Engine dies after five miles or so.

I have a 1998 dodge avenger, 2.5L V6 with 131655 miles. The problem is when I crank the car. I'll crank the engine, and start driving. When I first bought the car it would drive for five to ten miles, then quit. It would sputter or otherwise act like it wasn't getting any gas. The rpm's would flatline and the car would cost, dying completly about a minute later. The radio and ac would work the whole time. I would pull over and sit for a minute or so, and then the car would start fine and rine perfect for the rest of the day, until I let it sit for eight hours or so when it would do the same thing. Now however, the car will not even make it a mile before dying, that is if I can get it cranked. When the car dies, if I try to restart before it is ready it will simply not catch, just try to turn over for as long as I hold the key. The wierd thing is that if I crank the car and just let it sit there it will run all day. I am thoroughly confused and any help would be appreciated.