Dodge Magnum
Overall Score - 8.6 (Very Good)
Reviewers rave over the Magnum's powerful (but optional) V8 engines and its aggressively retro exterior styling, but dislike the base model's underpowered V6 and are disappointed that so many of the Magnum's safety features cost extra.
When the Dodge Magnum first appeared in model year 2005, it did more than give Chrysler's sales figures a boost: It made station wagons hip. It looked cool and, with the available V8 engines, performed like a hot rod from a bygone era. Reviewers loved it -- and they still do. "[T]he Magnum is a bona fide triple threat," says Automobile Magazine. "[U]tilitarian, good looking, and fine driving." The low-end SE trim, with a 2.7-liter V6 engine that reviewers find seriously underpowered, invites sneers from automotive writers, but the SRT8, with its 6.1-liter Hemi V8, has reviewers comparing it to classic 1950s hot rods. "SRT8 models are muscle cars," says Consumer Guide. It's the exterior styling that really makes reviewers swoon, though. "The Magnum is one of the most attractive cars on the road," says the Detroit Free Press -- "thoroughly modern but with a tapering roof line that hints at custom hot rods without reducing headroom."
The Magnum's major drawback is the lack of safety features in the base model SE, forcing buyers to pay several thousand dollars to upgrade to the SXT model to get traction and stability control and anti-lock brakes. Side air bags are not available in any model or even as an option.
The Magnum's price tag is deemed reasonable by most reviewers, with MSN noting that it's "relatively inexpensive for what it offers" and the Washington Post saying simply, "It's a buy." The Magnum is on Edmunds' list of Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2007. Consumer Guide gave the 2007 Magnum a Best Buy Award. However, IntelliChoice rates the base model SE as a "worse than average" value, based on total cost of ownership compared to others in its class.
Magnum Performance - 7.2 (Good)
Reviewers dismiss the 2007 Dodge Magnum's standard V6 engine as underpowered, but can't stop praising the two available V8 engines. The Washington Post gushes that the V8-powered Magnum "rides, runs and handles better than any full-size station wagon in our memory. The thing is just a joy to drive." continue
Magnum Exterior - 9.0 (Excellent)
With only a few exceptions, reviewers think the 2007 Dodge Magnum is one gorgeous hunk of metal. Edmunds says the Dodge "turns heads like a Ferrari on fire." continue
Magnum Interior - 8.1 (Very Good)
Reviewers mostly find the 2007 Dodge Magnum's interior roomy and pleasant looking, with a clean, elegant design. "The Magnum's interior is comfortable, spacious and happily uncomplicated," says the Sacramento Bee. continue
Magnum Safety - 9.2 (Excellent)
The 2007 Dodge Magnum has a decent set of safety features, but most don't come standard. "There are lots of safety features," says the Detroit News, "but you'll have to pay extra for most of them." The Magnum does well in federal government crash tests. continue
Magnum Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Dodge Magnum reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Magnum comes with a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. continue
