2005 Dodge Magnum Review

Dodge reintroduces the American station wagon with its 2005 Magnum, although it's far superior to any old wagon you might think of.

The robust Magnum replaces the Dodge Intrepid sedan and might even make domestic wagons cool again. (European wagons already are cool.)

The Magnum has rear-drive and an available V-8 -- just like the old wagons -- but is much different in most other respects. It shares major mechanical components with the dramatic new Chrysler 300 sedan, which has a Mercedes-Benz inspired independent rear suspension and availability of Chrysler's legendary Hemi V-8.

Best of all, the Magnum is relatively inexpensive for what it offers.

The Magnum's unconventional styling is eye-catching, with an imposing grille, long roof, high sides and unusual rear end, which has a hatch that opens deep into the roof to facilitate loading, instead of taking up lots of room by swinging up and out a lot.

The high sides might make it seem as if occupants will feel submerged in the car, but the supportive front bucket seats are upright for good visibility, although thick windshield posts occasionally partly block visibility.

Large seats in the spacious rear area provide good under-thigh support, and their split seatbacks fold forward and sit flat to enlarge the cargo area, which is long but rather shallow.

The base $21,870 Magnum SE has a 2.7-liter V-6 with 190 horsepower, which provides adequate acceleration. Much better is the 3.5-liter V-6 with 250 horsepower, which is a $1,000 option for the SE.

The best engine is the latest version of the Hemi V-8, which is standard in the top-line Magnum RT, which costs $29,370. It's a 5.7-liter V-8 -- also used in the Dodge Ram pickup -- and its hemispherical combustion chambers help generate 340 horsepower and gobs of torque.

As with the original 1950s Hemi, the 2005 version doesn't provide instant neck-snapping acceleration off the line. But, also as with the original, power builds smoothly and quickly and never seems to let up, allowing the Magnum to hit 60 mph in a swift 5.9 seconds.

The first version of the Hemi V-8 arrived in 1951 and was America's first 300-horsepower production engine in 1955. Dropped in 1959 because it was very costly to make, it was revived for the 1960s and early 1970s -- then discontinued again because of the fuel crunch. The 300 with the Hemi V-8 costs $32,370, so it's a bargain in the Magnum.

The latest version of the Hemi V-8 has something no other Hemi has had: a Multi-Displacement system, which imperceptibly disables four cylinders during idle and cruise conditions to save fuel. The Hemi delivers an estimated 25 mpg on the highway and respectable (for a nearly two-ton wagon) 17 mpg in the city. It'd be more fuel thirsty without the cylinder cut-out feature.

A Mercedes-designed five-speed automatic transmission, with a nifty manual shift feature, is hooked to the Hemi. The other two engines work with a four-speed automatic and get a few more miles per gallon.

Optional for both Magnum models is a $590 Protection package with curtain side air bags. Standard for the RT and optional for $775 on the SE are anti-lock brakes and an antiskid-traction control system.

The SE has a good amount of equipment, including air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/CD player and a tilt-telescopic steering wheel.

Besides the Hemi V-8, the RT adds leather upholstery, power driver seat, upgraded sound system, firmer suspension and 18-inch tires (vs. 17 inch) with polished alloy wheels.

The quick steering is a bit heavy, but feels good and has a nice linear action. Curves can be taken quickly and confidently, and a firm pedal activates strong brakes. The RT that I tested has the stiffest ride, but it's not harsh. All the while, the Magnum's rear-drive design gives it a more balanced feel than one provided by a front-drive vehicle. An all-wheel-drive system will be offered this fall.

Some options aren't cheap. They include an $895 power sunroof. Power adjustable pedals for shorter drivers are in a $925 RT option package, which also contains heated front seats. The pedals cost $125 for the SE, but must be ordered with the $2,500 SXT Quick Order package with its traction control and anti-skid systems. Satellite radio costs $325.

Doors with large handles open wide to allow easy entry to the upscale interior. It's impressively quiet in there, especially considering this is a wagon with an open cargo area instead of a sedan with a closed-off trunk.

The white-face gauges with red needles are more stylish than practical for a quick read. But power window switches and major controls can be quickly reached and work precisely. Dual front console cupholders are well-placed.

Nothing really compares directly to the Magnum, which means that DaimlerChrysler is taking a chance with this wagon. On the other hand, the Magnum's distinctiveness could be a definite plus.

2005 DODGE MAGNUM

Prices
$21,870-$29,370

Likes
Potent Hemi V-8 with fuel-saving cylinder cut-out feature. Sharp handling. Strong brakes. Roomy. Reasonably priced.

Dislikes
Thick windshield posts. Overly stylish gauges. Some costly options.