Used 1996 Dodge Avenger Consumer Reviews
Used Avenger for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
KING OF '96
WDunn2807, 05/12/2006
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car is my baby. My real only problem is the engine went out. Something in the cam and instead of finding the problem just had it replaced. That was a hefty $1400. And there really isn't much wrong with this car. If you want proof go and drive another car that is a '96. There you go thats all you need. For a 1996 car this thing owns the road.
What I Think
kobels avenger, 01/08/2008
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
On my 96' Avenger I've got 17" Riax, spoiler, graphics, cold air intake, 10" subs, 260 watt amp. I'm savin my money to get a new paint job with metalic flakes in the paint. My car hugs corners really good, and has a good top speed
1996 Dodge Avenger for sale near you
Showing 0 of 0 listings
Sorry, there are no 1996 Dodge Avenger vehicles for sale in our network.
See all 0 listingsMy baby!!!!
Southsyde4eva, 03/09/2003
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought my Avenger a little over a year ago and I haven't stopped loving her yet! I have kept regular maintenance on her and the only repair I've had to do was to replace the alternator and a/c belts. If they were to bring back the Avenger I might consider trading mine in for a new one but other than that---I wouldn't give her up for anything!!!
Who knows what tomorrow will bring?
tigerlily, 06/24/2008
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I got this car as a gift my senior year and fell in love with it immediately. I've replaced the O2 sensors and the water pump twice (within a 6 month period of time), and after year 1 everything electric on the interior has one-by-one stopped working; the dome light only works if I'm entering through the passenger door and the stereo will randomly turn on and off. I've paid for a very pricey tune up, replacing just about everything and that seemed to help nothing, the belts still slip and there's a tap that no one can seem to figure out. Last year i developed a temperamental oil leak, comes and goes and most recently at 100K it's leaking transmission fluid.
great car
cbones, 08/06/2008
1996 Dodge Avenger 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought this car my freshmen yr of college for $900, had an oil leak & needed brakes, I put a new head gasket (a Chrysler known problem) to fix oil leak, a new timing belt & tensioner on at this time, & spent $60 on brakes, broke the trans pinion shaft doing high speed doughnuts in the snow (whoops) bought a new diferential and its worked great ever since, I have done is regular maintenance, belts tires, o2 etc. As needed, rewired the a/c in auto class & now it will freeze you out. I recently broke 200k and it is still running as strong as ever, car looks great, handles like a dream & is fun to drive. Average 30+ mpg on the interstate & recently hit 37 mpg on the highway, 24 in town
Great sexy fun car
Great sexy car, 09/12/2008
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Love the sleek sporty look of car; fun to drive; at 134,000 miles have little more than normal maintenance. Reliable. Well built and beefy enough to feel save on cross-country driving as well as crowded freeway driving. Bright red, decked out with spoiler, moon roof, leather interior - always gets admiring looks even tho now 12 years old.
Not too shabby
Brittney, 11/26/2008
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car for $800 and 161,000 miles on it. I really enjoy this car. Nothing major wrong with it, just general maintenance. This will probably last me one more year. It is fun to drive and has a great stereo system. I love the size of the steering wheel. The only con I can really think of is the turning radius and the low bumper. It sometimes scrapes the ground if you're not careful.
Excellent Car
Deliman1211, 03/05/2009
1996 Dodge Avenger 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I got this car just a year ago, when i bought it the only problem that it had was a misfire, and that was easily fixed. i got the car for 400$ from my neighbor. and its got almost 220k miles and still runs great. the only problem i recently had was that the starter went out. easy fix. bolts are confusing to get too. other then that it is a GREAT car. it also gets awesome gas mileage. i would recommend it to everyone who wants a reliable, quick, and sporty car.
Wonderful Older Car To Own
Arthur Johnny-john, 04/26/2009
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased this 1996 Dodge Advenger ES used from a buddy of mine this spring, he no longer wanted it because it needs a little of everything fixed or replaced due to it's age. He also had a family now and it doesn't quite "fit" the family's purpose either, so I got it for $800.00 and have been driving it daily now for about 2 months now. It handles like a dream! Excellent power for having 180,000 miles on it and I plan on investing a lot of money into it to bring it back to better-than showroom... I'm going to make it my dream project summer vehicle!
