Chrysler және Dodge Avenger модельдерінің тарихы

Mid sized car models manufactured by Chrysler

The Dodge Avenger is a front wheel drive, mid sized sedan that was marketed by Dodge. The Avenger made its North American debut in 1994 for the 1995 model year as a coupe that was produced until 2000. The model name was reintroduced to the market as a four door sports sedan in 2007 for the 2008 model year. The Dodge Avenger name was used on the South African market Hillman Avengers in 1975 and 1976. 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. TOC

The first use of the Dodge Avenger name was on a badge engineered version of the European Hillman Avenger, exclusive to South Africa. The same car was sold in North America as the Plymouth Cricket between 1972 and 1974. In place of the Hillman engines, this version used a Peugeot 1.6 L engine (as also installed in locally assembled Peugeot 404s) to satisfy local content requirements. The Dodge branded Avenger was introduced in 1975 and was then renamed Chrysler in 1976. This generation has nothing in common with later Dodge Avengers. After Chrysler ZA was merged into Sigma in 1976, the Avenger was soon canceled to allow Sigma to free up more production capacity for the Mazda 323.

Introduced as a two door coupe in North America, the Dodge Avenger was built from 1994 until 2000 in a similar size and price class as the Dodge Daytona, which was discontinued in February 1993. The Avenger, along with the similar Chrysler Sebring coupe, was built by Diamond Star Motors (DSM), a joint venture between Chrysler Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors, on a version of the Mitsubishi Galant platform (which also spawned the similar Mitsubishi Eclipse). Chrysler sold its equity stake to Mitsubishi in 1993. Diamond Star Motors was renamed Mitsubishi Motors Manufacturing America (MMMA) on July 1, 1995. Avengers and Sebring coupes built from 1994 until 1996 have DSM identification in their engine compartments. The Avenger was built on a wheelbase and used either a 2.0 L inline four engine (the Chrysler 420A) or a Mitsubishi designed 2.5 L V6. The four cylinder was coupled to a five speed manual transmission, shared with the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Eagle Talon, or a four speed automatic. The V6 engine was only available with the A604 automatic transmission. The Avengers featured a fully independent double wishbone suspension and variable speed rack and pinion steering. Trims included the Highline base model (the V6 engine, among other options, were made standard in 2000) and the ES.

A DOHC 16 valve 2.0 L I4 engine ( and of torque) is standard. A SOHC 24 valve 2.5 L V6 engine and an automatic transmission ( and of torque) are optional on the ES. Fog lamps and ABS are optional on the ES.

Standard were 16 inch wheels, and the license plate was moved from the decklid to the rear bumper. The front and rear fasciae were redesigned. A Sport model was introduced (in addition to the base and ES). The Avenger Sport package consisted of exclusive 16 inch aluminum wheels and a body color spoiler. This appearance package was available on the base model. A body color rear spoiler, P215/50HR17 tires, and 17 inch cast aluminum wheels were added for the ES. The V6 is also standard for the ES, and rear disc brakes.

An onboard recycling vapor recovery system, Cafe Latte exterior color, and a black and gray interior color combination are added.

Next generation driver and front passenger airbags are added, as well as a new exterior color: Shark Blue. The V6 engine and automatic transmission are standard on all models in mid year, as well as several options. An antilock braking system (ABS) was used in all ES models until 1999.

For the 2000 model year, the V6 and automatic transmission combination were standard on all Avengers, and ABS was an "option" for ES models. The four cylinder engine was no longer available. Standard features that had previously been optional included power windows and locks. Base models added cruise control and four wheel disc brakes. The ES coupes now come with standard leather upholstery, keyless remote entry, and a power driver's seat.

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. This coupe utilized the third generation Eclipse platform and architecture. Mitsubishi assembled it at the former Diamond Star plant. However, the Stratus sedan was engineered and built by Chrysler.

The Dodge Avenger nameplate returned in February 2007 as a 2008 model year sedan to replace the Dodge Stratus, whose coupe version had replaced the original Avenger in 2001. Like its Dodge Journey stablemate, the Avenger's exterior was styled by Chrysler's Ryan Nagode. Ben S. Chang designed the interior.

