2008 Dodge Avenger SXT

The Dodge Avenger SXT's Monroney states that it's the "official passenger car of NASCAR." Is that a good thing or a bad thing? We're not really sure. Regardless, with its signature bold and boxy Dodge styling, the Avenger does wear a retro look reminiscent of stock cars. Sad to say, that's about as racy as the Avenger gets. According to technical director Frank Markus, "The Dodge's quasi-aggressive styling and nomenclature and its racy white-face gauges write a sportiness check the drivetrain and chassis can't cash."

Run this Dodge around Darlington, and you'll find it delivers 0 to 60 in 9.3 sec, the quarter mile in 17.0 at 83.3 mph, 60 to 0 braking in 142 ft, and lateral acceleration of 0.74 g. At least the Avenger isn't the "official sport sedan of NASCAR," because that would be unfortunate.

So what gives? Why is the Dodge so lackluster? Well its 2.4L four-cylinder is a bit crude and, at 173 hp, doesn't exactly humble other four-bangers, some of which produce 200 hp. While most of its rivals use five- or six-speed automatics, the Dodge stays true to its trusty ol' four-speed, which pushes it off the line with about as much vigor as a maimed turtle. Rear disc brakes? Nah, let's stick with less-effective drums.

Not that it's all bad with the Dodge. It does offer a standard "Chill Zone" compartment in the dash that keeps beverages cold as well as a MyGIG multimedia system that features a touch-screen display and a hard-disc drive. Oh, and that "wheezy engine" and "archaic tranny" come with a lifetime powertrain warranty, all for a thrifty as-tested price of $21,500.

Other than that, there's not much to like with this official passenger of NASCAR. Senior editor Ed Loh puts it this way: "Overall this is the essence of basic transportation; not remotely fun to drive and not all that practical or feature rich. There's absolutely no reason to buy this car." Well, unless you must have chilled sodas for the drive to the short track.