2005 Dodge Magnum Review

Specifications

Ready, Aim, Fire

Call it a shot in the arm for the beleaguered station wagon. And not just some little pellet round either, but a full blown, full bore slug.

Youve probably seen the television commercials, but until you stand beside the all-new 2005 Dodge Magnum you wont fully appreciate how stylish, well-balanced and just plain cool this stock low-rider truly is.

Even better, the interior and mechanicals live up to the art deco exterior packaging — and in the case of the R/T model, exceed it.

Funny thing about that station wagon tag is that even DaimlerChrylser executives dont seem to like it. The Magnum is classified as a sport tourer as are the companys Pacifica and PT Cruiser models.

My tester was the loaded, top-of-the-line Magnum R/T, and if a 340-horsepower HEMI V8 engine with 390 lb-ft of torque, a 5-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick manual mode, a rear-wheel drive configuration with standard traction and stability control connecting through to super sticky self-sealing performance tires on 18-inch rims dont impress you, how about a state-of-the-art GPS navigation system, class leading wheelbase and major towing capabilities?

You can even feel patriotic buying one as all Magnums are built at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Ontario.

Though my tester was loaded to the flared wheel-well teeth, even the base model is an impressive machine. Also featuring rear-wheel-drive — something not found in a Dodge vehicle for 30 years — all-speed traction control and electronic stability control, the entry level Magnum still turns heads. In lieu of the HEMI, a 190-horsepower 2.7-liter V6 engine and a 250-horsepower 3.5-liter high output V6 are available.

The only benefit either of these powerplants has over their big bore brother is fuel consumption. Despite DaimlerChryslers press notes championing the fuel efficiency of the HEMI engine, and while its true their clever system of running on just four-cylinders at times does save fuel — the big V8 is fairly thirsty when driven like most enthusiasts will. It doesnt help matters that the handling and performance of the R/T is outstanding, nor that the exhaust note emanating from the dual pipes out the back is music to a gearheads ears.

As much fun as the Magnum is to look at, rest assured it is more fun to drive. The long and wide wheelbase and low centre of gravity gives a great sense of control, and the tremor inducing power positioned under my right foot provided plenty of confidence on the highway. With a 0 to 60 mph time of just 6.3 seconds, you get the idea. Stopping power is supplied by four-wheel antilock-equipped disc brakes.

Inside, the cabin is spacious and very comfortable, and fold-flat rear seats provide a large and easy-to-load cargo area. The unique rear liftgate is hinged forward from the D-pillar, so as to open straight up instead of swinging out — a great aid when parallel parked to close to an adjacent car and needing to load on something big and cumbersome.

Driver and passenger controls are well planned and easily accessible (something that cant always be said for Dodge products), and the navigation system is quite user friendly (something that cant always be said for nav systems period).

The fact that the Magnum R/Ts underpinnings are derived from the award-winning Chrysler 300C, which itself pulls its general chassis architecture, transmission and steering components from the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, reworked for the new LX cars and built in the U.S., puts it into a rarified league.

Also rare for this class is an optional all-wheel drive system, available soon. This should appease any front-wheel drive Chrysler/Dodge fans, who lament the loss of the LH series Intrepid/Concorde/300M because of a concern for wet weather traction.

While it starts at a reasonable $21,870, prices can get up there when fully loaded. My tester ran for $36,215, which is entry-level premium territory. While the Magnum R/T is worthy of this price, compared to its somewhat anemic rivals, its a lot of money for a Ram-badged wagon. Keep in mind, however, that a HEMI powered, leather-clad R/T can be purchased for $29,870 before discount.

All and all, the new Dodge Magnum R/T is by far the wildest and woolliest station wagon to come down the turnpike in many, many years.