I'm at 6' even, and in my (now retired) '95 Stratus EX and (also retired) '01 Sebring LXi coupe, I would have to duck down a bit if I was the first car at the limit line and the wasn't a low-mount traffic light to the side at an intersection, so I understand exactly!
Still, there are some sacrifices I was more than willing to make in the name of styling that smooth!
On Magnum, Andys120 put it perfectly in another thread: "I got as quick glance at a pair of Magnums sitting in front of a local dealer. It looked okay but a bit at odds with itself, IMO. The large trucklike grille didn't quite go with the tapered roofline (cribbed from Audi's Avants)..."
Always enjoy a glance at a pair of Magnums myself... ba dum bump!
The front and back don't jibe, IMO. I still like the thing, but in order for me to really want it, I think the front end will need a touch of smoothing and softening. If they could do that, and intro a 3/4-size version (with the AMG 32 engine maybe), I'm the first one camped at the door in my sleeping bag! :-)
I'm a bit mystified by the designers at Chysler. They should have designed the front to be a little less radical, made it shorter, and lighter. They did the same thing with the Neon SRT. They ruined it. I would have bought one in a heart beat if they'd made it look like an ordinary Neon. Instead, they got together and said "let's build it so that anyone over the age of 23 would be embarrassed to drive it". Unreal. They could have actually made the scoop and wing stuff an "appearance" option and charged more for it!
Looks like the RT might fit my needs as a touring sedan/tow vehicle, once I see an installed tow package including the platform hitch. I drove one which had all options less the Navigation & Uconnect systems. Yes it has lumbar adjustment via a lever on back rest.
I'd prefer the looks of the SRT8 ground effects and HID, and importantly a limited slip differential rather than the electronic & hydraulic methodology to kill the motor and apply caliper pressure to stop the sole spinning drive wheel. I've found that when trying to climb a slippery hill, it was best to disable the ETS on my '93 Q45. The 5 link IRS of the RT seemed stiffer and more apt to transmit stutter bumps than the IRS in the Q45. Get what you pay for!
The styling of the Magnum seems to be quite a controversial issue. I find the car to be one of the best looking '05 cars. In fact, I plan to seriously look at the Magnum when it is time to trade my '03 Durango in 4 years or so.
My friends think I am crazy that I would like a *gasp* "station wagon" at such a young age (30ish). I like to call it a sport wagon The RWD doesn't bother me. Not sure I would go for the Hemi version. The 3.5L SXT should be perfectly adequate.
My parents, who are approximately 30 years my senior, also find the Magnum to be very attractive and plan to look into one when they buy their next car in a couple of years. They like the style, both front and rear, the overall size of the vehicle, and the easy access to the trunk area (more space than a sedan, not as truckish looking as an SUV). This from people who absolutely despise "station wagons". The only hang-up, for them, is the rear wheel drive. They would only consider the forthcoming AWD variants.
The wagon thing is funny to me. SUVs are nothing more than "all terrain" station wagons in the grand scheme of things. It is amusing that people are clamoring for SUVs but rejecting what they perceive as "station wagons".
All in all, Dodge has done a great job with this vehicle. The sedan version (Charger) will also be interesting to see. Same front end as the Magnum, but slightly different rear end treatment than what is on the new 300 (profile, though, is very similar to the 300).
I like the looks of the Magnum. That is why I ordered one (Hopefully it will come in this decade). I am a little suprised by the fact I am buying a wagon, but I like the looks and it meets all my needs (Size, handling & power). And it is not an SUV or MiniVan.
Although I have a deposit down on an Mercury Maruader (MM), I like a lot of the features of the Dodge Magnum. The local Mercury/Dodge dealer (yes, that's right), who my current lease car came through, got a red, hemi powered magnum in last week. The lease car guy gave me the keys to it and I took it for a drive.
The ride/handling is excellent---smooth, quiet but with good control. The independent Mercedes rear suspension gets the job done better than the MM. On the other hand, the MM interior is much, much nicer and "richer".
Looks are in the beholder's eye---the MM is a 12 year old design while the Magnum is new and fresh. I prefer the MM.
The station wagon back, however, would be much more verstile and useful. By the way, the battery is located in the back, next to the mini spare---makes for better weight distribution. The lease guy (a car buff, unlike most salesmen) claimed a 51/49 front/rear weight distribution which would make the Magnum a lot better rear wheel drive car to drive in Minnesota winters (not to mention better handling, as well)
The 5 speed transmission also worked well and the slap/shift up-down is interesting.
Finally, the Hemi. I wasn't that impressed. Yes, it's a strong running, big sedan (sorry, station wagon) but it didn't feel any stronger than the MM I drove. The car had 80 miles on it, so it might break-in a little more but not that much. I pulled onto a level, new piece of asphalt (in the country) and did a couple of 0-60 runs with a stopwatch (the salesman wasn't with me). I got 7.5 and 7.9 seconds to 60. Yes, I know that there are a lot of variables with hand timing, but I've timed other things and I'm usually inside of a 1/2 second. If the car magazines get times in the 5 second range (like an article on the Chrysler 300 C said), then they are getting a lot stronger engines than this dealer did in this Magnum. The only other thing I can figure is that the car had regular gas in it and the timing was being automatically reduced to avoid detonation.
If you turned the traction control off and brake torqued it heavy, you could leave some serious rubber. The 7.9 run was with the traction control on and no brake torque which resulted in a brief chirp. The 7.5 was with the traction control off and a little more brake torque---a little more rubber and a little better time. But it wasn't a mid 6 second car.
Bottom line, I'm staying with the MM. The interior is much nicer and (despite its age), I like the looks better. The 5 speed and independent rear suspension of the Magnum just won't do as much for me, in my daily 130 mile daily round trip commute, as the MM's interior. The MM will probably draw less attention from the law, also.
Dodge will sell a bunch of these, however.
