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2008 Dodge Magnum Full Review
Date Published: 6/25/08
2008 Dodge Magnum Review
The 2008 Dodge Magnum gets mildly freshened interior and exterior styling for what Dodge says is this large wagon's final model year. Magnum shares its basic design with the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans. V6 and V8 engines are available, as are rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. SE models have a 178-hp 2.7-liter V6. SXT versions have a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6. R/Ts have Chrysler's 340-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The available Road/Track Performance Group increases the 5.7-liter engine's horsepower to 350. High-performance SRT8s have a 425-hp 6.1-liter Hemi. The 5.7 V8 has Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System cylinder deactivation. All Magnums have an automatic transmission: a 4-speed on SEs and rear-drive SXTs, a 5-speed on all others. SRT8s aren't rating for towing, but Magnums with the 5.7 V8 can tow up to 3800 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. SRT8 models have specific trim and uprated brakes. Power adjustable pedals and a wireless cell phone link are available. Chrysler's MyGIG Multimedia system is optional, and it includes a 20-gigabyte hard drive for storing pictures and digital music files. Among other changes are a slightly updated dashboard and revised interior trim.
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, Dodge Magnum, and Toyota Avalon. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable.

New for 2008 is the Pontiac G8.

The Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable replace the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego, and both models have more power and have been restyled for 2008.
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2008 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 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 4.2

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 6.7

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 8

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 4.8

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 7.1

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 68.9
Scores for all Large Cars

Low Score
58
Average Score
68
High Score
77
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2008 Dodge Magnum Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/13/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
SE 4-door wagon $23,420 $21,843 $700
SXT 4-door wagon $27,225 $25,268 $700
AWD SXT 4-door wagon $29,855 $27,635 $700
R/T 4-door wagon $31,780 $29,367 $700
AWD R/T 4-door wagon $33,880 $31,257 $700
SRT8 4-door wagon $38,105 $35,495 $700
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
Model Rebate & Incentives Type Expires
See Dealer A $2.99 per gallon gasoline incentive is offered on qualifying 2008 and 2009 models. See dealer for details. Customer 07/07/08
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, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, rear spoiler, 215/65R17 tires, wheel covers.
SXT adds to SE:
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine, traction control.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Interior air filter, 8-way power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals, heated power mirrors, satellite radio.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, touring suspension, 225/60R18 tires.
R/T adds to SXT:
Powertrain
5.7-liter V8 340-horsepower engine w/cylinder deactivation, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, heated front seats, power passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated power mirrors, Boston Acoustics sound system, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
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, Boston Acoustics AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, steering wheel radio controls, trip computer, compass, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage door opener.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, heated front seats, automatic headlights.
Rear spoiler, high-performance suspension, 245/45ZR20 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Quick Order Pkg. 23D
SE
$1,140
$1,049
Interior air filter, 8-way power driver seat, satellite radio, upgraded floormats, bodyside moldings, alloy wheels.
Quick Order Pkg. 26/27H
SXT
$2,375
$2,185
AWD SXT
$2,050
$1,866
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, heated front seats, power passenger seat, automatic up/down windows, Boston Acoustics sound system, automatic headlights, bodyside moldings, touring suspension (2WD), 225/60R18 tires (2WD).
Quick Order Pkg. 29P
R/T
$1,655
$1,532
Popular Equipment Group plus compass, chrome alloy wheels.
Popular Equipment Group
R/T
$1,025
$943
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, steering wheel radio controls, remote engine start, trip computer, vehicle information center, universal garage door opener, cupholder and map pocket lights, alarm. NA AWD.
Road/Track Performance Group
R/T
$3,540
$3,257
5.7-liter 350-horsepower V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation, performance exhaust system, uprated brakes, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, leather/suede upholstery, unique interior and exterior trim, performance suspension, 245/45R20 tires, chrome alloy wheels. NA AWD.
SRT Option Group I
SRT8
$920
$846
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, heated front seats, remote engine start, cargo organizer, automatic headlights.
SRT Option Group II
SRT8
$845
$777
Upgraded sound system including subwoofer, alarm.
SRT Option Group III
SRT8
$1,285
$1,182
Navigation system, hard drive, wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night rearview mirror.
Electronic Stability Program
SE
$1,025
$943
Traction control, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system.
Protection Group
SE
$1,235
$1,136
SE w/Pkg. 23D, SXT
$1,185
$1,090
R/T
$1,100
$1,012
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags, interior air filter, wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night rearview mirror, all-season self-sealing tires. SE requires Electronic Stability Program.
Trailer Tow Pkg.
R/T
$350
$322
Heavy-duty engine cooling, load-leveling and height-control suspension.
Safety
Curtain side airbags
SE, SRT8
$590
$543
Includes front side airbags. NA w/Quick Order Pkg. 23D.
Comfort and Convenience Features
MyGIG Multimedia
SXT
$1,635
$1,504
SXT w/Protection Group
$1,155
$1,063
R/T
$1,550
$1,426
R/T w/Protection Group
$1,240
$1,141
R/T w/Protection Group and Popular Equipment Group
$890
$819
Navigation system, hard drive, wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night rearview mirror. SXT requires SXT Quick Order Pkg. 26/27H.
Power sunroof
SXT, R/T, SRT8
$950
$874
DVD entertainment system
SXT, R/T
$1,595
$1,467
SRT8
$1,150
$1,058
SXT, R/T include mobile satellite TV. Requires Popular Equipment Group, MyGIG Multimedia, or navigation system. SXT requires Quick Order Pkg. 26/27H. SRT8 requires Option Group I or II.
Mobile satellite TV
SRT8
$470
$432
Requires DVD entertainment system.
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
SXT, R/T
$350
$322
Hard drive
SXT, R/T
$650
$598
R/T w/Pkg. 29R or Popular Equipment Group, SRT8
$300
$276
Upgraded floormats
SE
$30
$28
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights
R/T, SRT8
$695
$639
Engine-block heater
R/T, SE, SXT, SXT
$40
$37
NA SRT8.
Special paint
R/T, SE, SXT
$150
$138
NA SRT8.
Premium paint
R/T, SE, SRT8, SXT
$225
$207
Bodyside moldings
SE
$100
$92
Std. SXT, SXT Quick Order Pkg. 27G.
Roof rack
R/T, SE, SRT8, SXT
$250
$230
245/45ZR20 front and 255/45ZR20 rear tires
SRT8
$0
$0
Unique alloy wheels
SRT8
$250
$230
Chrome alloy wheels
SXT
$625
$575
Requires Quick Order Pkg. 26/27H. NA AWD.
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2008 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. 178 @ 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 18/26 17/24 --/-- --/--
5-speed automatic --/-- 15/22 15/23 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
4WD Rollover 4
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 Lifetime/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 5/100,000 --
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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