2008 Dodge Magnum - Vehicle Reviews

Overview

The Dodge Magnum name has been used on a number of different vehicles, the most recent being a large, rear-wheel-drive station wagon. The Magnum is basically a station wagon version of the Chrysler 300, with minor cosmetic changes.
For 2008, Magnum has been given a face lift in an attempt to avoid the stodgy wagon construction. It has a solid built, is agile in its performance, and ranks as the most distinctive-looking vehicle on the road.
Available in four trims, the base SE is followed by SXT, R/T (road and track) and SRT8. Rear-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is optional on the SXT and R/T.

Powertrain and performance

Magnum comes with two types of engines, the V-6 and Hemi V-8. The base SE gets 2.7-liter, DOHC V-6 producing 178 horsepower and 190 pound-feet torque. The SXT comes equipped with a 3.5-liter, high-output 24-valve, V-6 engine producing 250 horsepower. The R/T gets a 5.7-liter Hemi multi displacement V-8 engine producing 335 horsepower and 375 pound-feet torque at 4000 rpm. The fastest Magnum, the SRT8, comes with a 6.1-liter V-8 engine generating 425 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque.
Even as the SE comes standard with a four-speed automatic transmission, all other trims get to drive on a Mercedes-Benz-derived five-speed automatic transmission. The SE runs on regular octane while the SXT and R/T can run on mid-grade octane. The SRT8 is fuelled by premium octane.

Body and Styling

The Magnum sports Dodge�s iconic crosshair grille on the front fascia. The body is sleeker than that of a sedan, with slicked-back headlights. The tailgate in the rear curves over the last section of the roof to avoid hitting the car parked behind while opening. The spacious cabin seats five passengers. There are 60/40-split seats in the rear; when folded down they provide 72 cubic feet of cargo space (otherwise cargo space is 28 cubic feet). Magnum also offers an optional cargo organizer

Safety Features

Standard safety features include four-wheel disc brakes; traction control; stability control; front air bags; child safety locks; and child seat anchors. Anti-lock brakes and power-adjustable pedals are optional on the SE and standard on the others.