I would like to hear of the results of any head to head contest between a stock MM and one of these Chrysler 330 C or Dodge Magnums __________________
do the merc and dodge really even compete with each other? the mercury marauder is a special edition car and the magnum isn't. but the magnum out handles...out accelerates (with ease)and has a much more sophisticated ride and much superior design (it is brand new afterall)...simply no contest in my book.
In Order to Make Purchasing a Magnum Fair to those who are actually "the chosen ones," Dodge has issued new rules: Rule Number One You either have to presently Own a Station Wagon, or have owned at least Six of in the past 20 years. Sedan Deliveries count double.
Any past or present ownership of a SUV, a Volvo of any kind, or a Mini-Van (VW Buses are excempted), AUTOMATICALLY prevents you from purchasing until all station wagon people get theirs.
Face it this is a Station Wagon (and a damn Kool Looking one) so all the debates don't mean nothing to us station wagon people!! What in the heck is a cab forward anyway? Did they make a wagon? It's a V-8 wagon. And I don't want to wait in a line full of trendies waving their money around just to own one.
I got my drivers license in 1963 in Sacto CA and of course the whole surf mania thing made having wagons and deliveries OK, and after the Navy I moved to So Cal and it was still OK, so even when going to college on the GI Bill I had a wagon (a 1963 Rambler 770 cross country with a 327 V8-the only vehicle I don't recall getting at least one ticket in). I just made a list of how many wagons I have owned since 1963 (not counting my trucks or mini-RV either) and I came up with 16. So I have credentials.
I had '76-77 Volare/Aspen wagons for most of the 80's because they were a mid size wagon with a 318 V8, and they could be hopped up, raised, lowered, all kinds of things, then in early 90's I even tried a K Car wagon (and found out that the K stood for Ka-Ka) then around '95 on to present I got into Taurus/Sable wagons, and I am on my 5th one of them (a red 2000 Sable LS wagon the most current)- but they don't have a V8, and they aren't as Kool Looking as the Magnum.
So please don't come to my town looking for a Magnum driving a SUV, Volvo, or a mini-van, I am a Vietnam Vetran and I might go over the edge at any moment!!!!!
It was the "out accelerates (with ease)", according to press releases, at least, that lead me to take the test drive. The Magnum I DROVE wouldn't "out accelerate---at least not with ease" a MM. That is why I'm waiting for some head to head runs by someone rather than a magazine that may have been given a "prepped" car to test.
Neither car is a candidate for autocross but the independent rear on the Magnum will probably skid pad better. Ride comfort with competent handling is what I'm looking for, however, and the MM does just fine there. The only thing between these cars over which there is no real contest is the interior---the Magnum is really plain.
i'm also a tad disapointed with the magnum's interior...kinda blah. however, materials seem pretty decent...they just need to add a little fair and more colour. as for the large fords...don't find the interior sporty at all...dash seems like a big step back in time to me...
Being around the truck scene where the Hemi was first introduced, it appears that engine was a bit ho-hum for the first 1,000 miles or so. They tend to wake up quite obviously after that. That's coming from owners who received new trucks, were a bit miffed by the lack of performance, then reported back that things were much better after some miles. Not sure if it's built into the programming or just simply a break-in issue. Possible the 300C C&D tested to mid 5-sec territory was a test mule with miles on the odo. I would think the Magnum would lag behind a bit simply from the weight difference, but 6 seconds is about where I would imagine it being, all things being equal.
Then again the fuel issue alone would probably shave .5 second off as well, and dealers aren't known for running the good stuff, particularly a dodge/mercury dealer which likely does not have a lot of experience with these types of engines.
I don't know if this is related, but on my OHV 3.8 six in a 2002 Mustang, there was an incredible improvement in smoothness and power over the course of the inital 6,000 miles. It was rough and wouldn't rev freely initially, and as it got miles on it, rev'd better and better with more and more power.
I had been focusing on the 300C, but finally realized that I will have to buy a wagon type vehicle to accomodate the things I carry. The Magnum will make an excellent replacement for my SUV. I never wanted an SUV, but what else in late 2001 had rear wheel drive, an independent rear suspension, reasonable engine power, and a price in the $30,000 range? Unless someone really needs seating for seven or huge towing capacity, the 300 / Magnum / Charger make much more sense than an SUV.
My wife and me both like the front end of the Magnum much more than that of the 300C, and also like the polished Magnum wheels much more than the plastic-chrome covered wheels of the 300C. Plus, the Magnum is roughly $1,500 less than the 300C. The only thing on the 300C and not the Magnum which I care about is the automatic exterior mirror, but I can buy the part and spend a little time installing it.
I got a good laugh from reading 427435's post about the Maurauder. Anyone who has actually seen one knows that it is a primative vehicle. It has a solid rear axle, and is far slower (but louder) than the 300C and Magnum. The Marauder seats are so slick and flat that you have to brace yourself to keep from sliding about when cornering. The CD player is in the trunk, and it has funny "afterthought" add on gauges placed where you can't see them.
Why would you compare a sedan against a wagon? If you were trying to compare the MM against a comparable car. It would be the 300C. That has a much nicer interior. The Magnum's interior is a little plain. But it is very functional. I should have my RT by mid-July.
427435's test drive is why I don't buy demo cars LOL. The topper was that, after 427435 thoroughly thrashed the Magnum, s/he wasn't convinced the Magnum is superior to the Marauder (which is basically a police cruiser with chromed wheels LOL)??!!
My wife and I really like the 300C. We also like the Magnum b/c of the wagon's versatility.
I'm keenly interested in the Magnum's 3800-lb tow capacity. The 300C doesn't specify any towing capability.
I have a lightweight sports car I'd like to haul to open track events (tired of breaking the car and having to bum a trailer ride home). I don't do enough events to justify buying a truck or SUV, just to haul the Rx7 to open track events (on occasion).
