BREAKING: I Drove a 2011 Dodge Avenger!

Seriously, it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Had to rent a car to drive down to Red Deer for a Bankruptcy Hearing. So I had it out on the highway, and around town. I anticipated something awful, but I was pleasently surprised. Decent acceleration, very comfortable. Cruises down the highway with no problems (though fuel economy was a little on the shitty end for a small car at 9 l/100 km.). The suspension was soft and wallowy, but comfortable and predictable. Most of all I was really impressed with the interior. I imagine that a higher end trim model (i.e not the bargain basement SXT they use for rental fleets).

Anyway, I'd probably recommend one if someone was looking for an intro-mid level car.

I had a Chrysler 200 as a rental and I kind of liked it. At least compared to what they usually gave at the rental place.

I would never buy one, as I don't think it's a 150k mile car... but not bad for a business trip ~ 4.5 hours away.

Talon wrote:I had a Chrysler 200 as a rental and I kind of liked it.  At least compared to what they usually gave at the rental place.

I would never buy one, as I don't think it's a 150k mile car... but not bad for a business trip ~ 4.5 hours away.

Yeah, I agree with that bit. The interior was nice, but it'd wear quickly I bet. I think a 3 year, off lease, version would be a great car for a young driver, though. Something reliable, but not super nice or too expensive to repair when he or she inevitably smashes it into something.

I beat the shit out of it, too.  Probably hit the redline 50 times in that week.  It became a running joke between my coworker - who traveled with me - and me. "Unleashing the Chrysler 2.4l of fury," as it became known.

As an overall car, I was pleasantly surprised.

Yeah, I rented a 200 once also with the Pentastar V6. It was appointed rather well on the inside and was quite comfortable. My thoughts on it are pretty much the same as everyone else's: It'd be great on a long trip and was surprisingly good overall, but I wouldn't buy one. Too soft and plush to get any enjoyment out of it, and as much as I appreciate what they tried to do to correct the Sebring's styling mistakes, it still wasn't much of a looker.

These cars compete quite well with any other brand of car in this  class, import or  non-import.