Dodge Avenger vs Ford Fusion

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.

For decades, the Ford Sedan lineup was highlighted by the popular Taurus sedan, which halfway into the 21st Century was in need of an update. Its replacement came for the 2006 model year as the Fusion, a sporty, European-inspired sedan.

Much of the Fusion’s sporty nature is derived from sharing a platform with the Mazda6, a refined and athletic sedan. The Fusion shares much of this nature, and it adds a distinctive style all its own. This helps it stand out from tough competition, such as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Chevrolet Malibu.