With the Dodge Magnum RT, I figure, a 1000-lb open aluminum car hauler and a 2750-lb twin turbo Rx7, should just make the 3800-lb tow capacity?
Anyone think hauling a sports is doable with the Magnum--or am I just dreaming??!!
But what about rear end gear ratios? The stock 2.82 might be too low to effectively pull 3800 lbs? I'd suspect a 3.92 would be in order-or am I way off base here?
Novemeber delivery for AWD? Just in time for Indy winter! I guess I could wait that long?
BTW, both the 300C and Magnum need wider wheels? What's up with equipping a 4000lb+ vehicle with 7.5 wide wheels? Heck the little Mazda Rx8 is 2900 lbs and comes with 8 wide x 18s?
10 x 19 wheels with 275/40-19 all around...just have to figure out the offsets?
I'm guessing the 2.82 is the 5th gear ratio, in which case you'd just want to lock that gear out when towing. It won't stay in 5th much that's for sure. I wouldn't have a problem towing what you're towing just so you kept it safe and watched how much weight you have in the car. Power won't be an issue, but the construction of the vehicle doesn't make it a heavy hauler. With just one/two passengers and little gear, you should be fine.
How do you lock out 5th gear when towing. I'm not familar enough with the Mercedes 5-speed auto to lock out 5th gear?
Also the Magnum RT apparently has a locking torque converter? What does locking the torque converter do for you?
Also, if I plan to pull 3800 lbs, would getting the AWD option hinder towing ability? As I recall the AWD torque split is 65% rear, 35% front? When pulling 3800 lbs, I would suspect you'd need 100% torque coming from the rear wheels?
Any help in understanding this would be appreciated.
I'd be a little worried about pulling a car and trailer with a Magnum. Engine should be fine, but I wonder if the brakes and suspension are really set up for it. In all likely hood, you will have some people and stuff inside your Magnum also, which may push your entire rig over the weight limit. Also you need to pay attention to tongue weight and the fact that Magnum does not have a separate body on frame design, meaning the hitch is not anchored as well. Finally, I think awd would be fine for towing, except that it adds weight to your Magnum, which might actually lower towing capability. You might want to check into that.
Bottom line, the Magnum would be great for a lighter boat, pop-up camper, toys like jet skis, motorcycles, four wheelers, or a utility trailer. But if I had to pull 3,800 pounds, I'd get a truck.
I agree - I plan on towing a small boat & trailer, maybe 15-1600 lbs total. I think the 3800 lbs is including everything in the vehicle also. I have towed with a Sable/Taurus wagon and had no problem, but for serious stuff - I'd go for a Truck, or an older Caprice/Estate type wagon.
Magnum RT's tow capacity is 3800 lbs with the optional trailer tow package. As I understand it, this is not the gross vehicle weight rating, since the Magnum RT itself already weighs more than 3800 lbs (RT is 4000 lbs + ?). Max tongue weight capacity is 380 lbs (10% of tow capacity--which is about right).
I would only tow the Rx7 loaded on an aluminum open trailer (wet weight is 2750 lbs, trailer is 980 lbs; plus 70 lbs for tie down straps, trailer spare tire and jack--for a total tow weight of 3800 lbs). The rest of the cargo would be in the RT. Items in the cargo area (with rear seats down) would include luggage, extra wheels/tires, tool boxes, floor jack, jack stands, extr fluids, etc.
Good to hear AWD will not affect towing. The front diff will probably add another 100 lbs to the car's total weight (4100 lbs?). The added traction in wet weather would be an advantage when towing, no?
Brakes on the Magnum RT are pretty beefy. The aluminum open car hauler will have electric brakes for each axle (dual axles).
The only worry is whether Magnum RT's rear springs and self-leveling rear shocks handle the payload in tow?
Interestingly most older mid-size SUVs like a '98 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, have only a 2000-lb tow capacity (which is the Magnum RT's standard tow capacity WITHOUT the trailer tow package option)?!
Also the Magnum RT apparently has a locking torque converter? What does locking the torque converter do for you?
Locking the torque converter gives you a near-direct mechanical connection, almost identical to a manual transmission. This reduces engine speed and improves fuel economy.
kcram Host Smart Shopper and Wagons Message Boards
Brakes on the Magnum RT are pretty beefy. The aluminum open car hauler will have electric brakes for each axle (dual axles).
I forgot to mention that you do not want to tow a trailer that heavy without brakes. Glad you followed up that yours will have seperate brakes. Buy a good controller for it and the braking issues are non-existent. The chassis should not have a problem, just stay close to what Dodge recommends. They're usually quite conservative with what the chassis can handle when they rate these vehicle. What is usually the killer on a lot of vehicles is the motor, because 3800# will zap a V6 very badly and many minivans/suvs can't adequately tow the weight they're rated for IMHO. I don't think that will be an issue with the Hemi:) The AWD wouldn't be a problem either, as you indicated it just adds to the weight of the vehicle.
Interestingly most older mid-size SUVs like a '98 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, have only a 2000-lb tow capacity (which is the Magnum RT's standard tow capacity WITHOUT the trailer tow package option)?!
That may be the case for certain variations of the vehicles (like a six-cylinder with no tow package), but equipped properly many Grand Cherokees were rated for between 5,000#-7500#. Most of the small/mid SUV's are rated for around 5,000# with the tow package. My '01 Cherokee was rated for 5,000# but it could not pull it all that safely IMHO. 3500# was fairly comfortable though, and that was a uni-body vehicle as well. The most important item the tow package adds is heavy-duty transmission cooling and sometimes extra engine cooling. The transmissions cannot handle the heat generated by a heavier load without the added cooling, so they are rated very low.
