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2007 Dodge Magnum Full Review
Date Published: 9/25/08
2007 Dodge Magnum Review
Magnum gets no major changes of note for 2007. This large wagon is a companion to the Dodge Charger sedan and shares its basic design with the Chrysler 300 sedan. Magnum seats five and offers V6 and V8 engines. SE models have a 190-hp V6. SXT versions have a 250-hp V6. R/Ts have Chrysler's 340-hp Hemi V8, and high-performance SRT8s have a 425-hp Hemi V8. The 340-hp V8 uses Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System that deactivates four cylinders while cruising to save fuel. All Magnums have automatic transmission: a 4-speed on SEs, a 5-speed on others. Rear-wheel drive is standard. All-wheel drive is available on SXT and R/T versions.

ABS and traction/antiskid control are optional on SE, standard on others. Curtain side airbags are available on all. R/T, SRT8, and AWD SXT models have firmer suspension tuning. SRT8s add Brembo-brand brakes and specific trim. Split folding rear seatbacks are standard. Available are power-adjustable pedals and wireless cell phone link. The Road/Track Performance Group gives R/T versions 350 hp and adds 20-inch wheels and special suspension tuning.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Cars comprise the biggest passenger sedans and wagons. Large, inside and out, they offer lots of metal for the money and are dominated by domestic brands.

Our Best Buys include Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Magnum. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego.
News
Charger is getting a kid brother in the 2007 replacement for Dodge's midsize Stratus sedan. Called Avenger, it shares a platform, powertrain and many features with Chrysler's just-launched Sebring sedan, but looks like a scaled-down Charger. Dodge hasn't released particulars yet, but Avengers should have fewer standard features and lower list prices than Sebring sedans. More news soon, so keep checking back.

Meantime, Dodge says the Charger SRT8 will offer a special cosmetic option reviving the "Super Bee" name from the muscle-car 1960s. The exterior wears "Detonator Yellow" paint set off by black patches on hood and rear deck and large Super Bee logos in the original style. Yellow stitching adorns seats, steering wheel and shift knob.

Further out, sources say the big Dodges and Chrysler's 300 will be "restyled and reengineered" for 2009, which likely means a full makeover. Also expected for Chrysler's LX-platform trio is more parts-sharing with the C- and E-Class lines at corporate cousin Mercedes-Benz. This is said to involve a new vehicle-electronics system and, from model-year 2010, replacement V6 engines designed for higher mpg.

Last but not least is the promised 2008 return of Dodge's early-1970s Challenger "ponycar." Already previewed in concept form, this sporty coupe wears modernized styling on a Charger platform with a 4-inch shorter wheelbase. Dodge will shun an entry-level V6 for 5.7- and 6.1-liter Hemi V8 models. Sources expect prices upstream of equivalent Ford Mustangs. Convertibles are not assured, but might be offered later on.
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2007 Dodge Magnum Road Test
Pros Cons
Ride/handling Acceleration (2.7 V6)
Passenger and cargo room Fuel Economy (RT)
Acceleration (RT)
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
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
Scores for all Large Cars

