Dodge
Avenger
Owner report available
Ford
Fusion
Owner report available
Dodge Avenger vs Ford Fusion
The short answer
The Dodge Avenger offers fuel economy, while the Ford Fusion excels at power instead. Choose the Dodge Avenger if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Ford Fusion if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Avenger
Overall
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment, with a strong consensus that the vehicle is unreliable, poorly engineered, and offers little value even at low purchase prices. The model is frequently described as a "piece of shit," "unreliable garbage," and a vehicle with a "bad rep." A small minority of owners report acceptable experiences with well-maintained, low-cost examples used as basic transportation, acknowledging its simplicity and depreciation as potential advantages for knowledgeable buyers. However, the dominant narrative centers on persistent mechanical failures, particularly with electrical systems, cooling, and suspension components, leading to frustration and financial strain.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available. While the V6 engine (3.6L Pentastar) is noted by some as providing adequate power and being "decent" compared to the underpowered 4-cylinder, no specific trim or model year is consistently recommended as superior.
Known issues
- Chronic electrical system failures: includes Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) failures causing no-crank/no-start conditions, flickering/strobing headlights, and general electrical gremlins. Frequency: very frequent.
- Cooling system problems: includes overheating (even when new), unreliable water pumps prone to leaking into the timing case, clogged heater cores, and erratic temperature gauge behavior. Frequency: very frequent.
- Suspension component failures: includes premature wear of lower front ball joints and sway bar bushings (causing loud clunking over bumps), and broken sway bar links contributing to poor handling. Frequency: very frequent.
Fusion
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific powertrain and generation. The Fusion is widely praised for its value proposition, offering a comfortable, quiet, and refined ride with a well-equipped interior at a price point often significantly lower than Japanese competitors like the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. Long-term owner reports frequently highlight satisfaction with the vehicle's driving dynamics, comfort for long commutes, and overall build quality when purchased used at a good price.
Known issues
- **6F35 automatic transmission problems**: Rough shifting (especially 1-2, 2-3), laggy throttle response, premature failure requiring replacement. Sensitivity to incorrect or degraded fluid. Frequency: very frequent.
- **Ecoboost engine reliability concerns**: Higher incidence of issues compared to the 2.5L and hybrid powertrains. Carbon buildup on direct-injection engines (2014+ non-turbo?)*. Frequency: recurrent.
- **Internal water pump failure (V6 engines)**: The water pump is located inside the engine timing cover. Failure can lead to coolant mixing with oil and catastrophic engine damage. A noted maintenance item around 100,000+ miles.
The verdict
The Dodge Avenger is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Ford Fusion, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Ford Fusion is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Common problems by model year
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Dodge Avenger or the Ford Fusion?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Dodge Avenger and the Ford Fusion. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Dodge Avenger or the Ford Fusion?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Dodge Avenger or the Ford Fusion?
The EPA rates the 2014 Dodge Avenger at 22–24 mpg combined and the 2020 Ford Fusion at 23–42 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Dodge Avenger or the Ford Fusion?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Dodge Avenger than the Ford Fusion. See the known issues comparison above.