That may be true, but I've never driven an auto gearbox with a locking torque converter. Will make the auto-stick feature on the Magnum RT worth using, since the motor's torque will be mated with the rear-end more intimately. Just for kicks, I plan to take the Magnum RT out for a few laps at Mid Ohio Sports Car Course--just to see how well it will hang with the sports cars LOL. Great to know that if the Rx7 breaks (usually does), my DE weekend's not a total wash--just take the pull vehicle out for a spin (not literally of course LOL).
Well, yes and no. It locks only when the engine is running at constant speed (cruising), IIRC. At any other time, you've still got vanes spinning in proximity to vanes in fluid under pressure.
Oh no, you'll still get the compression braking, to a certain extent, it's just not necessarily a hard interface, like a clutch. The hard interface isn't actually necessary for compression braking.
I have driven a manumatic on my last two cars, and will likely on my next, unless I opt for an A3 (or an S4, if so equipped by then) with DSG. A downshift at nearly any speed will accomplish compression braking.
Yup, I'm sure. When the TC locks up in my Dodge Ram, it acts almost like an additional shift - the rpm drops a good 10 percent. It stays locked as long as you stay in the same gear. If I kick down a gear, the TC unlocks, executes the shift, then re-locks in third, until it feels ready to upshift back to 4th (OD), and it repeats the process of unlock-shift-lock.
kcram Host Smart Shopper and Wagons Message Boards
Danchuk, the maker of all kinds of parts for '55 - '57 Chevies and otehr cars, has a prism device to mount on top of the dash to help the driver see the traffic signals. I may be a reproduction of a factory part, so the problem is not new.
LOL! I'll never forget driving the first few hundred miles in my old Sebring LXi coupe. I get up to speed and settle in fourth and then the damn tach would drop again! I was near convinced there was an O.D. they weren't telling me about! ;-)
Test drove the Magnum RT today. Fast machine..also had a drive in the Vipor, so can't compare acceleration fairly, but Magnum did move nicely. ESP system pretty impressive. Got the tires to squeel quite a bit, but never felt like losing control. Steering was true and always controlled. Nice leather interior..stereo was not as crisp as would have expected..maybe just the local raido station reception, but nice and spacious inside overall. Fit and trim looked good and seemed to be high quality. Brakes were stong and true, and grip on the Continentals was not so bad after reading some warnings here. Don't see any need to upgrade tires right off the bat unless serious snow belt country. If anyone has specific questions, let me know. I may wait for the 4 wheel drive version later this year, but have pretty well decided that me and my kids deserve this machine as a replacement to the minivan.
Also test-drove an RT last Friday. I agree with all of your impressions--although I did not really push the car through the turns. My wife likes the Magnum RT and thinks it's practical, fun, and versatile--a winner of a vehicle. Although, I personally like the Inferno Red, my wife prefers the more subtle Brilliant Black Pearl. We plan to order the RT with AWD, trailer tow package, and options REC and ABD. REC is the 6-CD changer, GPS nav options package. ABD is the protection group 1 package with side curtain airbags, micro-pore air filter, and self-sealing tires--the option I really wanted, but was forced to take the airbags and filter too LOL.
Hi Guys.... New to this board. Thought you might be interested in my impressions of the Magnum. 2 weeks ago, my son & I took a 5 day trip that began with flying into Louisville, Ky. We had reserved a full-size car from Thrifty and were fully expecting to drive an Intrepid. We arrived late at night and good-naturedly sparred with the counter person about driving something a bit more interesting than an Intrepid. When he mentioned he thought he could do something about getting us a more interesting ride, I thought he was kidding. Imagine our surprise when he handed me the keys to a brand new Magnum SXT! Anyway, we drove it about 1000 miles in total from Tues thru Saturday, in all kinds of weather conditions and all sorts of roads. The Magnum SXT was moderately equipped (probably because it was a rental) and had no other options other than what comes as standard issue on the SXT. Bottom Line: Excellent car. Much better than I expected. Looks: Oustanding Fit & Finish: Decent not great. Mediocre paint but reasonably good fit. Interior: Great dash guages, but mediocre dash materials. Seats are comfortable and large. Rear seat room is great. Decent standard radio & speakers but opt for the upgraded stereo. Handling: Very Germanic yet surprising compliant and comfortable ride quality. Goes around turns like a much more expensive car. Steering: Precise and sharp but almost no road feel. Hard to tell exactly what your front wheels are really doing. Lack of steering feel would be the one hesitation I would have about buying this car. Noise Level: Commendably low. I also enjoyed the fact that the SXT was hardly any noisier at 90 than it was at 70. I found it to be a very pleasant car to drive at high speeds. (drove from Bowling Green to Louisville in about 55 minutes) Brakes: Found them to be pretty powerful and I liked the brake pedal feel. Engine: Anyone who tells you the 3.5 liter V-6 is just adequate, is wrong! I found the 3.5 engine to be quite responsive and more than able to make the SXT move smartly. In fact, though I undferstand the immense appeal of the Hemi, I would not hesitate to recommend this engine option. I own a Chrysler Pacifica with the same 3.5 engine and I was amazed how much peppier this engine felt in the Magnum. When I returned home I looked up the weight of the Magnum and discovered it is more than SEVEN HUNDRED POUNDS LIGHTER than the Pacifica. No wonder the engine felt so much peppier in the Magnum. Overall Assesment: This is a really good car! It may not be perfect, but it is a major improvement in everyway over the Intrepid sedan. I hope Chrysler does well with this vehicle- they did their homework on this one and deserve to have a success. A final encouraging note: Everywhere I drove this car I got hundreds of thumbs-up signs and dozens of questions everywhere I went. Even better, this car seemed to appeal to every age bracket, from Hip Hoppers to men in their 60's. Few women took notice (that I could tell) but men were all over this ride, and they all loved it. I had never gotten so much attention driving anything since I brought home one of the very first PT Cruisers. I am thinking about purchasing an AWD version when it comes out.
