Dodge redesigned its large car for 2005, replacing the front-wheel-drive Intrepid sedan with the Magnum, a wagon available with rear- or all-wheel drive. Magnum's chassis was designed with help from Chrysler's partner, Mercedes-Benz, and is shared with the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans. The new design and availability of Chrysler's Hemi V8 with its cylinder-deactivation technology made the Magnum a natural choice for an extended-use evaluation. Our test car was a 2005 R/T, which comes with the Hemi V8.

We're pleased to say the car was trouble-free during its nearly 12,000 mi. stay with Consumer Guide. That goes for the cylinder-deactivation feature as well. Some editors said they could sense the cylinders transitioning from four to eight and back again, but it never compromised drivability. Our test car was a rear-drive model and had to cope with the snow and ice of a Midwestern winter. Indeed, the R/T proved difficult to maneuver in six inches of fresh snow, despite traction control and all-season tires. Magnum's available AWD is the recommended solution for all-weather traction.

Besides the bountiful V8 power, the most pleasing aspect of the Magnum was its voluminous interior. Front- and rear-seat passengers had ample room, and the wagon body style proved a versatile cargo carrier. Cabin materials and assembly were good for the class. Several editors commented on poor outward visibility caused in part by the thick roof pillars and short side windows.

For 2006, Dodge added high-performance SRT8 versions of the Charger and Magnum, adding to the appeal of this Best Buy line of Dodges.

Editors' Comments

Tom Appel: Mercedes-taut chassis, cavernous interior, sporty road manners, and massive power. This may be the best American car available. I want one.

John Biel: You really can't get anything else like it for its body style and available power, but the Magnum really works best with the Hemi V8, which can be a somewhat thirsty proposition that will run up costs of operation.

Chuck Giametta: The Magnum R/T is a fascinating exercise in the balance of form and function, hype and horsepower. The statement made by its macho looks is offset by compromises in outward visibility and full-wagon versatility. For all the publicity surrounding the Hemi V8, throttle response is strangely nurtured. Some crude suspension behavior tips the scales, and not in the Magnum R/T's favor.

2005 Dodge Magnum R/T
2005 Dodge Magnum
Bodystyle: 4-door wagon
Model: R/T
Engine: 330-hp 5.7-liter V8
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Total Miles: 11,935
CG Observed Fuel Economy: 15.9 mpg
Problems During Test: None
Base Price: $30,070
Price as Tested: $35,690
Major Options:

Convenience Group II (automatic climate control, power-adjustable pedals, heated front seats, power passenger seat), Electronics Convenience Group (steering-wheel radio controls, universal garage-door opener, compass, outside-temperature indicator, trip computer, vehicle information center, theft-deterrent system w/alarm), navigation system, power sunroof, AM/FM 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio