www.womenwithwheels.com

2005 Dodge Magnum SXT AWD

As Dodge begins to take center stage once again, new and innovative vehicles are leading the way: namely, the niche vehicle Dodge Magnum, a "Special Purpose" vehicle. You’ll know the Dodge Magnum when it’s coming at you. It’s sinister looking and one of a kind. It resembles a concept vehicle at its best and takes the stodginess out of driving what some refer to as a wagon. This "special purpose" vehicle has sold well and at reasonable prices. If you can believe the stats (Edmunds.com and CarsDirect.com, Magnums are selling for sticker price). You can opt for the standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, or move into the ever-popular and sentimental Hemi V8 engine. We test drove the V6, SXT version and couldn’t complain. Although we suspect the Hemi is a whole different driving experience.

SPECS
MSRP	$27,900; total vehicle price: $30,220
Engine	2.7-liter V6, 190 hp. (SE), 3.5-liter V6, 250 hp. (SXT), 5.7-liter Hemi V8, multiple displacement system, 340 hp.
Transmission	4-speed automatic transmission, 5-speed automatic with AutoStick
Seating	5
Wheelbase	120 in.
Length	197.7 in.
Height	58.4 in.







Width	74.1 in.
Weight	3,855-4,336 pounds
EPA Fuel Economy	21/28 mpg (SE 2.7-liter V6); 19/27 mpg (SXT 3.5-liter V6 RWD); 18/24 mpg (SXT 3.5-liter V6 AWD); 17/24 mpg (RT)
Tires	P225/60R18 BSW Touring
Wheels	18"x7.5" Aluminum polished
Warranty	7 yr./70,000-mile Powertrain limited, Towing assistance during warranty period, 3 yr./36,000-mile Basic limited.

This "radical" looking wagon is available in three trim levels: SE (starts at $22,995), SXT ($25,995), and RT ($29,995). AWD was made available in August 2004. Magnum is aimed at the professional couples in their 30s, with income upwards of $100,000. Dodge expects that 40 percent of Magnums sold will be the RT model with the Hemi V8 engine.

Our test Magnum SXT AWD came equipped with the optional Comfort Seating Group (1,426) including leather trimmed bucket seats, heated/power front seats, leather wrapped steering wheel and power adjustable pedals), and power sunroof ($895). Standard equipment is plentiful including power everything, keyless entry, air, telescoping steering column, full-length floor console, illuminated entry, front and rear mats, front/rear climate controls, theft deterrent system, variable intermittent wipers, rear window washer/wiper, AM/FM stereo with CD player and four speakers, and eight-way power driver’s seat. Of course, the usual safety equipment is standard.

The Magnum drives wonderfully even with the just-about adequate 3.5-liter V6 under the hood. The cargo area is long and wide and our SXT came with an optional organizer tray. For rear passengers there is 40 inches of legroom and three can sit comfortably.

Regardless of how you perceive it, Magnum is a "station wagon" and offers the amenities and practicality of same. Yet, with outstanding looks that don’t mimic any other car on the market. For this we look to Daimler/Chrysler: give us something unique.

Some drawbacks: No third row seat for those wanting to cram the whole team into the car, and Magnum’s styling makes for compromised visibility. Magnum’s rear roofline slants backward making the rear windows short. Often styling gets in the way of good visibility and secure feelings when navigating tight traffic.