I went to a local Dodge dealership to look over a Magnum RT last weekend. I'm actually waiting to see the Chrysler offering and wanted to wet my appetite at Dodge. A young salesman pounced on me before I was out of my Escape, but upon learning I was interested in the Magnum, he pointed me to the show room building and sent me on my way. They only had the one vehicle and I guess they can't sell this unit, ergo, he couldn't be bothered with me.
My impression on a silver Magnum RT on the show room floor was a little overwhelming. I'm retired from a long history of racing motorcycles, so I'm older now and appreciate the potential I saw and the possibilities as well.
This car had a Nav system and a BOLD $3000 marketing adjustment sticker piled on top of the 34K sticker. In all, I spent 20 minutes going over the car, sitting in all the seats, going through every combination of seat positions.
I like the stance of the car, ground clearance is minimal even with the 18 inch tires. I expect these 225s would even work well in hard cornering. I'm not planning on auto crossing this car, looking for a better G machine than my current Escape.
Most of the body seams were straight, door and hood fit was excellent, my pet peeves. The electric seats (leather) could be adjusted to suit my 6'4" frame very well. An added benefit of the telescoping steering wheel lets me pull it way into my chest, just the way I like it. This was very comfortable for the 5 minutes I sat there making F1 racing noises, kidding.
I do like the overall layout, they've done a good job there. The interior seemed a little stark, the controls were in the right place for me. I will end up with the Magnum or 300C offering, it is just a matter of time.
Good write up. I have driven an SXT on 3 seperate occasion and you summed it up pretty well.
As for the 3.5L, it moves the car reasonably well, it is all what you are used to. The SXT has less acceleration than my current car (Bonneville SSEi). The 3.5L produces less torque and the car is heavier, so that makes sense.
The most tell thing for me, was my wife drove it and said it was okay, but felt slower than her car (Mazda 626 ES). Again a power to weight issue.
I ordered an RT. The Hemi will solve the power to weight problem easily.
Stopped to check out a Magnum last night. They had four total, three SXT and one RT. Didn't drive it since I was in a rush, but started it up and looked it over good. After driving up in an Audi, and coming straight from the VW dealer after looking at a Passat Wagon TDI, the quality difference is staggering. Nothing that I feels hinders the usefulness or function of the vehicle, just aestetic issues mainly. Flimsy plastic, cheap feeling buttons, rubber seals that aren't consistent, etc. But the car is very high quality for a domestic and particularly one that in SXT form is quite a bargain. If this had been an all-wheel drive I likely might have bought it on the spot. The RT was blue and seemed to have everything but a sunroof. I think I'll wait for the AWD version and maybe they'll have some incentives by then. Didn't talk money with the dealer as I wasn't serious enough at this point to care. I was a bit surprised the RT wasn't already sold.
As a current Audi TT driver I have to agree with the comments on the quality of components. I'm used to real aluminum trim where the the Magnum has silver painted plastic. That's not a fair comparison since there is a $10K price difference, but my wife's A4 which was in the same price range as the RT also has much nicer interior materials. I like cars with unique style and I'm looking for a family car with some balls, so the Magnum RT is a great option at its price point (especially when compared to a $50K+ S4 Avant which was my first choice). I think I can sacrifice some interior quality. I am not a fan of SUVs so the Magnum may be just right. Styling is certainly unique, and driving the RT did put quite a grin on my face. Although I don't want to be, I'm just apprehensive about buying American. The biggest POS (and last American car in our family) my dad ever owned was a '77 Dodge Aspen wagon with fake wood paneling. I couldn't believe the look on his face when I told him I was considering a new Dodge "wagon". Times have certainly changed for the better so hopefully I can overcome my bias and go for the Magnum. Dealers in Northern VA are asking MSRP still, so I think I'll wait a bit, there'll be plenty available and incentives soon enough.
That fact that you and I, Audi owners, are standing around a Dodge lot looking at cars certainly says a lot for Dodge. I however am not as concerned about reliability because I have had several domestics over the past few years. Currently have four domestic trucks (2 ram diesels for heavy towing, a Tahoe for towing/traveling, and a Silverado for light-duty hauling) that I really can't complain about. Yeah they're kinda cheaply built, but they've performed well and did the jobs I asked. The Dodges have been better IMHO, being subjected to tons of miles (the '01 had 135k miles, the '03 40k miles) while being heavily loaded. Neither have missed a beat and have been more reliable than any of my German cars. The Chevys have had a couple small issues and the Tahoe feels quite a bit loosened up over just 30k miles. But I don't keep my travel vehicles long anyway, 100k miles max. Pretty much anything can last that long these days without many problems. Big car with good performance for a decent dollar. The A4 is certainly screwed together better, but it would take an A8 to come close to the room/comfort of a Magnum. And I'm sure you've seen the stickers on them. Makes my A6 4.2 look like a bargain;)
I haven't had the chance to check out the Magnum yet, but have followed it for a few months. I first saw it on the web, after doing research on the 300C. I was blown away by the 300 when I saw it last October at the Chrysler PGA tour event in Fla. When I heard the hemi would have 340 hp and the price under $40k, I knew it was mine. I ended up buying the first 300C Hemi (Black) in Clearwater, Fl in April. I love the car (so does my wife). I have 1200 miles now. I didn't drive the lesser engines, but I would definitely promote the hemi. Its very quick, with its best speed from 30-80, imo. It crossed my mind to maybe get the Magnum RT (get rid of the wife's Xterra). Too tacky?
i checked out an SXT at the local appreciation days event earlier this evening. magnum is a nice looker...except the blah interior does need some sprucing up. maybe a little more bright trim or something. just too blah even for its intended mission. otherwise nice car. but didn't get to take it for a spin... ):
I drove an RT last night at the Magnum launch at a local dealer. Only a quick jaunt around the "Automall Circle" , but here are my impressions: 1. The car is fast! Not neck snapping, but plenty of thrust. 2. Spacious but rather mundane interior. The light colored leather looks much better than the dark. 3. Steering was precise and nicely weighted. Handling seemed "nimble" for an almost 4000 lb. car. To anyone considering a Magnum, by all means test drive one. I think you'll be impressed.
