1997 Dodge Avenger Basic basic from North America
Summary:
The car has a great look, but the constant repairs aren't worth it
Faults:
The car is really rough on parts. I have to take the car in at least once a week, if not more, to have the tires adjusted. If I don't take it in the tires make this ungodly grinding noise.
The car is also at the point where it takes at least two tries to start it.
New wheel bearings are almost triple the cost of most other cars, and I have had lots of problems with them.
The parts that need to be replaced the most are also really expensive. Most of the parts that I have had to get have to be ordered through a dealership, but unfortunately I made the mistake of buying the car from another consumer, so I have to pay even higher prices for the parts.
General Comments:
The car is pretty sporty and has a great overall look, but the problems aren't worth it. If you are in the market for a good used car, keep looking because this isn't the car you want. Unless of course you have unlimited funds to maintain the constant upkeep. For those of us who have to work for our money, learn from my mistake and avoid the headache.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 6th September, 2002
17th Jan 2003, 20:22
I agree, if there is anybody looking to purchase a Dodge Avenger, you must speak with current or previous owners and research same on the web. I wish I had looked more carefully before purchasing my '98. It was only 1 year old when the 1st transmission went. Since then, it's been "repaired" 2 more times.
While on holiday last summer, I was stuck on a mountain pass when the timing belt went; creating havoc with the cylinders and pistons. Thank goodness the extended warranty covered it. But just today, I found out that the timing belt has gone again, with that comes more cylinder and piston problems. There have been more repairs, too many to mention here.
My 12 year old Nissan Micra has been a better car to me than the Avenger. If you still insist on purchasing an Avenger, let me be the first to say "I told you so"!
2nd Mar 2003, 03:49
I have a 97 Avenger and I am a 17 year old, so you know I give my car hell, but it has held in there, no major problems yet. It is a good dependable car with great gas mileage! The only complaint I have is the power... but it is a 4 cylinder so what can you do?
26th Nov 2002, 00:03
I have heard from quite a few people that they dislike the 1997 Dodge Avenger. I have a hard time understanding them because I have one and I love it. I have never had a problem with it and I thank God I found such a wonderful car that gets such great gas mileage, is beautiful and has such a roomy interior.
So I would say to anyone interested in the Avenger to drive one, talk to the previous owners and see if there is a particular reason they traded it in. I hope more people have the luck I have had with my car. She is my baby!