1996 Dodge Avenger ES from North America - Comments

I've had to replace the front brake pads and rotors about 6 months into owning the car.

Recently, I replaced the left rear wheel bearing because of a humming noise.

New battery put in after 6 months of owning the car.

This car is absolutely beautiful, both inside and out. The instruments are placed perfectly and the outer touches catch the eye.

Fast, and responsive, but not impressed with handling, which was solved by adding four new "H" performance tires.

Considering what I've replaced on the car, one must keep in mind that it is only expected. Reliability is a 10, keeping in mind that I added 26,000 miles on the car because I love driving it. I honestly believe that some of the problems people complain about with this car is their own doing. I've never had a problem with the moon roof, engine, transmission-- and I ran a complete vehicle history.

Not many may have faith, but I do. My 'venger made a trip from Pennsylvania to Vermont this past week. Yes 1100 miles in 4 days, and now has 150,000 and runs strong.

There are no leaks, no noises except the tweeter that I blew myself.

Above all, knowing the car's reactions is the most conenient. The parking brake has actually saved me from two accidents at this point, (one not being my fault).

So I suggest that by reading this, the next time you as a dodge owner would like to put down the company, take car of your car and treat it as the car it was meant to be, the key to a great driving experience.

I think you are right. I have an Avenger also, and I love driving it. I bought it in October of 2002, and when I bought it it only had 29,000 miles on it. It now has around 43,000 miles. I never had a problem with it, exept I had to get the rotors cut about a week ago, and I think I may need new brakes. Otherwise, I love the car.. its my baby!

Jessica, Pa.

I love my Avenger too. It has some problems, like a serious power-steering leak, a really bad engine "shuddering" problem, but it's a very sexy car and a blast to drive! I hate to break it to you guys, but the Avenger is actually a Mitsubishi, mechanically.

I am a paramedic and use my avenger as an emergency response vehicle. I am very pleased with it. I've had to replace all 4 wheel bearings (common in 9 out of 10 avengers) but otherwise haven't had any real problems with it. The turning radius is terrible, but it has a sporty / classy look to it that I like, and is completely interchangeable with the eclipse. I've had mine up to 146 mph and it wanted to keep going, but I ran out of road. I run with Eagle RSA's (H rating) so the handling you can't beat.

I own a 96 Avenger ES Manual 4cyl. Put in 30k miles on it and now in 114k. Rear passenger side hub spindle was making noise after replacing all tires from Firestone Affinity T2. First I thought that noise was due to the tires. Otherwise I have not spent more than 100$ for battery, Radiator hose, wiper blades and door switches in the past two years of owning my Great Dodge Avenger. I have always used it for all long trips in the past and planning for an All American Road Trip this summer with my wife and 6 months old baby. I am proud of its performance.

I hate to tell you that you are wrong, but the avenger is not all mechanically mitisu the engine is in fact mopar (Dodge Chrysler) the trans is unfortunately mitisu and the body is on a galant platform, even though everyone thinks it is an eclipse, and for everyone getting mad about the timing belt, as with all cars with a timing belt, you have to replace it as a part of preventive maintenance. If you don't when it breaks it will have engine problems. As for the brakes, if you would use genuine dodge parts that wouldn’t be a problem. And some people say that you have to replace the battery every 9 months or something, that's not true I have a 96 avenger and just replaced the original battery from 96, last year, stop leaving your headlights on.

Dodge Avengers are not Stealths. Stealths are the exact twin to the Mitsubishi Eclipse. Avengers only have certain Mitsubishi parts.

I've had my 98 Avenger for 3 years now. It's at 117k and I'm considering selling it. While idling, the car has become increasingly louder (including vibration) and sometimes this includes the RPM's rising and falling by a few hundred. I don't know why this is happening. If anyones has opinions on this I would appreciate it.

I Love my car otherwise. I recently had it repainted and brand new headlights. I've had numerous compliments, it's a great car.

"Dodge Avengers are not Stealths. Stealths are the exact twin to the Mitsubishi Eclipse."

Stealth's are the exact twin to Mitsubishi 3000GT's. Not Eclipses...

Well this is quite an interesting site, looking for a car for my son and have read reviews on '95 mazda 626 and the avenver. its unbelievable what people expect from a car with 150K miles on it. wow. I figure at that mileage its kinda out of the manufactures hands... they did their job.

OK lets clear this up. The Avenger is in fact based on the Gallant. Drive train, suspension, dash, seats all of it is Mitsubishi. They were made in the same plant, side by side. Chrysler styled it and put the logo on it. The 2.5l V6 is not a moper engine (neither is the 3.0 in minivans by the way)

Same today. the 2 door Stratus/Sebring are mitsubishi. The 4 door are Chrysler. The convertible is based on the 4 door. The only thing is. the '96-'00 used the 2.5 Mistu v6. the newer 4 doors use the 2.7 chyrsler engine, based on the 3.3/3.5/3.8 family. aw-some motor. if oil is changed at 3000, as all motors require yet is forgotton. For further info check out allpar.com.