2007 Dodge Magnum Review
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When the Magnum was rolled out to replace the Dodge Intrepid, many were taken off guard by the automakers move of going from a front-wheel-drive sedan to making the Magnum a rear- or all-wheel-drive wagon. Other concerns were the Magnum would not handle slippery conditions, so Dodge responded by including a standard Electronic Stability Program and standard traction control in SXT and R/T models. The 2007 model is a carryover from the previous year, with new exterior colors available, and R/T models getting standard Sirius Satellite Radio. A new Road/Track Performance Group for the R/T is available, including: 20-inch wheels; 10 hp more for a total of 350 hp; a performance suspension; and special R/T badges. Fuel efficiency is improved on the Magnum V-8 Hemi by using an innovative Multi-Displacement System which shuts down half of the engine's cylinders during light engine load conditions. In addition to the Hemi, two V-6 engines are offered.
Dodge Magnum Design
It has always been a question as to what exactly the Dodge Magnum is - the EPA classifies it as a sport utility. Dodge calls it a sport tourer, and some call it a sport wagon. The Magnum is bold and handsome; it is long, low, and beefy. The front of the Magnum features a big bold grille and a chopped top. You can’t deny the huge presence of Magnum. 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. 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.
2007 Dodge Magnum Cabin
With plenty of room for five occupants, and a spacious rear seating area, the Magnum works perfect for a family vehicle or even a daily commuter. Passengers can get in and out with ease. Although backseat legroom and headroom are plentiful, the center rider faces a large driveline tunnel. The rear seat's measurements come within an inch of the fronts 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. 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 plan
ting it in the backside of the front seat head restraints, Dodge pivots the Magnum's up out of the front center console.
Power Options
For its standard engine the 2007 Magnum gets a 2.7-liter V-6, it produces 190 hp. Optional engines include a 250-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 and the 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.
Driving the Magnum
The Magnum drives with ease, despite its size. With the R/T the Hemi powers through just about anything and the V-6 engines are perfectly capble for the other trims. The SXT model sticks to the road well. The suspension feels tauter, but not by much. Both cars ride comfortably on smooth surfaces. Each has a solid feel and confident handling. Highway-speed acceleration is balanced well.
Safety Features
Antilock brakes, traction control and an Electronic Stability Pr
ogram 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.
Fuel economy range for the 2007 Magnum is 28 mpg Hwy, and 21 mpg City. Whether it’s a wagon or a sport tourer, the Magnum has a lot to offer. It gives a huge amount of cabin space for a wagon, even on the rear. It also comes with engines that match its size and image well. Read more about the high performing Magnum SRT8 for more research.
