Went on a business trip this weekend and rented a 2008 Dodge Avenger
that had 26K miles on it.  My personal vehicle is a 1997 Toyota Camry
LE with 145K miles.

When I first got my 1997 Camry I was dissapointed with its design and
build quality compared to the 1994 Camry I used to have but I can't
complain anymore after driving the Dodge Avenger.

Exterior styling is the one redeeming factor of that vehicle in lieu of
the overall driving experience.  I will assume it was the four-cylinder
model because that car was gutless, especially when downshifting in an
attempt to pass or climb hills.  The fit and finish were shoddy with
misaligned body panels and clunks or groans from rear suspension
components when making sharp turns.

Inside the car there were even more annoying characteristics.  The
steering column wouldn't raise high enough to provide a clear view of
the speedometer.  Turning the wheel all the way to one side would cause
rubbing noises against the hard plastic as it returned.  The cruise
control didn't work.  The seats were very uncomfortable.  The sun
shades had huge areas around the rearview mirror that were left
uncovered and the sun was always in those areas, forcing me to lean one
direction or other to shade my eyes.  The huge blindspot created by the
rear pillar left a sense of apprehension when attempting to change
lanes.  The radio caused a vibration in the passenger's door so I
refrained from using it all week.  The cabin was relatively quiet but
even that was a double-edged sword considering the numerous squeaks and
rattles it allowed me to hear.  The climate control knobs although
designed nicely had very weak detents.

Despite its advanced age and mileage my 1997 Toyota Camry still remains
much more refined and pleasurable to drive than that 2008 Dodge
Avenger.  I don't know how new offerings from Ford and General Motors
compare to the Chrysler but I hope they are better overall or the
American auto industry will have a very tough time convincing the
public their vehicles are similar in quality and design as the East
Asian brands.