe replaced the Dodge Daytona, which had been used since 1990. Only 6 of these were sold from IROC in New Jersey. [link] [link]

1995: Initial introduction - replaces the Daytona. A DOHC 16-valve 2.0 L I4 engine (140 hp, 130 lb-ft of torque) is standard. A SOHC 24-valve 2.5 L V6 engine and an automatic transmission (155 hp, 160 lb-ft of torque) are made optional on the ES. Fog lamps and ABS are also optional on the ES. The Avenger DID NOT replace the Stealth, as it was still in production at this time.

1996: Power and torque ratings for the V6 are increased (163 horsepower, 170 lb.-ft. torque), ES Coupes wore new seat fabric. Dodge Stealth is discontinued (Only 50-some TTs made), the 3000GT continues.

1997: Sport model introduced (in addition to the base, SE, and ES). New front and rear fascias are added. Added a body-color rear spoiler, P215/50HR17 tires and 17 inch cast aluminum wheels for are added for the ES. The V6 is also made standard for the ES, as well as rear disc brakes.

1998: An on-board recycling vapor recovery system, Caffe Latte exterior color and a black and gray interior color combination are added.

1999: Next generation driver and front passenger airbags are added, as well as a new exterior color; Shark Blue. The V6 engine and automatic transmission are made standard on all models in mid-year, as well as several options.

2000: Last year for the Avenger. V6/automatic drivetrain are standard. ABS an option on ES models. Gained a number of standard features that had previously been optional, including power windows and locks. Base models added cruise control, and 4-wheel disc brakes. ES coupes now came with standard leather upholstery, keyless remote entry, and a power driver's seat.

In 2000 the Avenger was discontinued, and replaced by the Dodge Stratus coupe for 2001.

Second generation (2008-present)

2003 Dodge Avenger Concept
Enlarge
2003 Dodge Avenger Concept

The Avenger will return for 2008, this time as a sedan to replace the aging Stratus sedan. The Avenger, along with the redesigned Sebring will use a shared DaimlerChrysler/Mitsubishi Motors platform called the GS. For the new cars, the GS platform will be stretched in size and will be known as the JS.

See also


Dodge
Vehicles
([http://encycl.opentopia.com/ edit])
Current:
Cars: Avenger | Caliber | Charger | Charger Daytona | Magnum | Viper
Vans/SUVs: Nitro | Caravan/Grand Caravan | Durango
Trucks: Dakota | Ram | SRT-10 | Sprinter
Historic:
Cars: 024 | 330 | 400 | 600 | 880 | Aries | Aspen | Avenger | Challenger | Charger (B-body) | Charger (L-body) | Colt | Conquest | Coronet | Custom 880 | Dart | Daytona | Demon | Diplomat | Dynasty | Intrepid | La Femme | Lancer | Matador | Mirada | Monaco | Neon | Omni | Polara | Shadow | Sierra | Spirit | SRT-4 | St. Regis | Stealth | Stratus | Super Bee
Vans/SUVs: Mini Ram Van | Raider | Ramcharger | Ram Van | Ram Wagon | Sportsman | Town Panel | Town Wagon | Tradesman
Trucks: 50 Series | A100 | B Series | C Series | D Series | Power Wagon | Rampage | Ram 50
Corporate: Fratzog | John Francis Dodge | Horace Elgin Dodge

 


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