Dodge Magnum 2005 $14,500

Vehicle Overview Plenty of observers were surprised when Dodge introduced its Magnum at the 2004 North American International Auto Show. Instead of a front-wheel-drive four-door sedan like its Dodge Intrepid predecessor, the Magnum is a rear-wheel-drive wagon. In addition to a choice of two V-6 engines, the Magnum can be powered with a Hemi V-8 engine that cranks out 340 horsepower. To boost fuel economy, an innovative Multi-Displacement System in the Hemi shuts down half of the engines cylinders during light engine load conditions. To counteract concerns that the rear-drive Magnum wont handle adequately on snow and ice, Dodge included an Electronic Stability Program and traction control as part of the SXT package in the RT model. These items are optional in the base SE. Dodge claims the Magnum has no direct competitors. Chrysler dealers offer the closely related 300 sedan with the same engine choices. All-wheel-drive Magnums will be added in September 2004 and will be available with either the 3.5-liter V-6 or the Hemi V-8. Exterior Significantly sportier in shape than large wagons of the past, the Magnum features distinct tapered rear quarter windows. This vehicle is all about proportion, said senior product designer Jeff Gale, and its stance is very important to us. Big fender flares surround 17- or 18-inch wheels, depending on the trim level. Simple bodyside moldings are installed, and the front fascia features Dodges characteristic crosshair grille. All badging except for HEMI plaques on the front cowl of the high-performance RT is at the rear. Rather than a traditional near-vertical liftgate, the Magnums reaches well forward into the roof. This configuration allows the liftgate to rise nearly straight up. Interior Five occupants fit inside the Magnum, which includes a 60/40-split, folding rear seat. Deeply recessed competition-style gauges are tunneled in, according to Dodge press material. The two-tone interior provides what Gale calls a kind of sinister feeling. The Magnums cargo volume totals 28 cubic feet with the rear seat up and 71 cubic feet with the seat folded. The rear cargo area features a tri-fold false floor for extra storage. Under the Hood A 2.7-liter V-6 engine in the base SE model produces 190 hp and a 250-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 is optional. The SE has a four-speed-automatic transmission. Dodges 340-hp, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 powers the RT, which uses a five-speed-automatic transmission with AutoStick for manually selected gear changes. Safety Antilock brakes, traction control and an Electronic Stability Program are standard on the RT and optional on the SE. Side curtain-type airbags are optional. Driving Impressions The Hemi-powered RTs performance and handling are essentially the same as the related Chrysler 300Cs. The suspension feels tauter, but not by much. Both cars ride comfortably on smooth surfaces. Each has a solid feel and confident handling. The RT feels the most confident and sure-footed of all the Magnums. Tromping the RTs gas pedal from a standstill can shove occupants back into their seats, and though acceleration at highway speeds is energetic, its not exactly ferocious. The SEs optional 3.5-liter V-6 is a little noisier, and the sound is less exuberant. Otherwise, the 3.5-liter performs with satisfying vigor, if a trifle slow from the get-go. Engine noise with the 2.7-liter V-6 is more noticeable but not bothersome, and performance doesnt fall far short of the bigger V-6. The SXT-equipped Magnum clings to the pavement quite well. With the Electronic Stability Program and traction control, the Magnum behaves with surprising confidence on wintry surfaces. Even if you hit the accelerator on a snow-packed curve, the system kicks in immediately to keep the car on course. However, you sometimes get the feeling that the system has taken over a little too much. Backseat legroom and headroom are plen

• City 17/hwy 25 (5.7L engine/5-speed auto trans)
• Black windshield moldings
• Chrome headlamp bezels
• Halogen headlamps
• Fog lamps
• Fold-away heated pwr mirrors
• Front/rear solar control glass
• Sunscreen glass
• Variable intermittent windshield wipers
• Body-color door handles
• Front license plate bracket
• Rear window wiper/washer
• Rear spoiler
• Leather-trimmed front bucket seats w/pwr 8-way driver seat
• Driver/front passenger manual lumbar adjust
• 60/40 split-folding rear seat
• Full length floor console w/12V pwr outlet
• Cell phone storage
• Rear armrest w/cup holder
• Front/rear floormats
• Leather-wrapped tilt/telescopic steering wheel
• Instrumentation
• Pwr windows w/driver one-touch feature
• Speed-sensitive pwr door locks w/satin silver knobs
• Speed control
• Remote keyless entry
• Sentry key theft deterrent system
• Air conditioning
• Front/rear climate control outlets
• Rear window defroster
• AM/FM stereo w/CD player
• Integrated rear window antenna
• Dual visors w/illuminated vanity mirrors
• Base headliner module
• Passenger assist handles
• Lighting
• Illuminated entry
• Leather-wrapped shift knob
• Cargo compartment dress-up
• Cargo net
• Cargo compartment cover
• 5.7L Hemi multi-displacement V8 engine
• 5-speed automatic transmission w/Autostick
• Lock-up torque converter
• Brake/park interlock
• All-speed traction control
• Electronic stability program
• Rear wheel drive
• 730 amp maintenance-free battery w/pwr accessory delay
• 160 amp alternator
• HD engine cooling
• Touring suspension
• P225/60R18 touring BSW tires
• 18 x 7.5 polished aluminum wheels
• Compact spare tire
• Pwr rack & pinion steering
• 4-wheel anti-lock performance disc brakes
• Emergency brake assist
• 19.0 gallon fuel tank w/non-locking tethered cap
• Dual rear exhaust w/bright exhaust tips
• Front Next Generation multistage airbags w/occupant classification system
• 3-point seat belts for all seating positions
• Child seat upper tether anchors
• Rear door child protection locks
• Dual note horns