Magnum Offers An Amazing Performance
2006 Dodge Magnum
Published: Nov 20, 2005
ADVERTISEMENT
More from this channel:
THE RIDE: Four-door, five-passenger 2006 Dodge Magnum R/T wagon.
DOWN THE ROAD: Sharing the chassis and engine with the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger, the Magnum takes off quickly at the tap of the accelerator. The R/T (Road and Track) version I test-drove was equipped with a Hemi engine, which is renowned for its immense power and amazing performance. You have been warned: The Magnum can shoot off from 0 to 60 mph in less than six seconds. The ride and handling is stiff but stable and quite impressive.
TECH & PERFORMANCE: Available in six model trims, my test-drive 5.7-liter V-8 rear-wheel-drive Magnum came with 340 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 390 pounds-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. Mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission, the Hemi Multi-Displaced engine saves fuel by deactivating four of the eight cylinders. This, says Dodge, saves as much as 20 percent. The stiff four-wheel independent touring suspension, along with a power rack-and-pinion steering system, boosts the confidence of the driver on slippery or adverse road conditions. Rear-wheel drive, in which the front wheels steer the vehicle and the rear wheels transfer power to the road, results in confidence around street corners.
LOOK & FEEL: It’s got the look for sure — the menacing muscular appearance, thanks to a bold front grille and a long hood, chromed headlamp bezels, Hemi badging on the side and R/T badging and dual exhaust pipes on the rear, and of course, the 18-inch aluminum wheels. The interior sports satin silver on the lower steering wheel spokes as well as the center-stack bezel, eight-way power driver’s seat and a six-speaker Boston sound system.
The electroluminiscent instrument panel with white-face gauges is easy on the eyes. The audio and temperature knobs on the dashboard are big, clear and conveniently located.
Storage area is plenty with space for two cupholders in the floor console, a mini-storage bin next to the shifter and a flat-load bin below the floor in the cargo area. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats open up 71.6 cubic feet of space.
SAFETY FIRST: The Magnum comes with standard driver and front-passenger airbags. The side curtain for both seats is optional. OUT THE DOOR: $30,235, plus tax, tag, delivery and destination charges. The Convenience Group II will fetch you air conditioning with dual-zone control, power windows, heated and power front seats, automatic headlights and power adjustable pedals. The navigation is yours for $1,895, and so is the rear seat DVD player and LCD screen, which is nicely tucked inside the center console, for $1,150.
BY THE NUMBERS: Tires, P225/60R18 touring; wheelbase, 120 inches; length, 197.7 inches; weight, 3,855 pounds; fuel capacity, 18 gallons; highway, 22 mpg; city, 17 mpg.
WHY DIG IT: The muscle car, in this case a wagon, is back with a vengeance. The Magnum offers a powerful Hemi engine that results in an amazing performance. Factor in the spacious interior for passengers and cargo and you have a vehicle that will battle even the toughest road surfaces. Dodge takes the bull by the horns yet again.
Nitish S. Rele is an Advertising Staff Writer for The Tampa Tribune.