Chrysler POS products owned: Hand-me-down 1978 Plymouth Volare station wagon with 318 V8 (with "lean burn system"--Ooohh LOL). Wood-grain decal, red/black plaid cloth seat inserts/red vinyl. Car was the college party wagon. Damn thing leaked all kinds of fluids. Brakes and steering were a joke. Used Rustoleum red to patch the rusting body panels. 1985 Chrysler LeBaron Turbo. Neat car. Fully loaded. Talked to me when I wasn't wearing my seat belt. Went through 3 sets of driver's side window motors. Motor also leaked oil. I can't believe I'm going to buy another Chrysler product. I swore I'd never buy another...but ever since Daimler married Chrysler, I've had high hopes for the Daimler-Chyrsler brand. This Dodge Magnum RT better not let me down!!
Comments
Still, there are some sacrifices I was more than willing to make in the name of styling that smooth!
On Magnum, Andys120 put it perfectly in another thread: "I got as quick glance at a pair of Magnums sitting in front of a local dealer. It looked okay but a bit at odds with itself, IMO. The large trucklike grille didn't quite go with the tapered roofline (cribbed from Audi's Avants)..."
Always enjoy a glance at a pair of Magnums myself... ba dum bump!
The front and back don't jibe, IMO. I still like the thing, but in order for me to really want it, I think the front end will need a touch of smoothing and softening. If they could do that, and intro a 3/4-size version (with the AMG 32 engine maybe), I'm the first one camped at the door in my sleeping bag! :-)
I'd prefer the looks of the SRT8 ground effects and HID, and importantly a limited slip differential rather than the electronic & hydraulic methodology to kill the motor and apply caliper pressure to stop the sole spinning drive wheel. I've found that when trying to climb a slippery hill, it was best to disable the ETS on my '93 Q45. The 5 link IRS of the RT seemed stiffer and more apt to transmit stutter bumps than the IRS in the Q45. Get what you pay for!
My friends think I am crazy that I would like a *gasp* "station wagon" at such a young age (30ish). I like to call it a sport wagon
My parents, who are approximately 30 years my senior, also find the Magnum to be very attractive and plan to look into one when they buy their next car in a couple of years. They like the style, both front and rear, the overall size of the vehicle, and the easy access to the trunk area (more space than a sedan, not as truckish looking as an SUV). This from people who absolutely despise "station wagons". The only hang-up, for them, is the rear wheel drive. They would only consider the forthcoming AWD variants.
The wagon thing is funny to me. SUVs are nothing more than "all terrain" station wagons in the grand scheme of things. It is amusing that people are clamoring for SUVs but rejecting what they perceive as "station wagons".
All in all, Dodge has done a great job with this vehicle. The sedan version (Charger) will also be interesting to see. Same front end as the Magnum, but slightly different rear end treatment than what is on the new 300 (profile, though, is very similar to the 300).
The ride/handling is excellent---smooth, quiet but with good control. The independent Mercedes rear suspension gets the job done better than the MM. On the other hand, the MM interior is much, much nicer and "richer".
Looks are in the beholder's eye---the MM is a 12 year old design while the Magnum is new and fresh. I prefer the MM.
The station wagon back, however, would be much more verstile and useful. By the way, the battery is located in the back, next to the mini spare---makes for better weight distribution. The lease guy (a car buff, unlike most salesmen) claimed a 51/49 front/rear weight distribution which would make the Magnum a lot better rear wheel drive car to drive in Minnesota winters (not to mention better handling, as well)
The 5 speed transmission also worked well and the slap/shift up-down is interesting.
Finally, the Hemi. I wasn't that impressed. Yes, it's a strong running, big sedan (sorry, station wagon) but it didn't feel any stronger than the MM I drove. The car had 80 miles on it, so it might break-in a little more but not that much. I pulled onto a level, new piece of asphalt (in the country) and did a couple of 0-60 runs with a stopwatch (the salesman wasn't with me). I got 7.5 and 7.9 seconds to 60. Yes, I know that there are a lot of variables with hand timing, but I've timed other things and I'm usually inside of a 1/2 second. If the car magazines get times in the 5 second range (like an article on the Chrysler 300 C said), then they are getting a lot stronger engines than this dealer did in this Magnum. The only other thing I can figure is that the car had regular gas in it and the timing was being automatically reduced to avoid detonation.
If you turned the traction control off and brake torqued it heavy, you could leave some serious rubber. The 7.9 run was with the traction control on and no brake torque which resulted in a brief chirp. The 7.5 was with the traction control off and a little more brake torque---a little more rubber and a little better time. But it wasn't a mid 6 second car.
Bottom line, I'm staying with the MM. The interior is much nicer and (despite its age), I like the looks better. The 5 speed and independent rear suspension of the Magnum just won't do as much for me, in my daily 130 mile daily round trip commute, as the MM's interior. The MM will probably draw less attention from the law, also.
Dodge will sell a bunch of these, however.
I would like to hear of the results of any head to head contest between a stock MM and one of these Chrysler 330 C or Dodge Magnums
__________________
Any past or present ownership of a SUV, a Volvo of any kind, or a Mini-Van (VW Buses are excempted), AUTOMATICALLY prevents you from purchasing until all station wagon people get theirs.
Face it this is a Station Wagon (and a damn Kool Looking one) so all the debates don't mean nothing to us station wagon people!! What in the heck is a cab forward anyway? Did they make a wagon? It's a V-8 wagon. And I don't want to wait in a line full of trendies waving their money around just to own one.