I Lke It!
skippy21, 03/25/2013
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
i have had mine for about 9 monthes and min eis a 96 as well and mine has never died on me, and the only probleme with it is the interior, i completely hate the interior, crappy plastice that keeps breaking on me, but other than that i like the sound, speed, and realiability of it. over all i am impressed.
13 years old & still great
AnnaMN, 10/04/2009
1996 Dodge Avenger 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I originally purchased this car when I was 16 for its exterior look but after 7 years of driving it, it has proved to be an amazing car. At 146K it is still running great. The 2.0 4-cyl may not be the most powerful engine on the road, but it helps with fuel costs. Very comfortable interior, easy to drive; great handling in all weather. Drove it back & forth to college weekly, has never broken down. Its time for me to get a new car even though its still running great, but I needed to pay tribute to how wonderful the Avenger has been. Will be sad to see it go.
Don't give Chrysler any more money
hannabach, 09/03/2003
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is not for the faint of wallet. I've spent appx. $3000 annually during the last three years of owning this car. I've replaced the transmission, all four O2 sensors, ignition wires, spark plugs ($70 each time), and many other major repairs. I have friends who joke about my Check Engine light. I realize not every car is a lemon, but I believe buying this model is risky for anyone. Now who wants to buy mine?
A great car to drive
Rudy Arias, 01/25/2004
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Its a great car for the money. With the exception of stock engine performance, its been a very exceptional car to own. The only money that I have sunl into it has been in Audio and engine bolt on performance items like mass air intake, headers, cat back exhaust,etc. The only suspension madification done was better front & rear sway bars. The body shows no signs of fatigue or rust, I will drive this car till it dies (or when Dodge brings it back).
13 years of love.
Mark, 07/09/2008
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car new Dec, 95 at the age of 21, and am about to trade it in (180k miles) this month for a used minivan for the wife and 2 kids. I LOVE this car. Being an irresponsible 21 y/o, I punished this vehicle (top @135 mph, hard redlines, etc) and haven't maintained it like i should recently. Therefore some things are my fault. Problems: transmission rebuilt @ ~80k miles - currently slips & leaks, oil leaks, blown radiator hose, bad right front shock (my fault), bad driver window track (won't roll up), O2 sensor, visor lights, emergency brake cord stretched & catches, stereo power glitches, blown front speaker (my fault), paint on spoiler faded. Not a lot if you considering its history.
Fun Car To Drive
galleskater, 08/01/2009
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned the car for two years and after about 40,000 miles on the car I still love it. Went out and bought low profile Falken tires painted rims black and threw four 12 subs in the trunk. I have gone through seven cars from my two years of driving and my highly spirited driving style and this car has held up to most of the abuse... I had the engine replaced when purchased and tranny rebuilt, and with the help of 75 shot of NOS cold air intake street torque converted lowering springs catback 550cc injectors and billet fuel rail this car is FAST! Looking at a set of gears for even quicker starts. Definitely suggested buy.
I struck oil
clout, 08/31/2009
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got my dodge avenger ES with no miles a 188000 miles latter I've changed the o2 sensor twice the camshaft sensor once and developed a oil leak that seems no one can fix.I just recently paid 1200 dollars for a distributor and this is the third time I've taken it back. it seems like the mechanics don't know how to work on these car,s or don,t like to. the drivers side window works when it wants to no dome light really a bright ideal. this car should be better quality.
1996 Dodge Avenger
delon73, 07/08/2002
1996 Dodge Avenger 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good looking car and easy to modify!!!
My Dodge Avenger
aickelin, 07/10/2002
1996 Dodge Avenger 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've loved my 96 Avenger. It has not given me any mechanical problems with one exception. In the first 30,000 miles the engine leaked oil. My Dealer was great and it turned out to be a wrinkel in the head gasket which was corrected under warranty. With regular oil changes and upkeep, the car has performed well for its price range. I wish they were still making that model.
