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Why did Dodge discontinue the Avenger?

Dodge discontinued the Avenger midsize sedan in 2014 due to declining sales and a shift in consumer preferences towards crossover SUVs and trucks. The Avenger struggled to compete in the highly competitive midsize sedan market, ultimately leading to its discontinuation after a decade-long production run.


The Rise and Fall of the Dodge Avenger


The Dodge Avenger was first introduced in 1995 as a replacement for the Dodge Spirit. It was positioned as a more affordable and sportier alternative to the Dodge Stratus in the midsize sedan segment. The Avenger was well-received initially, offering a blend of style, performance, and value that appealed to many buyers.


However, the Avenger's fortunes began to wane in the late 2000s as the midsize sedan market became increasingly crowded and competitive. Newer and more refined models from rivals like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Ford Fusion began to overshadow the Avenger, which was starting to show its age.


Declining Sales and Shifting Consumer Preferences


The Avenger's sales declined steadily throughout the 2000s, falling from a high of over 100,000 units in 2007 to just 43,000 units in 2013, its final year of production. This decline was partly due to the Avenger's aging design and lack of significant updates, as well as the growing popularity of crossover SUVs and trucks in the U.S. market.


Consumers were increasingly gravitating towards larger, more versatile vehicles, leaving the midsize sedan segment, where the Avenger competed, in a state of decline. Dodge's focus also shifted towards its more profitable and popular models, such as the Ram pickup and Jeep SUV lineup, further contributing to the Avenger's demise.


The Avenger's Replacement and Dodge's Future


After the Avenger's discontinuation, Dodge replaced it with the Dart, a compact sedan that was intended to compete in a different, but equally crowded, market segment. The Dart, however, also struggled to gain traction and was discontinued in 2016.


Dodge's current lineup is now heavily focused on its iconic muscle cars, the Challenger and Charger, as well as its lineup of SUVs and trucks. The company's future plans appear to be centered around these larger, more profitable vehicle segments, rather than the midsize sedan market where the Avenger once competed.

What will be the next Avenger?


Much like Infinity War to Avengers: Endgame, Avengers: Doomsday looks to be the first of a double-whammy of Avengers films, with the second part coming in 2027 with Avengers: Secret Wars.



Which vehicle has the longest life expectancy?


The Longest-Lasting Cars, Trucks and SUVs To Reach 250,000 Miles and Beyond

Top 30 Vehicles Most Likely To Last 250,000+ Miles – iSeeCars Study*
RankModel% Chance of Lasting 250,000+ Miles
1Toyota Tundra36.6%
2Toyota Sequoia36.4%
3Toyota 4Runner26.8%



Is the Dodge Avenger coming back?


Dodge is not bringing back the avenger.



Are Dodge Avengers expensive to fix?


The annual maintenance cost of a Dodge Avenger is $541. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.



What is the common problem of Dodge Avenger?


Some of the top Dodge Avenger problems include squealing brakes, a stalling engine, and the engine not starting.



Why were Dodge Avenger discontinued?


The coupe did not achieve high sales numbers, so in 2000, the Avenger was discontinued. It was replaced by the Dodge Stratus coupe for the 2001 model year.



What is the Chrysler version of the Avenger?


The Hillman Avenger is a rear-wheel drive small family car originally manufactured by the former Rootes division of Chrysler Europe from 1970–1978, badged from 1976 onward as the Chrysler Avenger. Between 1979 and 1981 it was manufactured by PSA Peugeot Citroën and badged as the Talbot Avenger.



What car replaced the Avenger?


The 2014 model year marked the end of Avenger production as the mid-sized models for both the Dodge and Chrysler brands were consolidated into the new Chrysler 200 introduced for the 2015 model year while Dodge received the new compact Dart.



What replaced the Dodge Avenger?


The 2014 model year marked the end of Avenger production as the mid-sized models for both the Dodge and Chrysler brands were consolidated into the new Chrysler 200 introduced for the 2015 model year while Dodge received the new compact Dart.



What is the life expectancy of a Dodge Avenger?


You can expect a standard Dodge Avenger to survive around 200,000 miles with proper maintenance, though some will last far longer with proper maintenance. Some Dodge Avengers are okay to invest in if they have more than 100,000 miles, but those without proper maintenance from former owners should be avoided.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.