1999 Dodge Avenger Sporty and roomy, the Avenger is just right. By Kevin Ransom, New Car Test Drive .com

Sport coupe buyers often want the best of both worlds. They yearn for a car that projects a sporty image and comes on strong on twisting country roads, a car that can speed them out of a jam on crowded freeways. But they aren't always willing to accept a rocky ride. And they don't want to shoehorn family members into a tiny back seat with their knees tucked up under their chins. So they may be willing to sacrifice a little performance in exchange for interior room and a nicer ride. And if they can get out the door for under $25,000, so much the better.

The engineers at Chrysler had those buyers in mind when they designed the Dodge Avenger, and its cousin, the Chrysler Sebring Coupe.

The Avenger delivers a smoother and quieter ride than cramped road rockets, such as the Mitsubishi Eclipse. There's ample legroom in front and a back seat that's big enough to keep folks from getting on each other's nerves on long weekend hauls. Yet, there's also a firm suspension and grippy tires to provide entertainment value on back roads.

Chrysler introduced the Avenger as a 1995 model. For 1999, the company has added next-generation dual air bags and two new colors, plum and shark blue.