Where is the Junk Yard???
Junk Driver, 07/26/2002
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Lets see, where to start= 1 month old, the car had an interior water leak coming in from the underbody's drainage system (not found until 7 visits to the dealer and 2 years later) 3 years old, leaks engine coolant, told I need a new radiator 4 years old, head gasket needs replacing, power doorlocks no longer function Also had oil leaks in 3 other places!!! After my 60,000 mile service, it now runs worse than ever! My engine light even came on (at least I know that works)
love my avenger! :)
osubkys, 08/09/2002
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall a great car. Black is a litt hard to keep clean though!! But I LOVE IT!
Dont waist your money!
Dodgesux, 09/08/2002
1996 Dodge Avenger 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I advise to never buy a Dodge or ever a Dodge Avenger. My car is a 1996 which is the second year they made these cars and it was the biggest lemon I could have ever imagined buying. Within the last year I have replaced the engine, the transmission, the radiator, $800 in brakes which are going out once again, and the fuel pump. Also the thermostat was replaced. All of this and last week i was leaning back in my seat to replace my wallet and the seat broke so I havent got any back support. This car has never been wrecked but has completely fallen apart! Terrible car will never buy Chrysler again!
You don't know what you're saying...
1996 Dodge Avenger, 11/01/2002
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I don't know why people put me(Avenger) down. Okay, with every kind of car comes a bad one or two. There could be a bad Honda Civic but it shouldn't ruin it for every Honda Civic out there. Just because you have crappy luck, doesn't mean you can put me down or even Chrysler/Dodge. Chrysler/Dodge is awesome, obviously, otherwise you wouldn't have gotten me in the first place. So, just remember...NO car is perfect(except me of course). Damn.
Pretty good car
mememememe, 11/21/2002
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
98,000 miles so far and completely trouble free. I've done nothing other than normal maintenance and the car has never let me down. It's fun to drive, perfect size, big trunk, still looks great.
ash
ashlee, 02/02/2003
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been a great car, very fun to drive, very comfortable, good stereo, looks good overall. The only complaint i have is that when something goes wrong it cost a lot to fix because how they put the engine together.
i love my venge (avenger)
claudee2414, 02/11/2011
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i purchased my avenger with 72,000 on it, i have had it for 5 years and now it has 240,000 milege. replaced the tranny and it lasted 3 years and now i have to rebuild it again. other than the transmission problems the engine is just starting to break in. replaced altenator, and radiator and brakes. this car handles like an indy car, its so sleak and beautiful. and i have the only one in the town that i live in!! i am in love with my venge, get one you will be too :)
Good Quality First Car
sbrown, 02/05/2003
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was the very first car i bought myself and i love it. i have had the car for three years and its never once been in the shop. It still runs perfect.
Owned this car for nearly 10 years
ChipM, 01/30/2005
1996 Dodge Avenger 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new in 1995 and have been the only owner. I've had an overall excellent experience with this car. I've had to replace some belts, hoses, power steering pulley twice, battery, radiator, thermostat twice, and radio (once under warranty). All things I would expect to replace within a 10-year span on any car. I have no regrets about buying this car. It's been very good to me.
Fun to Drive
Tedster, 12/06/2003
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is the most comfortable I have driven ever. It's interior is well designed wit all the amenities for a non-luxury model. It's handling and aerodynimic design is superb. I am almost always stop by people and comment about it's sleek and sophisticated appearance. I am very content with my Dodge Avenger. The next car that can replace this beauty is a 430 lexus, 330 Mercedez Benz or 720i BMW. The main idea for this car is to keep it very clean and detailed at all times. This car is definitely a keeper.
Reliable...but falling apart
David James C, 07/07/2005
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Avenger was the pick for my ex - and I got stuck with it, while she took the new RAV 4. Smart. The Avenger is reliable, always starting, but acceleration and performance seems to decrease year after year. I put oversided fat tires on it, and it looks and handles very well . The seating is very uncomfortable and the electric fore/aft died, but the cabin still looks good. CD function died, but the premium sound system is still good. The tranny seems to be going now. Front end was replaced by the previous owner. A/C died, holds vacuum, but cannot find leak after recharging three times. The next day it's dead. See a trend here? Time to sell it while it still looks good.
