Vehicle: 2005 Dodge Magnum RT with N pkg
Price as tested: CDN$38195

Performance: The RT Magnum is motivated by a highly refined 5.7L Hemi V8 that has 340hp and 390 lb/ft of torque. The torquery nature of this V8 really feels like an American V8 which is extremely responsive in the bottom end while pushing right through into the rev range without feeling any sign of breathless. Flexible, smooth, refined, torquery and quick are just some of the words best describe the Hemi. Matched with this motor is Chrysler’s 5-speed manumatic called Autostick. While its a good system that works decently with quick up and downshifts, the left and right movement are not ergonomic to my liking.

Handling: Given Magnum uses Mercedes’s previous E-Class platform, the chassis stiffness and rigidty are top-notch. There are no chassis flex and rattles while the whole vehicle feels very solidly made. With its FR configuration and near-ideal 50/50 balance, Magnum handles surprisingly nimble for its size. The steering feels responsive and direct, although it still can be sharper when pushed. The body rolls are controllable. On the other hand, the instrusiveness of ESP is a bit too much for my liking when I wanted to oversteer a bit. When I pushed through the slalom, Magunm shows its true color of confidence-inspiring handling while absorbing all the bumps and roughness on the pavement.

Brakes: Its brakes are also work surprisingly well for its size and weight. Given today’s rainy weather, the ABS won’t kick in until absolutely necessary while the pedal feel is excellent. Stopping effort is short and linear without any drama.

Interior: Magnum got excellent instrumentation gauges that are clear and easy-to-read. The center console’s stereo and auto climate control knobs are large and ergonomically sensible. The auto climate control is effective and defrost quickly in a rainy day. The leather seats are comfortable with plenty of support. However, there are a couple of drawbacks. Firstly, the tiny rear wiper/washer and hazard light buttons on the center are really mickey mouse. The rear wiper/washer should find a home somewhere in the wiper stark instead of on the control panel. As for hazard light, it should be 2 times bigger than the current size. Secondly, there are tons of cheap plastic abound, many of them are hard, brittle and really low-rent. I expect a lot more for a car costing nearly 40 grand. Thirdly. While the cargo space has plenty of space, its high liftover and low window sill limit the use of space efficiency. Lastly, its high window sill has given the rear passengers a crumsy feel because lack of visibility. Speaking of visibility, the rear wiper only covers 20% of the center of the rear window which is a nightmare during heavier rainfalls; good luck when there are rain and snowstorms.

Conclusion: Thanks to Mercedes’s chassis and Chrysler’s own Hemi, Magnum RT is really a delightful sportswagon to drive. Its comfortable, handles well, powerful, looks great and it represents a lot of value for money. Its a pity it doesn’t receive the interior quality that it deserves to be.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2005 DODGE MAGNUM RT
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Performance: 4.75/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 2.5/5
Cargo/accessbility/layout: 3.75/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5