2005 Dodge Magnum RT Road Trip

I also like the removable floor. It folds in three for easy storage if you want to take it out altogether, or flip it over to

The Magnum has the appeal of a Mustang, but doesn't give up much if any functionality to a taller, bulkier SUV. Mormon Prophet Brigham Young, who lived in the "Beehive House" directly behind the car, could have used such a roomy conveyance. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

expose either a protective vinyl covering or luxurious carpeting. Under the floor is a practical storage compartment for smaller items, ideal for valuables that are better left out of sight.

The Magnum's back seat is also overzealous in its willingness to accommodate, with the ability to fold it 60/40 if needing more cargo space, or if filling it up with people, offering limo-like legroom. The outside positions are of course more comfortable, but that's not saying a full-size adult should be particularly distraught if left to the rear center. Why the rear seat volume was overkill for our two children that joined us on the trip, the added floor space

When seated up front a person really feels as if they've landed in the lap of luxury, especially if outfitted in top-line RT trim. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

made it possible to get in behind the front seats and child safety seats in order to do the parenting thing when called upon.

I guess that's why I like the Magnum so much. It's got the appeal of a Mustang, for instance, but doesn't give up much if any functionality to a taller, bulkier SUV. And when seated up front a person really feels as if they've landed in the lap of luxury, especially if outfitted in top-line RT trim. That's the one I would want anyway, given the standard HEMI V8. But along with that comes a mother load of standard features, including leather seating surfaces and trim. My tester was finished in gray leather, which matched the white exterior perfectly. I'd take mine black on black, but hey, that's the bad boy coming out in me.