Dodge Avenger Headed For Death Row?
Chrysler is facing a dilemma straight out of “Sophie’s Choice” – whether or not it should kill the wretched Dodge Avenger to help the marginally better Chrysler 200 thrive. But words straight from the mouth of Dodge boss Reid Bigland made it seem like it’s all but a done deal.
Stating that “… Chrysler Group will likely consolidate around one midsize car in the future,” Bigland essentially signed the Avenger’s death warrant while speaking to the media at the Detroit Auto Show. The introduction of the Dodge Dart, more appealing in practically every way than the Avenger, should expedite the process. Dodge sold 64,000 Avengers in 2011 while the 200 managed to shift roughly 89,000. Both models lagged far behind the #1 selling Toyota Camry, which sold 308,510 examples in 2011.
More by Derek Kreindler
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One of my neighbor's idiot kids had a brand new Avenger. She was drinking and driving and crashed it into a tree. Only a month later she got a brand new Dodge Charger. DON'T WORRY, THE TREE IS FINE.
On one hand, it makes little sense for the company to build two midsize sedans that compete with one another. On the other hand, it's odd to have a brand that includes a compact (Dart) and a full-size (Charger), but nothing in between. The branding concept is still too muddy. Chrysler is supposedly poised to be a near-luxury brand (as if the world needed yet another alternative to Buick), which itself is a narrow and ambiguous niche in which to play. I suppose that it isn't as bad for Chrysler, since all of these cars will be parked on the same dealer lots, but it isn't exactly compelling, either.
How ironic. Plymouth Divison went down the tubes thanks entirely to models being badge-engineered, virtually identical Dodges for decades. But now, Chrysler intends to dump off a model that doesn't share any body panels with its Chrysler brethern.
I have rented the Avenger this weekend. Driving in snow with the car is ridiculous. It stopped moving going uphill. What the heck? And, it operates without any regard for traction. I have driven extensively in all kinds of snowy conditions, and this is by far the worst car I have ever driven. Some other downsides, is no back windshield wiper. . . what's up with that!? And, it's very difficult to get in and out of. I'm 5'7", and bumped my head on the driver door frame. . . feel like the car's caving in! And, to adjust the seat, you have to jam your hand between the seat and the door to adjust electronically. I wonder what guys do that have larger hands than me. They probably need to open the door before adjusting the seat. Ridiculous. And the windshield wipers are constantly icing up and are totally ineffective. Guys. . . I think it's back to the drawing board with this car.