1997 Dodge Avenger Review

This car is charming but flawed

Written by: wings on 09/29/2009

Vehicle

1997 Dodge Avenger 2 Dr STD Coupe

Review

This was my first car. Much like a first love it holds a special place in my heart. The car looks beautiful and the engine still runs smooth at 138,000 miles BUT I have brought it to my mechanic so many times that we could be best friends. The ball-joints, the tie rods, the struts have all been replaced. The struts are bad again after an additional 25,000 miles. Now, the transmission took a dump and it looks like my car has skin cancer. The car is charming yes, but after you get married to it, it will soon become lazy and consistently start to break in little annoying increments until you will want a divorce. If you are a risk taker, go for it, but you might get burned. other fish in the sea

Favorite Features

Looks, decent gas economy, fun to drive BUT if you are car shopping, remember there are other fish in the sea

Suggested Improvements

no more failing transmissions and short-term paint. the underbody is not solid, it falls apart

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We have been quite happy

Written by: Jim91010 on 08/20/2009

Vehicle

1997 Dodge Avenger 2 Dr ES Coupe

Review

This was the choice of my wife as it was to be her primary car. We have put 197,000 miles on it with no major problems. We recently replaced the front end struts.

Favorite Features

Styling

Suggested Improvements

The turning radius could use improvement.

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My thoughts about my base model

Written by: c on 11/26/2008

Vehicle

1997 Dodge Avenger 2 Dr STD Coupe

Review

I have had my 97 4-banger stick as the original owner with only 17 miles on it when delivered to our dealer. I have gotten 500 miles to a single tank 4 times. Mine is not governed so I have had it up to 131 flat straight away in Germany and 136 downhill there. This car is fun to drive and has a huge trunk. And at 159,634 miles still going strong

Favorite Features

Exterior styling. Sounds funny, but thick steering wheel

Suggested Improvements

They put them all including styling in the 2 dr Stratus

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1997 Dodge Avenger 2 Dr Coupe 6 cyl 2.5

Written by: "J" on 11/06/2008

Vehicle

1997 Dodge Avenger 2 Dr ES Coupe

Review

Wow I really like this car a lot. I bought it having 120,000 miles on it. Really no major problems. I had the water pump gasket begin to leak, but kinda difficult to get around under the hood. Should have small hands. Seeing behind you is kinda annoying, and turning ratio isn't great. Very powerful, and sleek, stylish. Gas mileage is OK. Radio system great. Little low in the front end. Plenty of space. Overall it does its job nicely.

Favorite Features

Sleek style, and Mitsubishi motor!

Suggested Improvements

Turning ratio, and maybe take some of the trunk space and allow for more backseat space.

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Worst Car I Have Ever Owned

Written by: Devonne on 10/03/2008

Vehicle

1997 Dodge Avenger 2 Dr ES Coupe

Review

I have not had the best of luck with this car. I have had it for a year and a half and I have had to replace the ball joint, both axles (twice), speed censor, crank shaft, breaks, fan belt, battery (twice), lower left control arm, shocks, struts, starting coil, fuel pump, the over drive went out, and so did the cruse control. I drove it for 9 months without problems but once the speed sensor went out it has been down hill from there. My mpg have been really bad, I only got 15 mpg even after a new fuel filter, air filter, and pump.

Favorite Features

Drove very well in ice and snow, had a lot of control. Also had a lot of get up and go.

Suggested Improvements

Concerning the safety of the vehicle such as the ball joints, axles, tie rods, and control arm. They deemed my car unsafe to drive due to the tires might fall off while driving it was that bad.

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