Dodge Magnum RT

Dodge Magnum RT - With its sharp responses, particularly in 340-hp Hemi RT trim, it’s every bit a driver’s car, too. We liked the idea and the execution, and we voted it a 10Best Car for 2005. The Magnum’s appeal seems to span generations: Name another vehicle that’s just as likely to have chromed-out, oversize wheels as it is to have kids’ car seats in back.

Almost no option box went unchecked as we added $6170 to the Magnum’s $30,745 base price. Extras included a $1895 navigation system, a $950 sunroof, and convenience items such as heated power front seats, automatic dual-zone climate control, satellite radio, and a multifunctional trip computer.

Of course, the first thing staffers here wanted to experience was the Magnum’s impressive acceleration — 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, with a quarter-mile rush of 14.3. After that initial excitement, we began to notice the details, such as the cavernous people space up front and in back. From the logbook: “Excellent adjustability of wheel, seat, and pedals.” Indeed, the Magnum has more legroom front and rear than does a Chevy Tahoe. Packing five six-footers into the Magnum isn’t a stretch.

Early complaints involved the vast black-plastic interior that doesn’t seem to fit with the stylish exterior. Some had difficulty wading through the various trip-computer and navigation menus; in particular, the nav-screen dimmer and the clock adjustment were elusive to a handful of staffers. But we universally liked the four legible and expensive-looking black-on-white gauge pods, even at night, when they glow elegantly.

So the tab for regular service was rather high at $673, almost $100 more than for a Hemi Dodge Durango (January 2006), and the Magnum’s cabin-air-filter changes alone totaled $141.

The air conditioning mysteriously petered out a couple times on long-distance trips, so at the 18,000-mile stop we had it checked. The problem was a sticking expansion valve, again replaced free under the three-year/36,000-mile warranty. Also replaced at no cost was a sun-visor retaining clip that we broke.

Toward the end of the Magnum’s 40,000-mile stay, a staffer reported increased suspension noises coming from the front, and sure enough, the front anti-roll-bar links and bushings needed replacing. This happened just after the 36,000-mile warranty expired, but our dealer covered the repair bill, citing our service history with them, which they say is common practice.

All those winter miles gave us a chance to demonstrate once again just how effective snow tires are, even with a rear-drive car. Our $756 set of Dunlop Grandtrek WT M2s provided heaps of traction, and we had no reports of getting stuck. Road warrior K.C. Colwell cashed in on a $50 bet by trekking up a particularly steep and snow-covered road in Snowmass Village, Colorado. “There weren’t even any other rear-drive cars around,” he gushed.

All told, the Magnum held up well to our rigorous mileage accumulation. In fact, many staffers commented on how surprisingly tight and solid it felt after 40,000 miles — the lone exception being a loose plastic trim piece that surrounds the shift lever.