2005 Dodge Magnum RT Published 09/09/2004

At the top the automotive design pinnacle, designers at Daimler Chrysler stand alone as the unquestioned leaders in innovative automotive composition. Starting with the massive "horse collar" truck grill, through the PT Cruiser, Prowler and Viper cars, Chrysler engineers continually take risks with tradition and design unconventional cutting-edge vehicles.

General Motors recently learned the high cost of normality when they introduced an otherwise outstanding GTO in a boring uninspired conventional design. Oft mistaken for a Grand Am the GTO has failed to meet expectations largely because of the commonplace design. Yet who could blame Pontiac for retreating to a conservative design concept when the "uglier than homemade sin" Aztek became such an object of derision?

So producing a "station wagon" as the flagship sedan for Dodge was a risk indeed. Stand-alone Dodge dealers grumbled out loud that Chrysler was getting the 300C and they were to be stuck with the wagon.

Well they are not grumbling now. Dodge once again took a gamble and pulled out a winner, for this isn't your grandfather's station wagon. The 2005 Dodge Magnum did almost the impossible when it made a wagon look, feel and drive as cool as any bling-bling car on the market. From the high beltline to the chopped roof, the Magnum shouts custom.

In fact professional ballplayers, rappers and high-profile urban players are trading in their Mercedes and Escalades for the Chrysler 300C and the Dodge Magnum. After a trip to KC TRENDS for a new set of wheels, grill, and tinted windows you have one of the most sought after vehicles in the city.

The unique custom look of the 2005 Dodge Magnum may attract attention, but it's the value that really sells the car. For under $26,000 the base Magnum STX, still is a fully equipped vehicle with a high output 24-valve V6 engine producing 250 horsepower. Don't let the advertising about the power of the Hemi keep you from considering the 6 cylinder STX.

However it's the lure of the V8 Hemi RT that gets all of the attention. What other vehicle producing 340 horsepower can be had in the low $30,000 range? Innovative Multiple Displacement System on the 5.7 Liter Hemi improves fuel economy while providing power on demand. With the optional Trailer Tow Group the 2005 Dodge Magnum can tow a 3,800-pound Bass Boat. Many an SUV owner would love those numbers.

Speaking of utility, this 2005 Magnum makes sense for those needing a degree of sport utility without the handling drawbacks of a sport utility vehicle. Unique forward hinged tailgate allows for easy handling of large bulky objects. A massive 71.6 cubic feet of cargo space is available with rear seats folded down.

I was extremely impressed with every aspect of the 2005 Dodge Magnum RT test vehicle. Handling, parking and maneuverability of this sport wagon are far superior to most sport utility vehicles. Undeniable safety advantages from the stability of the low swung wagon make the Magnum the right choice for growing families or active singles.

I'm excited to see another full size rear wheel drive vehicle enter the market. Rear wheel drive vehicles simply are inherently better for both luxury and high performance applications. With the standard Electronic Stability Program front wheel drive advantages in ice and snow are all but eliminated. Expect to see police departments ordering the police package in 2006 giving the first real competition to Ford's Crown Victoria in years.

Maybe driving a station wagon was once a fashion risk, but the 2005 Dodge Magnum is certainly no risk for those looking for the best combination of fun and fashion at an affordable price.

2005 Dodge Magnum RT
$29,370 Base MSRP
$36,025 Price as tested
Rear Wheel Drive Sport Wagon
17/25 EPA MPG

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