2008 Dodge Magnum: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.