Stemming from a model that debuted in 1995, the 2000 Dodge Avenger remains smaller, lighter, and less powerful than its competitors. Even with similar interior space, it just doesn’t have the performance factor. Overall, it has style, but it lacks power and refinement. This marks its only real setback. The Avenger still marks an affordable option.
The Range
Body Styles: two-door coupe
Engines: 2.5-liter V-6
Transmissions: four-speed automatic
Models: Dodge Avenger, Dodge Avenger ES
What's New
The 2000 Dodge Avenger gets new standard equipment, including the 2.5-liter V-6 and automatic transmission. The ES receives new cloth seats and standard 16-inch wheels with luxury wheel covers. A new sport package remains optional. The ES also gives consumers a standard power leather-trimmed driver’s seat. Two key fobs come with the remote keyless entry system, and two new colors—ice silver and ruby red—join the lineup. Dodge drops the four-cylinder engine and manual transmission for 2000.
This marks the last year for the Avenger, as with next year’s redesign it takes on the Stratus name.
Exterior
Drivers choose from six exterior colors for the 2000 Avenger: black clearcoat, bright white clearcoat, café latte clearcoat, ice silver metallic, indy red clearcoat, and shark blue pearl.
Power brakes, tinted glass, remote trunk release, intermittent windshield wipers, 16-inch steel wheels, and a rear spoiler all come standard on the base. ES buyers enjoy front fog and driving lights and 17-inch silver alloy wheels.
Consumers can opt for a keyless entry system, a power moonroof, a four-wheel anti-lock brake system, and an anti-theft alarm system.
The 2000 Dodge Avenger measures 69.1 inches wide, 53 inches high, 190.2 inches long, and sits on a wheelbase of 103.7 inches. It clears the ground at 5.4 inches and has a curb weight of 3137 pounds.
Interior
Bucket cloth seating and rear bench seating, which all together seat five, comes standard on the 2000 base model. The front passenger seat slides forward after tipping the backrest, allowing for more room in the rear seat. The split rear seatback folds down for extra cargo space. Try out the center console, rear window defroster, clock, tachometer, cruise control, power steering, tilt steering wheel, and air-conditioning. An AM/FM/cassette audio system comes standard, or upgrade to a CD audio system in lieu of the cassette. Choose from tan or gray interior.
The interior of the 2000 Dodge Avenger base coupe offers 49.6 inches of rear hip room, 36.5 inches of rear headroom, 35 inches of rear legroom, and 55.1 inches of rear shoulder room. Buyers enjoy a maximum cargo capacity of 12.3 cubic feet.
Performance & Handling
Passengers enjoy a smoother ride thanks to touring suspension, four-wheel double wishbone independent suspension, double wishbone rear suspension, power steering, and speed-sensitive steering, all standard on the base 2000 Dodge Avenger. Touring suspension remains unavailable on the ES, and alloy wheels only come on the ES.
Safety
Base safety and security features remain minimal with just driver and passenger front airbags listed. A panic alarm can be added for a minimal cost.
NHTSA crash test ratings for passenger and driver safety in the 2000 Dodge Avenger look excellent with five out of five stars.
Identifix only notes one moderate problem with the transmission and driveline when testing. The transmission turbine speed sensor and the output shaft speed sensor fail occasionally during testing on the automatic transmission models.
EPA Fuel Economy
Dodge Avenger: 19/27 mpg city/highway
You'll Like
- Good looks
- Large back seat
- Affordable price
You Won't Like
- Weak V-6
- No manual transmission
Sum Up
Attractive luxury sport coupe that needs more oomph.
If You Like This Vehicle
- Chevrolet Monte Carlo
- Pontiac Grand Prix
- Honda Accord Coupe
- Toyota Camry Solara