I got my drivers license in 1963 in Sacto CA and of course the whole surf mania thing made having wagons and deliveries OK, and after the Navy I moved to So Cal and it was still OK, so even when going to college on the GI Bill I had a wagon (a 1963 Rambler 770 cross country with a 327 V8-the only vehicle I don't recall getting at least one ticket in). I just made a list of how many wagons I have owned since 1963 (not counting my trucks or mini-RV either) and I came up with 16. So I have credentials.
I had '76-77 Volare/Aspen wagons for most of the 80's because they were a mid size wagon with a 318 V8, and they could be hopped up, raised, lowered, all kinds of things, then in early 90's I even tried a K Car wagon (and found out that the K stood for Ka-Ka) then around '95 on to present I got into Taurus/Sable wagons, and I am on my 5th one of them (a red 2000 Sable LS wagon the most current)- but they don't have a V8, and they aren't as Kool Looking as the Magnum.
So please don't come to my town looking for a Magnum driving a SUV, Volvo, or a mini-van, I am a Vietnam Vetran and I might go over the edge at any moment!!!!!
Neither car is a candidate for autocross but the independent rear on the Magnum will probably skid pad better. Ride comfort with competent handling is what I'm looking for, however, and the MM does just fine there. The only thing between these cars over which there is no real contest is the interior---the Magnum is really plain.
Then again the fuel issue alone would probably shave .5 second off as well, and dealers aren't known for running the good stuff, particularly a dodge/mercury dealer which likely does not have a lot of experience with these types of engines.
My wife and me both like the front end of the Magnum much more than that of the 300C, and also like the polished Magnum wheels much more than the plastic-chrome covered wheels of the 300C. Plus, the Magnum is roughly $1,500 less than the 300C. The only thing on the 300C and not the Magnum which I care about is the automatic exterior mirror, but I can buy the part and spend a little time installing it.
I got a good laugh from reading 427435's post about the Maurauder. Anyone who has actually seen one knows that it is a primative vehicle. It has a solid rear axle, and is far slower (but louder) than the 300C and Magnum. The Marauder seats are so slick and flat that you have to brace yourself to keep from sliding about when cornering. The CD player is in the trunk, and it has funny "afterthought" add on gauges placed where you can't see them.
My wife and I really like the 300C. We also like the Magnum b/c of the wagon's versatility.
I'm keenly interested in the Magnum's 3800-lb tow capacity. The 300C doesn't specify any towing capability.
I have a lightweight sports car I'd like to haul to open track events (tired of breaking the car and having to bum a trailer ride home). I don't do enough events to justify buying a truck or SUV, just to haul the Rx7 to open track events (on occasion).
With the Dodge Magnum RT, I figure, a 1000-lb open aluminum car hauler and a 2750-lb twin turbo Rx7, should just make the 3800-lb tow capacity?
Anyone think hauling a sports is doable with the Magnum--or am I just dreaming??!!
Novemeber delivery for AWD? Just in time for Indy winter! I guess I could wait that long?
BTW, both the 300C and Magnum need wider wheels? What's up with equipping a 4000lb+ vehicle with 7.5 wide wheels? Heck the little Mazda Rx8 is 2900 lbs and comes with 8 wide x 18s?
10 x 19 wheels with 275/40-19 all around...just have to figure out the offsets?
http://www.ccwheel.com/street/files/wheels/505A/main.htm#wheels
275/40-19 Michelin Pilot Primacies?
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tir- - - eModel=Pilot+Primacy&vehicleSearch=false&partnum=74YR9PRI- - - MACY&fromCompare1=yes
Also the Magnum RT apparently has a locking torque converter? What does locking the torque converter do for you?
Also, if I plan to pull 3800 lbs, would getting the AWD option hinder towing ability? As I recall the AWD torque split is 65% rear, 35% front? When pulling 3800 lbs, I would suspect you'd need 100% torque coming from the rear wheels?
Any help in understanding this would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Bottom line, the Magnum would be great for a lighter boat, pop-up camper, toys like jet skis, motorcycles, four wheelers, or a utility trailer. But if I had to pull 3,800 pounds, I'd get a truck.
I would only tow the Rx7 loaded on an aluminum open trailer (wet weight is 2750 lbs, trailer is 980 lbs; plus 70 lbs for tie down straps, trailer spare tire and jack--for a total tow weight of 3800 lbs). The rest of the cargo would be in the RT. Items in the cargo area (with rear seats down) would include luggage, extra wheels/tires, tool boxes, floor jack, jack stands, extr fluids, etc.
Good to hear AWD will not affect towing. The front diff will probably add another 100 lbs to the car's total weight (4100 lbs?). The added traction in wet weather would be an advantage when towing, no?
Brakes on the Magnum RT are pretty beefy. The aluminum open car hauler will have electric brakes for each axle (dual axles).
http://www.aluminumtrailer.com/php/products/open_trailers/specs.p- - hp
The only worry is whether Magnum RT's rear springs and self-leveling rear shocks handle the payload in tow?
Interestingly most older mid-size SUVs like a '98 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, have only a 2000-lb tow capacity (which is the Magnum RT's standard tow capacity WITHOUT the trailer tow package option)?!
Locking the torque converter gives you a near-direct mechanical connection, almost identical to a manual transmission. This reduces engine speed and improves fuel economy.
kcram
Host
Smart Shopper and Wagons Message Boards
;-)
I forgot to mention that you do not want to tow a trailer that heavy without brakes. Glad you followed up that yours will have seperate brakes. Buy a good controller for it and the braking issues are non-existent. The chassis should not have a problem, just stay close to what Dodge recommends. They're usually quite conservative with what the chassis can handle when they rate these vehicle. What is usually the killer on a lot of vehicles is the motor, because 3800# will zap a V6 very badly and many minivans/suvs can't adequately tow the weight they're rated for IMHO. I don't think that will be an issue with the Hemi:) The AWD wouldn't be a problem either, as you indicated it just adds to the weight of the vehicle.
