2005 Dodge Magnum Road Test

In the modernizing process the term "wagon" has become decidedly passé, however, with nameplates such as Avant, Touring, 5, Sportback, V, and now Sport Tourer, in the case of the Magnum, as replacements. Are the new cars distinctive enough to warrant a change in

Wagon or Sport Tourer, whatever you call it the Magnum is drop dead gorgeous. This photo shows the unique liftgate design that can be opened without the need of stepping backwards and out of the way. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

genre designation? Some, like Chrysler's Pacifica and Pontiac's Vibe, define the SUV-cum-wagon crossover category, while others such as Mazda's 5 or Mitsubishi's Sportback are much more sport-oriented in nature than traditional wagons. When it comes right down to it, automaker marketers can call them whatever they want, of course, and will continue to do so if they think a creative name will turn an old idea into a sexy new icon.

When it comes to the new Dodge Magnum I don't think any name would deter sport wagon fans from sitting up and taking

The Dodge Magnum is one of the coolest cars I've experienced in decades. It literally owns the road. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

notice, let alone those that have never considered a wagon before. Just the same Sport Tourer is an adequately sexy moniker, ideally suited to a car that slots neatly into the sport side of the wagon equation.

Where does the new Magnum actually fit in? Without doubt it was designed to be a drivers' car first and foremost, yet its large size and hyper-functional cargo area, combined with available all-wheel drive, put it in the crossover category. My opinion? Who cares which folder someone wants to file it in? It's one of the coolest cars I've experienced in decades.