The Magnum surely won't appeal to all tastes, but if you're taken by its striking appearance, it's certainly worth a closer look. The roomy interior and ample cargo space make it an appealing SUV alternative, with better road manners and head-turning styling in its favor. The Hemi-powered Magnums, although certainly more fun to drive than the six-cylinder models, can be startlingly thirsty, despite the presence of the highway-biased Multiple Displacement System. The 3.5L variant is the best package for most consumers. Magnum pricing is highly competitive, and the Chrysler Group's warranty terms--including seven-year/70,000-mile powertrain coverage--are generous. Review the IntelliChoice Ownership Cost Value ratings closely, however, as there's notable variance among trims and drivetrains. Find the right combination for you, and you'll be rewarded with a distinct, rewarding machine with the heart of a muscle car.
Striking to behold and--thanks to its Mercedes-Benz-cribbed chassis design and available Hemi V-8 engines--great to drive, the Magnum is a truly compelling alternative to the ubiquitous midsize sport/utility vehicle.
What's Hot
Nice 3.5L V-6, excellent Hemi V-8sQuiet, composed ride; surprisingly agileLooks like nothing else on the road
What's Not
Hemi fuel economyNot as spacious as midsize SUVsShape limits cargo space
Entirely new for the 2005 model year, the Magnum rolls into 2006 with few noteworthy alternations--with one exception: The muscle-bound SRT8 model storms into showrooms in the summer of 2005, featuring a 6.1-liter/425-horse Hemi V-8. Priced under $40,000, the Magnum SRT8 backs up its 85 additional horses with a sport-tuned suspension, high-performance Brembo disc brakes, and Goodyear Eagle F1 tires on 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, and standard leather seating over heavily bolstered sport seats.
Depending on trim level, Magnum buyers can opt for such niceties as a power moonroof, heated seats, front- and rear-seat side curtain airbags, power seats with leather, and power-adjustable pedals. There's also an available six-speaker Boston Acoustics audio system, the subscription-based Sirius satellite radio, well-executed rear DVD entertainment system, and the innovative UConnect hands-free communication system, which features wireless integration with Bluetooth-enabled cell phones and personal digital assistants. One particularly worthwhile option on the RT and top-dog SRT8 models is the excellent DVD-based GPS navigation system with a full-color LCD. A roof rack is optional as well, and SXT and RT models offer all-wheel drive derived from the excellent Mercedes 4Matic system.