Although a 2008 model, the Dodge Avenger was available in February 2007. In the U. S. market, the Avenger was launched with a 30 second television advertisement, "Tuned Up", that debuted on 4 March 2007, during NHL hockey, an ad in which a lab technician discovers he can play "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple on the Avenger's transmission. Another television spot likened the Avenger to the "superhero" vehicle for the everyman, depicting a driver piloting his Avenger through Gotham like streets and alleys, speaking to the MyGig entertainment system in distinctly Batman reminiscent tones, to arrive home, pull into a two car garage, and open the rear door to a sleeping child in the rear car seat. Features on the new Avenger included optional heated/cooled cup holders and Dodge's new "Chill Zone", a feature that comes standard on all Avenger models, which can store up to four 12 US fl oz cans in the glove box and chill them to 40 °F. The Avenger competed directly with the Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Fusion, with the 2007 and later Chrysler Sebring being aimed at the higher priced American cars such as the Mercury Milan, Pontiac G6, and Saturn Aura.

For the 2009 model year, like its Caliber, Charger, Grand Caravan, Journey, and Nitro models, the "AVENGER" badge at the trunk lid's left was repositioned to the right side to make way for "DODGE" at the left. Following Fiat's takeover of Chrysler Group, marketing of the Avenger was discontinued in the United Kingdom. Sales of the Avenger continued in the Republic of Ireland and Western Europe until late 2009, following Fiat's takeover of Chrysler Group. This version continued with SE and SXT trim levels but was not badged the same way as North American or South American versions.

Under the influence of Fiat, the 2010 model year Avenger sedan had few changes. New were front side and head curtain airbags as well as head impact protection in the front seats.

For the 2011 model year, the Avenger received its first significant overhaul since its 2008 reintroduction. Exterior changes include slightly revised sheet metal with a new crosshair grille displaying the new Dodge logo on the lower right corner of the grille, a sleeker bumper cut design, and standard LED combination taillights. Changes to the interior are more noticeable with a completely redesigned dashboard and instrument panel featuring an available 6.5 inch navigation/media center screen. Higher quality soft touch plastics for dashboard, door, and trim panels replaced the old materials, which were criticized for their poor fit and finish quality, as well as being unpleasant to the touch. The seats receive better cushioning and higher grade upholstery. Two tone interior color combinations were available. Mechanically, the 2011 Avenger came standard with the existing 2.4 L GEMA I4. However, it was now paired with a six speed automatic or the option of having the previous four speed. Also available was the new 3.6 L Pentastar V6, rated at and of torque. The suspension was revised to improve handling and ride quality. The Dodge Avenger was ranked the "Most American Made" sedan by the American University's Kogod School of Business 2013 Made in America Auto Index. The Dodge Avenger also has an overall rating of 6.7.

The discontinuation of the Dodge Avenger was announced by the automaker in early 2014, along with the end of the Chrysler 200 convertible model. The final 2014 model year Avengers were produced during the first quarter 2014. The Avenger nameplate has since been revived as the Jeep Avenger with the 2023 model year.

The first generation Dodge Avenger body style was widely used in the National Hot Rod Association and earned the most prominence driven by Darrell Alderman and Scott Geoffrion from 1994 until 2000 as the Dodge Boys. The coupe was used for the 1994 and 1995 incarnations of the International Race of Champions. Although Dodge was IROC's car of choice since 1990, Dodge dropped out of this racing series after the 1995 season. Avenger sheet metal was also used on race cars by several ARCA race teams from 1995 until 2000. The Avenger replaced the Charger as Dodge's car for the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup Season. It appeared in Dodge Avenger grille, headlights, and taillights as the standard "spec" Car of Tomorrow (CoT) model. It got its first win with former Formula One driver Juan Pablo Montoya in the 2007 Toyota/Save Mart 350 at the Infineon Raceway. In 2008, the Dodge CoT appearance was changed back to the Charger model.