The Dodge Avenger is a large family car with enough style for the fashion conscious. Although it is a stylish ride, it is not the best family car out there but they are certainly putting the pressure on their rivals. This American-influenced car is one of the first cars in its mainstream range launched in 2006.

The consumer will be able to choose the Avenger from one of the two of the petrol engines or the diesel (which was sourced by Volkswagen). The petrol engines are either a 156bhp 2.0-litre or the 170bhp 2.4 litre. The latter is slightly faster than the former with going from 0 to 62 in 10.4 seconds. The 2.0 litre petrol has a five-speed manual transmission that doesn't really use up most of it's 140lb-ft of torque that has been made available at 5100rom with a maximum speed of 124mph. The 2.4 liter petrol engine teams up with a CVT automatic transmission going with 170bhp, 162 lb-ft of torque at 4500rpm. However it is the 140bhp 2.0 turbodiesel that breaks the mold with it's six speed manual transmissions and going to 62mph in 10.5 seconds. So far, the steering has been reported as being well weighted and the front wheels seem to have good feedback. The electronic stability control is also used in this car to help with the alignment should the car skid.

As it was designed with families in mind, the Avenger has sufficient room and is comfortable. It comes equipped with the standard air conditioning, electric windows and the rear bench is large enough to accommodate three grown ups. It comes with a 60/40 folding rear seat for the higher spec model. The large boot is good for travelling families. With the SE model, the Avenger has the electronic stability control, six airbags, an alarm, tyre pressure warning light, driver's seat lumbar support, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, front centre armrest, air conditioning, electric folding door mirrors and more. The SXT adds on to the SE model with various more gadgets which includes leather trimmed seats, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, 18-inch alloy wheels, boot spoiler, leather covered steering wheel, fold-flat fron passenger seat, electric front windows, rear armrest and the 60/40 split folding rear seat. The top models will also come with electrical adjustment for the driver's seat and rear three-quarter vision which ironically makes reverse parking a little trickier.

The interior is designed with hard plastic surfaces but other than that the seats are comfortable and there aren't too many complicating instruments lying around. The standard safety equipment can be found in this car; six airbags, ABS electronic stability control, tyre pressure monitor and seatbelt pretensioners. Since the engines that are used in the Avenger have been used in other products and their reliability has been proven, there should not be many problems with this car.

It comes at a very reasonable price range that goes below $30,000 and that would be a good price for a car with a good engine and the needed specs. It should be noted as well that it does suffer from competition against car makers like Kia, Skoda and Mazda.