Dodge Magnum

[a2Pilot]

Yeah, I know! It's not an SUV, but it's a pretty cool looking wagon!

A friend of mine stopped by this weekend in a brand new Dodge Magnum. He had been traveling all week for work, and used this rental car in place of his own.

I must say I've never really liked anything from Chrysler, but WOW! They did a very nice job on this one!

[a2Pilot]

Before everyone gets excited, this unit did not have a Hemi..........

It has the standard 2.7 liter V6 generating only 190 HP. Performance was pretty mediocre......we kept saying to each other, "I bet this thing is fun to drive with the Hemi"!

The ride was very smooth and quiet. Steering was quick, and had good feel.

[a2Pilot]

The exterior styling is just plain cool! Fit & finish on all the exterior panels is very good. The doors have a solid "thunk", and close very easily. It's a very low vehicle. The roof line comes to my chest. But then again, I'm 6'5". For comparison, I can just see over the roof of my Pilot. The only drawback to this low and mean design is limited rearward visibility. Backup sensors would be a wise option.

[a2Pilot]

The interior is what really took me by surprise. It feels HUGE!!

The quality of the interior materials are just amazing. Sitting in the driver's seat, you can really feel the German influence in the simple, clean, efficient design. The dash is simple, but elegant, with nice easy to read guages. All the controls are within easy reach, and the switchgear has a very solid feeling to it. Radio buttons, climate control knobs, even the turn signal stalk has a little indent right where my fingers hit it. It just feels good!

[a2Pilot]

One thing that really impressed me was the plastic trim on the roof pillars. It is molded with the same texture as the fabric of the head liner. It looks like fabric! They did a really nice job. All the materials on the interior feel good. The drivers seat is firm and supportive, with the perfect amount of lateral support in both the seat back and bottom. My buddy said he drove all day, and didn't get sore. The seats are covered in a nice, durable feeling cloth with a bit of coarse texture to it. I'll bet they clean up pretty easily down the road.

[a2Pilot]

The rear hatch is quiet large, but opens easily. The handle is just above the license plate, and covered in a thick rubber. It's another thing that is pleasing to the touch. The hatch is covered on the inside by the aforementioned cool textured plastic that looks like fabric. There's very low lift-over into the cargo area, and it's very roomy. The floor is adjustable so small things can be stowed beneath. The spare tire AND BATTERY are under a second level there as well, a flash back to muscle car days.....

[a2Pilot]

One of my favorite little details is this coat hook on the B pillar. It's just big enough to hang a sport coat or other small jacket up out of the way.

[a2Pilot]

No, I'm not ready to run out and trade in my Pilot on one of these! I saw an opportunity to learn more about the Magnum, and thought you guys would like the information too.

I will say that I'm pleasantly surprised with the thoughtful design, quality materials and precise assembly of this vehicle. My wife had several Chrysler products many years ago, and all three of those cars were total junk. In fact, her last one was traded in for our first Honda Civic back in 1989.

Sitting in the driver's seat, this vehicle just feels good. Everything you can touch and see is so pleasing. The interior feels very "German". It drives well, except for the under powered V6. I bet it's REALLY fun to drive with a Hemi...

When driving the Magnum, I felt I was sitting higher than I really was. So when the time came to step out, I set my foot out expecting to step down, and was shocked that the ground was right there. I had to step UP to get out!

They have done a good job with this one. It will be interesting to see how well the Magnum holds up with age.

[jsevlie]

Thanks for the great hands-on review of the Magnum. I have been keeping a close eye on these vehicles (the Magnums and 300's) and was interested when I saw your posting.

We were at the Minnesota State Fair last night and there were 2 of them at the Dodge booth. They didn't have the doors open so we couldn't sit instead (grr!). One of these days I'll have to stop by the stealership and check one out.

[Edog]

No offense, but these are the one of the UGLIEST cars I have ever seen. It ranks up there with the PT Cruiser, Aztec, and Gremlin!

I own a Dodge Dakota, and could never imagine a magnum in my garage.

Just my 2 cents.

[Oahu_Dave]

Originally posted by Edog
No offense, but these are the one of the UGLIEST cars I have ever seen. It ranks up there with the PT Cruiser, Aztec, and Gremlin!

I own a Dodge Dakota, and could never imagine a magnum in my garage.

Just my 2 cents.

I agree. What really gets me is that the commercials seem to show it with wads of horsepower. Is there another option other than the lame 190hp mentioned above? Hope so if they show it somehow racing ahead of a Lotus Elite looking sportscar.

I personally want the new GTO.

[a2Pilot]

It's available with a 5.7 Liter V8 producing 340 HP.

(Not a good version for the rental car companies)

The design is very "Hot Wheels". The thing that blew me away was the quality of the interior. I was shocked. Chrysler has come a long way thanks to Daimler!

OD, the GTO does look like a barrel of fun!!! I love the smell of tire smoke in the morning!!!! (Until I have to buy new tires!)

[a2Pilot]

Originally posted by Edog
No offense, but these are the one of the UGLIEST cars I have ever seen. It ranks up there with the PT Cruiser, Aztec, and Gremlin!

I own a Dodge Dakota, and could never imagine a magnum in my garage.

Just my 2 cents.

Yeah, I tend to agree that the styling doesn't really appeal to me either. (Though I'm not sure it's as bad as a Gremlin!)

I am just impressed that it's not the same old loose, rattle-filled Chrysler product I've been familiar with in the past. The interior is really impressive.

My buddy who rented it for the week actually works on a Quality Team for an automotive supplier that manufactures interior parts. He's also impressed with the interior components, and the quality of assembly in the Magnum. He analyzes these parts for a living!

Even if the interior looks a little stark, you've got to sit in the Magnum and "feel" what it's like. It's good. The Daimler German influence is very strong. German cars "feel" good!

(I still wouldn't trade in my Pilot!)

[jay]

I like the look of the Magnum and Chrysler 300C. And you must admit, the Magnum ads are way better than that lame Wolfman Pilot commercial.

[a2Pilot]

Originally posted by jay
I like the look of the Magnum and Chrysler 300C. And you must admit, the Magnum ads are way better than that lame Wolfman Pilot commercial.

LMAO!!!!!!!