2005 Dodge Magnum RT AWD

2005 Dodge Magnum RT AWD (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123)

Very large disc brakes are visible under every wheel and reassuringly stop this 1,968-kg (4,339 lbs) wagon to a halt in impressively short distances. The Magnum's safety features include the usual electronic aids, such as ESP (Electronic Stability Program), anti-lock brakes, emergency brake assist, and traction control. You can turn off the ESP by pressing a button on the centre console.

Interior space is very generous. I've always owned compacts, in which bolting two child seats doesn't leave much room for a 3rd passenger in back. It's clearly not a problem in the Magnum; there is plenty of shoulder room and legroom. But then again, you shouldn't expect anything less from such a big car. It doesn't quite match up to the Monaco, though, in terms of interior space. But neither did the Exxon Valdez, for that matter. As for the liftgate, a portion of the roof comes up when you open it, for easier access back there. The rear opening can swallow pretty big objects, but the low roofline can limit what you're planning to haul.

I find the cockpit's fit and finish being very good. Although some people find the dash and door panels a little cheap for this type of car, I think they look and feel pretty good. The dash is made of a rubbery plastic that has a flat colour to it, not some shiny hard plastic. The Boston Acoustics sound system is excellent, and there's an automatic climate control as well as heated seats to keep you comfortable. The driver benefits from an 8-way power driver's seat, standard on SXT and RT models, optional on the SE. Also, power-adjustable pedals are available on every trim level.

2005 Dodge Magnum RT AWD (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123)

With these features as well as a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, it's easy for anyone to find a suitable driving position. The front seats lack lateral support, though, and the leather makes them especially slippery when cornering. I didn't notice any apparent quality misses inside, and there wasn't any squeaks or rattles, either.

Basically, when looking at Dodge's advertising, growing families doesn't seem to be the Magnum's market clientele. The company might prefer guiding you into one of their minivans. The Magnum is best viewed as an uplevel, powerful and spacious interstate cruiser. It reminds us of the good old HEMI days, and that's probably its main attraction.

As much as the mighty HEMI V8 is addictive, there are certain things I just don't understand. I'm no engineer, but if hemispherical combustion chambers and twin spark plugs are true benefits for this engine, why can't DaimlerChrysler apply this technology to smaller engines? And if the Multi-Displacement System can help you lower your fuel consumption by up to 20%, couldn't they graft this marvel gadget to other engines, like their 3.5L V6, for example? I mean, if I have to drive slower in order for the MDS to kick in, why don't I just get a Magnum SXT with the 250-hp V6, which is already sufficiently powerful? The HEMI would make sense, though, if you're planning on towing something heavy, since you can pull up to 1,724 kg (3,800 lbs) with the Trailer-tow group.

2005 Dodge Magnum RT AWD (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123)

Performance-wise, the RT AWD is rated at 13.6 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 L/100 km on the highway, as opposed to the 13.9/8.8 numbers of its rear-wheel drive counterpart. These numbers seem highly conservative to me. The manufacturer's claim of a 0-100 km/h dash in 6.5 seconds will draw no argument from me, as it sounds pretty accurate from what I felt in the driver's seat with my right foot to the floor.