Dodge Avenger vs Dodge Caliber

More commonly known for its minivans and performance cars, Dodge is not a name one would readily associate with the family sedan market. The American automaker seeks to change that with the midsize, five-passenger Avenger.

The name “Avenger” was originally used for a sleek Dodge coupe, sold from 1995 to 2000, but this Avenger arrives for the 2008 model year with muscle car-inspired styling and assures it will stand out in a crowded parking lot of cookie-cutter sedans. It is also one of the few family sedans for this model year to offer available all-wheel drive.

The Caliber joined Dodge’s lineup last year as a practical successor to the Neon and started winning a few hearts with its reasonable price tag and comfortable interior. Optional all-wheel-drive makes the Caliber a viable crossover alternative for buyers living in places where the weather gets nasty, but the specs may not be enough.

Useful hatchbacks are a rare breed on the market today, as many buyers are opting for SUVs from Jeep, Hyundai, and Honda, so the Caliber enjoys somewhat limited competition. The Toyota Matrix and Nissan Versa are closest to going toe-to-toe with the Caliber, but it’s the Toyota that dominates the segment. The Caliber is less refined and less efficient than the Matrix, but the price will be much better for many buyers’ budgets.