2005 Dodge Magnum

Dodge is full of surprises this year. First, the new Magnum has rear-wheel drive instead of the front-drive layout that's gone on all Chrysler/Dodge passenger cars for the past 15 years. Secondly, it's available with DaimlerChrysler's hearty Hemi V-8, as well as a pair of V-6 engines. Most shocking of all, this replacement for the full-size Dodge Intrepid sedan isn't a sedan at all. Of all things, it's a wagon.


Unlike conventional wagon liftgates, the Magnum's extends forward into the roof. Dodge says this lets you raise the liftgate straight up, rather than pulling it outward. So, it can open more easily in limited spaces. True enough, though, one wonders about rain and snow sneaking in along the sides.

With its long, slim tapered quarter windows, the Magnum looks far more shapely than a conventional wagon.

Style and performance are the Magnum's main attractions, in any case. With its long, slim tapered quarter windows, the Magnum looks far more shapely than a conventional wagon. Senior product designer Jeff Gale refers to its "shooting brake kind of shape," a reference to sporty European wagons of the past. Big fender flares encircle the tires, which are 17- or 18-inch size (depending on model). The two-tone interior gives "that kind of sinister feeling," Gale added, emphasizing the "tunneled-in" competition-style gauges.


On sale in early spring '04, the Magnum comes in three distinct varieties, with three different powertrains. The $22,495 SE wagon uses a 2.7-liter V-6 engine, with a four-speed automatic transmission. A 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 goes into the midrange SXT edition. At the top of the heap, the Magnum RT contains Dodge's 340-horsepower Hemi V-8 engine, which unleashes 390 pound-feet of torque. Dodge says it's the most powerful production car priced under $30,000—though it's just $5 below that figure, at $29,995. A five-speed automatic transmission in the RT incorporates AutoStick, which permits manually selected gear changes.


Side-curtain airbags are optional. Chrysler offers a closely related 300-series sedan, but Dodge has announced no plans for a Magnum sedan.