2007 Dodge Magnum: Road Test

Archived Review

2007 Dodge Magnum 

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  • MSRP: $23,245 -$37,670
  • Invoice: $21,591 -$35,008

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Our road test for the 2007 Dodge Magnum includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Dodge Magnum from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Dodge Magnum, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Dodge Magnum help you decide if a 2007 Dodge Magnum is right for you.

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ACCELERATION

SE AWD SXT R/T w/nav. sys. SRT8 Class Average
2 4 7 9 6.1

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 and has good passing punch. Dodge claims 9.3 sec with rear drive; feels little different with AWD. R/T versions have ready power from any speed; test Magnum did 5.8 sec 0-60. Extra 10 hp of R/T Performance Group undetectable. Multi-Displacement System switches between four and either cylinders without interrupting power flow, but some testers say it causes a slight driveline shudder. SRT8 models are bona fide muscle cars at around 5.0 sec 0-60 mph. SRT8s aren't rating for towing, but 5.7 V8 tows up to 3800 lb.

FUEL ECONOMY

SE AWD SXT R/T w/nav. sys. SRT8 Class Average
5 5 4 3 4.5

No opportunity to measure with 2.7 V6 or AWD. Extended-Use Test Magnum R/T averaged 15.9 mpg over 11,935 miles. Other test Magnum R/Ts averaged 18.4 mpg with more highway work. SRT8 averaged 14.3 mpg. Dodge recommends 87-octane fuel for 190-hp V6, 89 for 250-hp V6 and 340-hp V8, 91 octane for 425-hp V8.

RIDE QUALITY

SE AWD SXT R/T w/nav. sys. SRT8 Class Average
7 6 6 6 6.8

Little difference 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 and Road/Track Performance Group versions are even stiffer, but never punishing.

STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING

SE AWD SXT R/T w/nav. sys. SRT8 Class Average
6 7 7 8 5.9

Linear steering with good road feel. Stable at highway speeds. These big cars aren't nimble in quick direction changes, but they have fine balance and grip in turns, SRT8s in particular. All have confident stopping control, but some testers complain of long pedal travel. Test rear-drive V8 models negotiated rainy roads without undue slip. 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. AWD is the recommended solution for all-weather traction.

QUIETNESS

SE AWD SXT R/T w/nav. sys. SRT8 Class Average
6 6 6 5 6.9

Noticeable roar from V6s during acceleration. V8s make throaty full-throttle growl--SRT8s sound like race cars--but are quiet enough in gentle cruising. Magnum suffers more road ruckus than 300 or Charger, mostly because of open cargo area vs. closed-off trunk, and R/Ts and SRT8s have more tire roar than other Magnums. Wind rush evident at highway speeds.

CONTROLS

SE AWD SXT R/T w/nav. sys. SRT8 Class Average
7 7 6 7 6.5

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 are appropriate for these prices, with solid feel and nice array of padded surfaces.

ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)

SE AWD SXT R/T w/nav. sys. SRT8 Class Average
7 7 7 8 7.9

Spacious. Ample head and leg room, though AWD versions have slightly narrower passenger footwell. Generously sized seats, but flat cushions allow occupants to slide during aggressive cornering. SRT8, Magnum R/T with Road/Track Performance Group address this problem with sport buckets. SRT8 seats have good lateral support, outstanding comfort. Thick front roof pillars obscure view to front corners. Magnum's low roofline obstructs visibility to sides and rear.

ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)

SE AWD SXT R/T w/nav. sys. SRT8 Class Average
7 7 7 7 7

Easy entry/exit. Great room for two. Plenty of leg and toe space, even with front seats pushed well back. Head clearance ample. Enough thigh support for long-trip comfort, but middle rider must straddle bulky driveline hump.

CARGO ROOM

SE AWD SXT R/T w/nav. sys. SRT8 Class Average
7 7 7 7 5.5

Magnum's wagon shape means lots of room, but low roofline forces carrying tall objects flat; available cargo nets/bins handy for small items. Versatility enhanced by standard split folding 60/40 rear seatbacks, but they don't lay completely flat.

VALUE WITHIN CLASS

SE AWD SXT R/T w/nav. sys. SRT8 Class Average
7 10 9 7 7.2

Passenger room, cargo versatility, available all-wheel drive, and solid construction inside and out make Magnum a Best Buy value. The 2.7-liter V6 can't move these big cars with much verve, but the 3.5 V6 provides more-than-adequate power, as does the R/T versions' Hemi V8. SRT8 models are muscle cars.

Total Score

SE AWD SXT R/T w/nav. sys. SRT8 Class Average
61 66 66 67 64.3

Total Score: 65

Scores for all Large Cars

Low Score
56
Average Score
64
High Score
71

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