Low Score
56
Average Score
64
High Score
71
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2007 Dodge Magnum Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/12/2007
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
SE 4-door wagon $23,245 $21,591 $675
AWD SXT 4-door wagon $29,735 $27,432 $675
R/T 4-door wagon $31,390 $28,921 $675
AWD R/T 4-door wagon $33,490 $30,811 $675
SRT8 4-door wagon $37,670 $35,008 $675
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
SE
Powertrain
2.7-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt/telescope steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital-media player connection, digital clock, tachometer, passenger-side visor mirror, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, automatic-off headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, rear spoiler, 215/65R17 tires, wheel covers.
AWD SXT adds to SE:
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine, all-wheel drive, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
8-way power driver seat, heated power mirrors, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo cover, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, touring suspension, 225/60R18 tires, alloy wheels.
R/T adds to SE:
Powertrain
5.7-liter V8 340-horsepower engine w/cylinder deactivation , 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, 8-way power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated power mirrors, Boston Acoustics sound system, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo cover.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Satellite radio w/one year service, fog lights, touring suspension, 225/60R18 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
SRT8 adds to R/T:
Powertrain
6.1-liter V8 engine.
Safety
Upgraded brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather/suede upholstery, power passenger seat, Boston Acoustics AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, trip computer, compass, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage door opener.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
High-performance suspension, 245/45ZR20 front tires, 255/45ZR20 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
SXT Quick Order Pkg. 27G
SE
$2,860
$2,631
Traction control, antilock brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, 8-way power driver seat, heated power mirrors, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo cover, floormats, unique exterior trim, heavy-duty alternator and engine cooling, fog lights, alloy wheels. Requires 3.5-liter V6 engine.
Road/Track Performance Group
R/T
$2,950
$2,714
5.7-liter 350-horsepower V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation, uprated brakes, dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather/suede upholstery, heated front seats, power passenger seat, automatic headlights, unique interior and exterior trim, load-leveling performance suspension, 245/45R20 all-season tires, chrome alloy wheels. NA AWD.
SRT Option Group I
SRT8
$735
$676
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, heated front seats, cargo organizer, automatic headlights.
SRT Option Group II
SRT8
$795
$731
Upgraded sound system including subwoofer, alarm.
SRT Option Group III
SRT8
$1,870
$1,720
Navigation system, wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night rearview mirror. Deletes standard cassette player.
Convenience Group I
SE
$535
$492
Power-adjustable pedals, 8-way power driver seat, floormats. NA w/SXT Quick Order Pkg. 27G.
Convenience Group II
R/T
$1,005
$925
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, heated front seats, power passenger seat, automatic headlights.
Convenience Group III
SE, SXT
$375
$345
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, automatic up/down front windows, automatic headlights. SE requires SXT Quick Order Pkg. 27G.
Comfort Seating Group
SE, SXT
$1,470
$1,352
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. SE requires SXT Quick Order Pkg. 27G.
Electronic Stability Program
SE
$1,025
$943
Traction control, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system.
Protection Group
AWD SXT, R/T, SE
$590
$543
RT w/Road/Track Performance Group
$440
$405
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags, interior air filter, all-season self-sealing tires. SE requires SXT Quick Order Pkg. 27G. NA SRT8.
Electronics Convenience Group
R/T
$630
$580
Steering wheel radio controls, universal garage door opener, compass, outside-temperature indicator, trip computer, vehicle information center, instrument display screen, alarm.
Trailer Tow Pkg.
R/T
$350
$322
Heavy-duty engine cooling, load-leveling and height-control suspension.
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine
SE
$1,100
$1,012
Includes 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability. Requires SXT Quick Order Pkg. 27G.
Safety
Curtain side airbags
SE, SRT8
$390
$359
Includes front side airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
SE, SXT, R/T
$1,895
$1,743
Includes AM/FM 6-disc CD/MP3 changer. SE requires SXT Quick Order Pkg. 27G.
Power sunroof
AWD SXT, R/T, SE, SRT8
$950
$874
SE requires SXT Quick Order Pkg. 27G.
Leather upholstery
SE
$715
$658
SXT
$700
$644
Includes leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. SE requires SXT Quick Order Pkg. 27G.
Power-adjustable pedals
SE, SXT
$125
$115
SE requires SXT Quick Order Pkg. 27G.
DVD entertainment system
AWD SXT, R/T, SE, SRT8
$1,150
$1,058
SE, SXT, R/T requires AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer or navigation system. SE requires SXT Quick Order Pkg. 27G.
AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
AWD SXT, R/T, SE
$400
$368
SE requires SXT Quick Order Pkg. 27G. NA SRT8.
Boston Acoustics sound system
SE, SXT
$595
$547
SE requires SXT Quick Order Pkg. 27G.
Satellite radio
SE, SXT
$195
$179
SE requires SXT Quick Order Pkg. 27G.
UConnect
SE, SXT, R/T
$360
$331
Wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night rearview mirror. Requires SXT Quick Order Pkg. 27G.
Rear cargo organizer
SXT, R/T, SRT8
$160
$147
SE
$235
$216
Includes cargo cover.
Floormats
SE
$30
$28
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine-block heater
AWD SXT, AWD SXT, R/T, SE
$40
$37
NA SRT8.
Special paint
AWD SXT, R/T, SE, SRT8
$225
$207
Bodyside moldings
SE
$100
$92
Std. SXT, SXT Quick Order Pkg. 27G.
Roof rack
AWD SXT, R/T, SE, SRT8
$250
$230
Load-leveling suspension
SE, SXT
$290
$267
SE requires SXT Quick Order Pkg. 27G.
Polished alloy wheels
SE
$325
$299
Includes touring suspension, 225/60R18 tires. Requires SXT Quick Order Pkg. 27G
Chrome alloy wheels
SE
$950
$874
R/T
$625
$575
Includes touring suspension, 225/60R18 tires. SE requires SXT Quick Order Pkg. 27G
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2007 Dodge Magnum Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Dodge Magnum 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 120.0
Overall Length, in. 197.7
Overall Width, in. 74.1
Overall Height, in. 58.3
Curb Weight, lbs. 3847
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 71.6
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 18.0
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 38.4
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.8
Rear Head Room, in. 38.1
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 40.2
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc V6 sohc V6 ohv V8 ohv V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.7 /167 3.5 /215 5.7 /345 6.1 /370
Horsepower @ rpm. 190 @ 6400 250 @ 6400 340 @ 5000 425 @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 190 @ 4000 250 @ 3800 390 @ 4000 420 @ 4800
Availability Standard Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
       
4-speed automatic 21/28 --/-- --/-- --/--
5-speed automatic --/-- 19/27 17/25 14/20
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Dodge Magnum 4-door wagon
Front Impact, Driver 5
Front Impact, Passenger 5
Rollover Resistance 4
Side Impact, Driver 4
Side Impact, Rear Passenger 5
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion None/-- --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: Canada
Drivewheels: all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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