Dodge Magnum
Dodge puts on some flashy duds |
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By Richard J. Newman
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NITS: The tapered roofline means the rear windows are small, which produces poor visibility out the back. Also, the turn signal indicators are located near the bottom of the gauge cluster, where they are blocked by the steering wheel. Several times my blinkers blinked unremittingly, while I was oblivious.
G-FORCES: The 340-horsepower V-8, which I tested, moves the car effortlessly and helps you forget the Magnum is a fairly large vehicle. The mid-range 250-horsepower V-6 is probably adequate, but I imagine the base-level 190-horsepower V-6 would cause some frustration. Big tires—either 17- or 18-inchers—and a firm suspension produce handling better than you'd expect for a car of this size and height. All-wheel drive is available.
GIZMOLOGY: The layout of radio and climate controls is clean and stylish. Climate dials are large, with a heaviness that conveys a feel of quality. Optional steering wheel controls for the radio and for the vehicle-information system consolidate the electronics at your fingeripts.
KID MARKS: The Magnum sits five comfortably, whether the rear-seat passengers are kids or adults. A rear armrest contains cup holders that are well within kids' reach. And the cargo compartment in the back is spacious, with plenty of room for strollers, bags, and even small bikes.
ENVIROMETER: Rates 7 out of 10 on the EPA's air pollution index (10 is best). Mileage ratings range from 17 mpg in the city to 28 mpg on the highway. More info: www.fueleconomy.gov, search for 2005 Dodge Magnum.
CRASH COURSE: Not yet crash-tested by the government or by private testing organizations.
PRICE POINTS: Base prices range from $22,720 to $32,720. Price as tested: $35,715.
MORE INFO: www.dodge.com/magnum
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Model year tested: 2005
I'm stopped behind a school bus, waiting for the kids to get off and scamper safely to the side of the road. Finally the red lights stop flashing, and I pull forward—and a couple of 10-year-olds start yelling at me. Have I jumped the gun or done something wrong? On the contrary. "Cool car!" they shout, giving me a thumbs up. "Yeah!"
Automakers spend many millions of dollars trying to generate this kind of buzz among the junior set—not because kids purchase cars but because youth appeal trickles up to grown-ups, who imagine themselves as young, too. And the hunky Magnum has as much cradle-to-grave charisma as any car I've driven recently. A middle-aged guy in a mall parking lot pointed to the muscle wagon and mouthed to me, "I like that." At a stoplight in the city, a couple of rapper wannabes, jamming to their headphones, scoped out the Magnum and gave approving nods. Everybody seemed to like me in this car.
The Magnum is part of the Chrysler Group's attempted reincarnation as a maker of breakthrough American vehicles with superior quality. In many ways, the Magnum fulfills that image. A bulging grille and pinched roofline produce bold, look-at-me styling. The handsome, masculine interior is a vast improvement on some of the shabby cabins that dragged down Dodge's image in the past. For a big car, the Magnum grips curves like a kid holding on to a rollercoaster bar. There are three engines: a 190-horsepower V-6, a 250-horsepower high-output V-6, and the 340-horsepower "Hemi" V-8. I didn't sample the first two, but for a couple thousand extra, the V-8 provides effortless power and splendid overall performance.
All told, the Magnum's styling, performance, and practicality make it a suitable hot rod for young showoffs or a hip familymobile for people looking to enliven their driveway. Here's the hitch: You can get into the basic model for about $23,000, but add a few options or upgrades, and you're quickly looking at 30 grand. The car I tested, for instance, rang in at more than $35,000. For a Dodge? Chrysler knows that to get over that hurdle, it needs to demonstrate not just phat designs but long-term quality as well. And the cars have to hold their value. So if you don't mind being a guinea pig, take the plunge. At least your kids will think you're cool.
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