2005-2008 Dodge Magnum: Road Test

On the road, Magnum SE with 2.7-liter V6 feels tepid, requires lots of passing room; Dodge says 11.3 sec 0-60 mph. The 3.5 V6 is OK in town, but has only adequate passing punch. Dodge claims 9.3 sec with rear drive; AWD SXT felt little different. Test V8-powered R/T did 5.8 sec 0-60, showed ready muscle from any speed. Dodge says SRT8 models do 0-60 mph in around 5.0 sec, which seemed credible. SRT8s aren't rated for towing, but other V8s are good for up to 3800 lb. Extended-use-test rear-drive Magnum R/T averaged 15.9 mpg over 11,935 miles. Other test rear-drive R/Ts averaged 15.9 mpg in mostly city driving, 18.4 mpg with more highway work. Test Magnum SRT8 averaged 14.3 mpg. Dodge recommends 87-octane fuel for 2.7-liter V6, 89 for 3.5 V6 and 5.7 V8, 91 octane for 6.1-liter V8. Little difference in ride quality between Magnum and more-luxurious Chrysler 300. Ride generally smooth, composed, but rippled pavement triggers annoying jiggling, especially in V8 models with their firmer suspensions. SRT8s have firmest ride, may be too stiff for some buyers. All versions tested suffered unwanted float over highway-speed dips and swells. Linear steering with good road feel helps create a stable feeling at highway speeds. Though not as agile as most like-sized European sedans in quick direction changes, Magnum has good balance and grip in turns. SRT8s have sharpest handling, abundant grip. Confident stopping power, but some testers complain of long pedal travel. Test rear-drive V8 models negotiated rainy roads without undue slip. But extended-use-test rear-drive Magnum R/T was difficult to maneuver in 6 inches of fresh snow, despite traction control and all-season tires. Magnum's available AWD is the recommended solution for all-weather traction. Noticeable roar from V6s during acceleration. V8s make throaty full-throttle growl, but are quiet enough in gentle cruising. Magnum suffers more road ruckus than 300 or Charger, mostly because of open rear cargo area vs. closed-off trunk, and R/Ts have more tire roar than other Magnums/Chargers. Wind rush evident at highway speeds. Note: Charger's Daytona R/T Package includes aggressive-sounding performance exhaust tuning that some testers found tiresome on long trips. Instruments large and easy to read, but steering-wheel rim cuts into view of turn-signal arrows and gauges for fuel and temperature. Most controls within easy reach, though some are too low to easily adjust while driving. Navigation system simpler than most to operate. Interior materials a slight grade below those of 300, but feel solid enough with nice array of padded panels--entirely appropriate for the price level. Spacious interior has ample head and leg room. Generously sized seats, but flat cushions allow occupants to slide during aggressive cornering. SRT8 addresses this problem with sport buckets. Rear seats have plenty of leg and toe space, even with front seats pushed well back. Enough thigh support for long-trip comfort, but middle rider must straddle bulky driveline hump. Thick front roof pillars block some drivers' view to front corners. Magnum's low roofline obstructs visibility to sides and rear. Magnum's wagon shape means lots of cargo room, but low roofline forces carrying tall objects flat. Versatility enhanced by standard split folding 60/40 rear seatbacks in Magnums, but they don't lay completely flat.

Value for the Money
Magnum proves aggressive styling and functionality are not mutually exclusive. The 2.7 V6 can't move this big wagon with much verve, but the 3.5 V6 offers acceptable performance, and the R/T and SRT8 are muscle cars. Cargo versatility, passenger room, available all-wheel drive, and solid construction inside and out make most any Magnum an outstanding value.