Dodge, despite the woes of parent company DaimlerChrysler, continues to crank out some pretty cool vehicles. The latest is the Avenger, a sexy sedan that's fun to drive and fairly affordable.

Photo by DaimlerChrysler (ENLARGE)

Dodge Avenger

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ABOUT THE DODGE AVENGER:

Body style: Midsize sedan

Trim lines: SE, SXT, R/T

Price: $18,895-$28,970

Drive: Front wheel

Seating: Two in front, two or three in rear

Engine: 2.4-liter four cylinder, 2.7-liter V-6 or 3.5-liter V-6

Transmission: Four or six-speed automatic

Miles per gallon of fuel: 16 city, 26 highway on 3.5-liter V-6

WHAT'S SPECIAL: The Avenger shares some design heritage with its muscle car-leaning sibling, the Charger. Its R/T version also shares the Charger's 3.5 liter V-6 engine, which is plenty powerful. The Avenger shares a platform with its newly redesigned cousin, the Chrysler Sebring. This midsize sedan has a 108.9-inch wheelbase.

WHAT WE LIKE: When you step on it in this car, you get the kind of speed that makes you say, "No, officer, I had no idea I was going that fast." But along with that speed is a stability of ride that is to be admired. Road noise is relatively low.

WHAT ISN'T THERE: The six-speed automatic transmission shifts somewhat smoothly, but you might notice that it seems to struggle a bit in the higher gears. A manumatic shifting control can be used, which might help alleviate the problem.

YOU OUGHTA KNOW: The Avenger's smaller 2.7-liter V-6 takes E85 fuel, an environmentally friendly blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline, in addition to regular unleaded gas. The Avenger also comes with an optional electronic stability control system that helps the driver stay in control of the car in times of sudden drastic steering. It also aids in road gripping upon acceleration.

EXTRAS: One of the coolest features, literally, about the Avenger are the cup holders in the center console that have the ability to cool down or heat up your beverage. Also, there is Dodge's Chill Zone, an area above the glove box that can store bottles to be kept cool. You can also get a multimedia, navigation/audio/entertainment and communication system that lets you digitally store music.

AND ANOTHER THING: DaimlerChrysler, Dodge's parent, is facing tough times, cutting jobs and idling plants. But cars such as this one could put it back in the high life again.