The Dodge Magnum was first introduced in 2005, and instead of a front-wheel-drive sedan like its Dodge Intrepid predecessor, the Magnum is a rear- or all-wheel-drive wagon. The Magnum is available in four trims. New exterior colors are available for 2007, and R/T models have standard Sirius Satellite Radio. The high performance SRT8s gained two new exterior colors, and a rear seat video system is optional. In addition to two V-6 engines, a Hemi V-8 that cranks out 340 horsepower can power the Magnum. To boost fuel economy, an innovative Multi-Displacement System in the Hemi shuts down half of the engine's cylinders during light engine load conditions.

Trims

The 2007 Dodge Magnum is available in four models. The SE standard equipment includes premium cloth interior, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and locks with remote entry, a 60/40 split rear seat with center armrest, AM/FM/CD sound system, tilt-telescoping steering column, rack-and-pinion steering, 17-inch wheels and disc brakes.

The SXT comes with a 3.5-liter single overhead cam V6 and a five-speed automatic with AutoStick. SXTs are available with all-wheel drive. The SXT comes with ABS with Brake Assist, all-speed traction control and electronic stability control, aluminum wheels, tinted glass, cargo cover, and an eight-way power driver's seat. For 2007, the Convenience Group III bundles automatic headlamps, one touch express up and down front windows and dual-zone climate control. Also available on the SXT this year is a GPS navigation system.

The R/T gets the 5.7-liter V8 Hemi and a five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick. The R/T is also available with all-wheel drive. The R/T features a leather interior, bigger and beefier brakes, a 19-gallon gas tank, 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, dual exhausts, foglights, and a Boston Acoustics premium six-speaker sound system with a 288-watt digital amplifier. An updated Road/Track Performance Group tweaks the V8 for an additional 10 horsepower, adds 20-inch wheels and performance suspension.

The SRT8 features the 6.1-liter V8 Hemi and a five-speed AutoStick automatic. Developing 420 pounds-feet of torque, the big V-8 issues enough energy to send the wagon from zero to 60 mph in a little more than 5 seconds. The race-inspired interior features deeply sculpted, highly bolstered front sport seats. SRT-tuned dampers, tailored spring rates, larger anti-sway bars and 20-inch forged-aluminum wheels are installed. Manual air conditioning is standard on the SRT8, as are power-adjustable, sport-bolstered front seats; cruise control; power locks, windows and mirrors; power adjustable pedals; ESP; antilock brakes with Brake Assist; and 20x9-inch forged aluminum wheels with Goodyear F1 high-performance tires.

Handling

The Magnum rides comfortably on smooth surfaces. The 3.5-liter V-6 performs with satisfying zip, but it's a little noisy. Engine noise with the 2.7-liter V-6 is more noticeable but not bothersome, and performance doesn't fall far short of the bigger V-6. The SXT model sticks to the road well. Models with the Electronic Stability Program handle wintry surfaces amazingly well. However, you sometimes get the feeling that the system has taken over a little too much.

Powertrain

A standard 2.7-liter V-6 in the base model produces 190 hp, and a 250-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 is optional. Dodge's 340-hp, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 powers the R/T. The base V-6 drives a four-speed automatic transmission, while the 3.5-liter V-6 and the Hemi V-8 use a five-speed automatic that has AutoStick for manually selected gear changes. The five-speed automatic transmission upshifts smoothly. The shift lever moves through a slotted gate, with AutoStick actions managed with sideways movements at the bottom end of the gate. The SXT's 3.5-liter V6 makes 250 horsepower and is rated to tow 2000 pounds. The R/T engine's Multi-Displacement System, or MDS, cuts out half of the eight cylinders whenever horsepower is not needed. At a steady 60 miles per hour or less on a flat highway, it only uses four cylinders and gets about 30 miles per gallon. With a response time of 0.04 seconds, the transition of going from a V4 back to a V8 is smooth. The R/T is rated by the EPA at 17/25 mpg. Although technically capable of towing 3800 pounds with the optional tow package, Dodge does not recommend using the R/T as a tow vehicle. The R/T uses a five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick.

Interior

Five occupants can fit inside the 2007 Magnum, which has a 60/40-split, folding rear seat. Backseat legroom and headroom are plentiful, but the center rider faces a large driveline tunnel. The rear seat's measurements come within an inch of the front's except in legroom, where the rear seat gives up just over an inch and a half to the front. The 60/40 split rear seat seats three people, but a wide, center armrest with cupholders drops down to make it more comfortable for two. There's plenty of head clearance despite the roofline, which poses no rear visibility problem for the driver. Long, slim quarter windows impair over-the-shoulder views. Cargo volume totals 27.2 cubic feet with the rear seat up and 71.6 cubic feet with the seat folded. A tri-fold false floor allows for extra storage. The driver’s seat is comfortable and adjustable. The steering wheel offers both tilt and telescope adjustments and the pedals are power adjustable. Adjustable pedals can help people of small stature position themselves farther away from the airbag-equipped steering wheel, lessening the chance of airbag-related injuries. The Magnum’s placement of the entertainment system's video screen is unique. In lieu of suspending it from the ceiling or planting it in the backside of the front seat head restraints, Dodge pivots the Magnum's up out of the front center console. This positions it for viewing between the front seats at just above knee level, and this preserves the driver's view out the back window. The four-spoke steering wheel is sharp, with buttons for cruise and sound control.

Exterior

The EPA classifies the 2007 Dodge Magnum as a sport utility. Dodge calls it a sport tourer, and some call it a sport wagon. It's a long, low, beefy station wagon on a wide track, with a big bold grille and a chopped top. The Magnum is one vehicle with a huge presence. Significantly sportier in shape than most wagons, the Magnum features distinct tapered rear-quarter windows. Big fender flares surround 17-, 18- or 20-inch wheels, depending on the model. Simple bodyside moldings are included, and the front end features Dodge's characteristic crosshair grille. Rather than a traditional near-vertical liftgate, the Magnum's reaches well forward into the roof, which allows the liftgate to rise nearly straight up. The grille is clearly from the Dodge Ram truck family, and the headlamp units are a nice integrated wedge shape. The SRT8 gets a mesh grille insert surrounded by a blockier fascia with a more aggressive air dam and enlarged, brake-cooling ducts.

Safety

Antilock brakes, traction control and an Electronic Stability Program are standard on the SXT and R/T. Side curtain airbags are optional. Safety features on all models include advanced multistage dual front airbags and the LATCH child seat anchor system.

The Dodge Magnum makes a statement on the road; there is no other car like it. When equipped with all-wheel drive, it will do almost anything an SUV will do, with distinctive style, more speed, better handling and better fuel mileage. The Magnum’s ride is smooth and its acceleration responsive. Its cabin is large and comfortable, as the underlying rear-wheel-drive design with a long wheelbase and short overhangs allows a lot of room inside. It is true that the 2007 Magnum has aggressive styling, and this is not for all, but it is practical and has great value. Fuel economy range for the Magnum is 28 mpg Hwy, and 21 mpg City.