A fine first car
jmoy, 07/24/2005
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Avenger was my first car out of college, and it's still going at 140,000 miles (9yrs.). It corners nimbly, and possesses great sport styling. Its athletic veneer, however, belies its pedestrian engine performance; It's pretty slow from 0- 60. unless you're drag racing, It boasts sufficient passing power on freeways. The tranny has given me fits: I replaced it at 95K and am starting to have problems again at 140K. I also replaced the water pump once and all the 02 sensors twice now. Overall, however, it's been a fairly decent car. I think it can last another year plus.
96 Avenger Sport
Wolvie MkM, 01/27/2004
1996 Dodge Avenger 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Worked great until it started braking... higher milage I4 owners watch out for rear main oil seal leaks, and oil ring leaks. My driveway looks lovely... Great while it lasted... Engine is too weak for weight of car... Handles great though..
avenger
christine bliss, 02/01/2004
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i bought this car new in 01/96 and have been the only owner. i never had any problems with this car except maintanence(brakes, tires, struts, etc) it now has over 100,000 miles on it and its still going strong.
Avergers Are Lemmons. Look what happend
MikeCalvino, 03/22/2004
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this as my first car. Only 2 weeks into having it the tranny blew. I went to bring it back and the man skipped town. Cost me 3k. Later the heater core went. If you think changing these japan heater cores are easy try 8 hours and $800. This car also has an elecrtical problem. Alwas dies and stalls out. Piece if crap
NEVER AGAIN!!
Avenger-NEVER AGAIN, 05/03/2004
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fell in love with styling 1st time I saw it. Bought new 2nd model year. 1st 3 months was in the shop 10 times. Auto transmission shot at 40K miles. Entire front end replaced at 56K due to shotty controller arms (the front end broke away from the main structure of the car!). Changed thermostat 2xs & always needs new brakes. FM radio & CD player no longer work. Lots of interior cosmetic problems now make the car look junky. There is a leak inside that no one can find & everytime it rains there is a puddle on the front passenger floor board. I will drive this piece of junk until it rusts away to nothing just to get the $$ I put into it for repairs.
Best buy on the market
eastcoast604, 09/24/2004
1996 Dodge Avenger 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For what you pay, buying one used, it is the best vehicle on the market. Fun to drive, but expensive to fix.
Still Avengin
Still_Avengin, 12/18/2004
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My high school graduation present has never let me down. I fell in love with the car the first time I saw it and had to have it. It has over 150,000 miles now and it is still running strong. Never any major problems, only typical wear and tear. Almost traded it in 3 times, but decided to keep it last minute. Took a chance with an American car and got lucky!
Take it to the Junk Yard
JO, 09/16/2005
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the car new, hated it within 2 years, I finally had enough after 9.5 years and only 70,000 miles. Repalced tranny after 3 years and 30,000, it is going again. O2 sensor light on constantly for past 4 years, replaced virtualy every sensor including $600 part of manifold. Pieces of the door panel starting breaking off 2 years ago. Struts, ball joints and bushings gone at 50,000. Rack and Pinion gone at 60,000. Final straw, the control arm snapped, droping the car, mechanic suggested getting rid of car quickly, it is literally rotting away.
Finally Rid of this Lemon
Nellie03, 11/10/2005
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I can't imagine owning another Dodge. The transmission went out as soon as the warranty did. I've gone through more ball joints and wheel bearings than gallons of gas it seems! Wiper fluid pump went out at 100,000. Exhaust leaked at 75K. Power Locks went out. Nothing but trouble, but is that really a surpise coming from Dodge? If it's not a Hemi, it's junk...
This car is soo Reliable
Lady K, 11/28/2005
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my first car and suppose to get me through college. 140000 miles and counting. Overall the car works mostly all of the time, only normal general maintenance is required ( tune ups, oil changes, etc..) Never really had any big expensive problems with it and Ive had it almost 6 years. Love It !!
