2008 Dodge Magnum: Road Test
2008 Dodge Magnum ▼
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- MSRP: $23,420 -$38,105
- Invoice: $21,843 -$35,495
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Our road test for the 2008 Dodge Magnum includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Dodge Magnum from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Dodge Magnum, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Dodge Magnum help you decide if a 2008 Dodge Magnum is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SE | AWD SXT | R/T | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 6.4 |
SE with the 2.7-liter V6 feels tepid and requires lots of passing room; Dodge says 11.3 seconds 0-60 mph. The 3.5 V6 is okay in town and has good passing punch. Dodge claims 9.3 seconds with rear drive, and it feels little different with AWD. R/T versions have ready power from any speed; test Magnum did 5.8 sec 0-60. SRT8 models are bona fide muscle cars at around 5.0 seconds 0-60 mph.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SE | AWD SXT | R/T | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4.3 |
No opportunity to measure with the 2.7 V6 or AWD. A Magnum R/T averaged 15.9 mpg over 11,935 miles in a Consumer Guide extended-use test. Other test Magnum R/Ts averaged 18.4 mpg with more highway work. SRT8 averaged 14.3 mpg. Dodge recommends 87-octane gas for 2.7 V6, 89 for 3.5 V6 and 5.7 V8, and 91 octane for the SRT8.
RIDE QUALITY
| SE | AWD SXT | R/T | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6.6 |
Little difference between Magnum and more-luxurious Chrysler 300. The ride is generally smooth and composed, but rippled pavement triggers annoying jiggling, especially in V8 models with their firmer suspensions. SRT8s are even stiffer but never punishing.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SE | AWD SXT | R/T | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 5.6 |
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 rear-drive Magnum R/T was difficult to maneuver in snowy conditions, despite traction control and all-season tires. We recommend AWD for the best all-weather traction.
QUIETNESS
| SE | AWD SXT | R/T | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6.8 |
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 its open cargo area vs. a closed-off trunk. R/Ts and SRT8s have more tire roar than other Magnums. Wind rush is evident at highway speeds.
CONTROLS
| SE | AWD SXT | R/T | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
The instruments are large and easy to read, but the steering wheel rim cuts into the view of the turn-signal arrows and gauges for fuel and temperature. Most controls are within easy reach, though some are too low to easily adjust while driving. The navigation system is easy to program, but it absorbs too many audio functions.
DETAILS
| SE | AWD SXT | R/T | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Interior materials are a slight grade below those of the 300, but are appropriate for these prices, with a solid feel and a nice array of padded surfaces.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SE | AWD SXT | R/T | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7.9 |
Spacious. Ample headroom and legroom, though AWD versions have a slightly narrower passenger footwell. Generously sized seats, but flat cushions allow occupants to slide during aggressive cornering. SRT8 and Magnum R/T with the Road/Track Performance Group address this problem with sport buckets. SRT8 seats have good lateral support and outstanding comfort. Thick front roof pillars obscure view to front corners. Magnum's low roofline obstructs visibility to the sides and rear.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SE | AWD SXT | R/T | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Easy entry and exit. Great room for two. Legroom and foot space are ample, even with the front seats lowered and pushed well back. Head clearance is ample. There's enough thigh support for long-trip comfort, but the middle rider must straddle a bulky driveline hump.
CARGO ROOM
| SE | AWD SXT | R/T | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 4.9 |
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 is enhanced by the standard split folding 60/40 rear seatbacks, but they don't lay completely flat.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SE | AWD SXT | R/T | 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 this big car with much verve, but the 3.5 V6 provides more-than-adequate power, as does the R/T version's Hemi V8. SRT8 models are modern muscle cars.
Total Score
| SE | AWD SXT | R/T | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | 74 | 74 | 74 | 69.2 |
Total Score: 73
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