The Dodge Avenger is an all-new, front-wheel-drive midsize sedan. Available with four-cylinder or V6 power, it's a replacement for the Stratus. All-wheel drive is a late-year option on the R/T model.Engine choices include a 173-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder, a 189-hp 2.7-liter V6 and a 235-hp 3.5-liter V6. All return good gas mileage.

The Dodge Avenger's options list offers considerable variety for this segment. All-wheel drive is available if you get the big V6, and almost any Avenger can be equipped with a rear-seat DVD entertainment system or a Harman Kardon navigation/audio system with a 20GB hard drive. A full menu of airbags is standard, and most Avengers are eligible for stability control. A midsize sedan, the 2008 Dodge Avenger is offered in base SE, midgrade SXT and sporty R/T trim levels. The base SE starts you out with 16-inch steel wheels, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, air-conditioning, a CD stereo with an MP3 player input jack, cruise control, full power accessories and an air-conditioned glovebox (the "Chill Zone"). The Avenger SXT adds 17-inch alloy wheels, stain-resistant cloth upholstery, a power driver seat, an extra pair of stereo speakers and a lengthier options list. The high-line Dodge Avenger R/T provides 18-inch alloy wheels, firmer suspension tuning, single-zone automatic climate control, an in-dash CD changer, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.