This car was a life saver
Janet, 06/10/2007
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought a '96 Avenger ES with 104K for my 17 yo son. The most important thing I can say about this car is that it was substantial and well built enough to save his life in a bad front end collision. Both airbags deployed and the car was totaled, but he walked away without a scratch. He is crushed about losing this car-his first and like a friend to him. Well designed inside and out--I found it comfortable to drive and am 50 yo with a young one in a carseat--easiest 2 door to get child in and out of carseat I have ever used- loved the way the front seats slid forward automatically. Quality for this American made car is exceptional and ergonomic. Handled well, fun to drive, no major problems.
Good car but looking for a new one
DODGE, here it comes, 05/09/2003
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my car used two years ago and have had to put a lot of money into it since then. However, the car could have been wrecked for all I know. I do love my car but I have had the check engine light come on and off for the past year. That has caused me to replace all plugs, 2 o2 sensors, and serveral other things. If the car did come out again I would look at buying but only if it had a 100,000 mile warranty. Only AM radio works, unless it's the perfect temp outside and I'm driving a certain speed. Other than that I have never listened to the FM radio...oh and my alarm has never worked.
NEEDS A TURBO
marcus, 01/29/2003
1996 Dodge Avenger 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
CAR IS SO FREAKIN COOL. SWEET STYLE AND HANDELS PERFECT. HAVE HAD NO MAJOR PROBLEMS, BUT THE NORMAL. I THINK THE CAR NEEDS A TURBO ON THE 420A ENGINE LIKE THE ECLIPSE THAT IT SHARES IT PLATFORM WITH. THE CAR LOOKS FAST BUT IS MISSING THE POWER(4CYL) THAT IT SHOULD HAVE. IT WILL COMPETE WITH THE RICERS WITCH I LOVE. THE CAR IS STARTING TO GET AFTERMARKET PERFORMANCE WITCH IS EVEN BETTER.
i hate my avenger
britt01, 01/09/2003
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had nothing but major problems with this car. I would not recommend buying it.
NEEDS A TURBO
MARCUS, 01/29/2003
1996 Dodge Avenger 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
CAR IS SO FREAKIN COOL. SWEET STYLE AND HANDELS PERFECT. HAVE HAD NO MAJOR PROBLEMS, BUT THE NORMAL. I THINK THE CAR NEEDS A TURBO ON THE 420A ENGINE LIKE THE ECLIPSE THAT IT SHARES IT PLATFORM WITH. THE CAR LOOKS FAST BUT IS MISSING THE POWER(4CYL) THAT IT SHOULD HAVE. IT WILL COMPETE WITH THE RICERS WITCH I LOVE. THE CAR IS STARTING TO GET AFTERMARKET PERFORMANCE WITCH IS EVEN BETTER.
great car
ziggy445, 04/04/2008
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new, and I do all my own maintenance. People will drive a car, not notice that it needs maintenance, and when it finally craps out, they blame the car. The only problems had were minor, and taken care of while the car was in warranty. The engine runs great, but working on it can be challenging, like removing the intake plenum to change plugs. After all the miles, there are some fluid leaks, but I will keep adding fluid until I can get the time to fix it. Overall, I can't imagine a car lasting better for the amount I drive.
not to bad
marc_usmc, 04/19/2008
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had to have this car as soon as I saw it. It does tend to have a lot of belt and O2 sensor problems but after 160k and lots of racing and double clutching my tranny is in perfect condition you get out of it what you put into on if you take care of It you don't have too many problems. The most expensive thing I did to it was replace a control arm. But it is very hard to find custom parts for it I had to fabricate some stuff my self. And it gets horrible gas mileage. The turbocharged es has some serious balls though
My Avenger is named Jean Claude
Sara, lover of Jean Claude, 08/31/2021
1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
He's bright red, beautiful, and completes me. I love him and will never let him go. There were issues that all were solved with a remanufactured computer board. I once read a review that said this car was King of the Road. That person DID NOT lie. There is nothing like a Dodge Avenger and I get complements all the time.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value