Interestingly most older mid-size SUVs like a '98 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, have only a 2000-lb tow capacity (which is the Magnum RT's standard tow capacity WITHOUT the trailer tow package option)?!
That may be the case for certain variations of the vehicles (like a six-cylinder with no tow package), but equipped properly many Grand Cherokees were rated for between 5,000#-7500#. Most of the small/mid SUV's are rated for around 5,000# with the tow package. My '01 Cherokee was rated for 5,000# but it could not pull it all that safely IMHO. 3500# was fairly comfortable though, and that was a uni-body vehicle as well. The most important item the tow package adds is heavy-duty transmission cooling and sometimes extra engine cooling. The transmissions cannot handle the heat generated by a heavier load without the added cooling, so they are rated very low.
I have driven a manumatic on my last two cars, and will likely on my next, unless I opt for an A3 (or an S4, if so equipped by then) with DSG. A downshift at nearly any speed will accomplish compression braking.
kcram
Host
Smart Shopper and Wagons Message Boards
;-)
Brakes were stong and true, and grip on the Continentals was not so bad after reading some warnings here. Don't see any need to upgrade tires right off the bat unless serious snow belt country. If anyone has specific questions, let me know. I may wait for the 4 wheel drive version later this year, but have pretty well decided that me and my kids deserve this machine as a replacement to the minivan.
Repooc
2 weeks ago, my son & I took a 5 day trip that began with flying into Louisville, Ky. We had reserved a full-size car from Thrifty and were fully expecting to drive an Intrepid. We arrived late at night and good-naturedly sparred with the counter person about driving something a bit more interesting than an Intrepid. When he mentioned he thought he could do something about getting us a more interesting ride, I thought he was kidding. Imagine our surprise when he handed me the keys to a brand new Magnum SXT!
Anyway, we drove it about 1000 miles in total from Tues thru Saturday, in all kinds of weather conditions and all sorts of roads.
The Magnum SXT was moderately equipped (probably because it was a rental) and had no other options other than what comes as standard issue on the SXT.
Bottom Line: Excellent car. Much better than I expected.
Looks: Oustanding
Fit & Finish: Decent not great. Mediocre paint but reasonably good fit.
Interior: Great dash guages, but mediocre dash materials. Seats are comfortable and large. Rear seat room is great. Decent standard radio & speakers but opt for the upgraded stereo.
Handling: Very Germanic yet surprising compliant and comfortable ride quality. Goes around turns like a much more expensive car.
Steering: Precise and sharp but almost no road feel. Hard to tell exactly what your front wheels are really doing. Lack of steering feel would be the one hesitation I would have about buying this car.
Noise Level: Commendably low. I also enjoyed the fact that the SXT was hardly any noisier at 90 than it was at 70. I found it to be a very pleasant car to drive at high speeds. (drove from Bowling Green to Louisville in about 55 minutes)
Brakes: Found them to be pretty powerful and I liked the brake pedal feel.
Engine: Anyone who tells you the 3.5 liter V-6 is just adequate, is wrong! I found the 3.5 engine to be quite responsive and more than able to make the SXT move smartly. In fact, though I undferstand the immense appeal of the Hemi, I would not hesitate to recommend this engine option. I own a Chrysler Pacifica with the same 3.5 engine and I was amazed how much peppier this engine felt in the Magnum. When I returned home I looked up the weight of the Magnum and discovered it is more than SEVEN HUNDRED POUNDS LIGHTER than the Pacifica. No wonder the engine felt so much peppier in the Magnum.
Overall Assesment: This is a really good car!
It may not be perfect, but it is a major improvement in everyway over the Intrepid sedan. I hope Chrysler does well with this vehicle- they did their homework on this one and deserve to have a success.
A final encouraging note: Everywhere I drove this car I got hundreds of thumbs-up signs and dozens of questions everywhere I went. Even better, this car seemed to appeal to every age bracket, from Hip Hoppers to men in their 60's. Few women took notice (that I could tell) but men were all over this ride, and they all loved it. I had never gotten so much attention driving anything since I brought home one of the very first PT Cruisers.
I am thinking about purchasing an AWD version when it comes out.
My impression on a silver Magnum RT on the show room floor was a little overwhelming. I'm retired from a long history of racing motorcycles, so I'm older now and appreciate the potential I saw and the possibilities as well.
This car had a Nav system and a BOLD $3000 marketing adjustment sticker piled on top of the 34K sticker. In all, I spent 20 minutes going over the car, sitting in all the seats, going through every combination of seat positions.
I like the stance of the car, ground clearance is minimal even with the 18 inch tires. I expect these 225s would even work well in hard cornering. I'm not planning on auto crossing this car, looking for a better G machine than my current Escape.
Most of the body seams were straight, door and hood fit was excellent, my pet peeves. The electric seats (leather) could be adjusted to suit my 6'4" frame very well. An added benefit of the telescoping steering wheel lets me pull it way into my chest, just the way I like it. This was very comfortable for the 5 minutes I sat there making F1 racing noises, kidding.
I do like the overall layout, they've done a good job there. The interior seemed a little stark, the controls were in the right place for me. I will end up with the Magnum or 300C offering, it is just a matter of time.
Richard.
As for the 3.5L, it moves the car reasonably well, it is all what you are used to. The SXT has less acceleration than my current car (Bonneville SSEi). The 3.5L produces less torque and the car is heavier, so that makes sense.
The most tell thing for me, was my wife drove it and said it was okay, but felt slower than her car (Mazda 626 ES). Again a power to weight issue.
I ordered an RT. The Hemi will solve the power to weight problem easily.
1. The car is fast! Not neck snapping, but plenty of thrust.
2. Spacious but rather mundane interior. The light colored leather looks much better than the dark.
3. Steering was precise and nicely weighted. Handling seemed "nimble" for an almost 4000 lb. car.
To anyone considering a Magnum, by all means test drive one. I think you'll be impressed.