What Chrysler is doing wrong

Dodge. Chrysler is doing Dodge wrong. Here's the latest example: Dodge Magnum. Our good friends at The Detroit News already wrote a great review of the 2005 Dodge Magnum RT (I know, a 2005 already?!) and they had mixed feelings about it.

In fact, I agree with Anita Lienert: you're better off with a Lexus RX330 for this kind of money.

I am not saying the 2005 Dodge Magnum RT isn't a lot of bang for the buck but I am willing to bet the Magnum fades away faster than the Plymouth Prowler. Look, I know Dodge is Chrysler's performance division but making a station wagon with 340 horsepower and then charging $35k for it... well, that's what Chrysler is doing wrong.

2005 Dodge Magnum RT

Comments

[Neville Ross]

Man, I'd buy a Magnum if I could...but I can't, so I'll settle for a die-cast from Burago, Solido, or Ertl.

[rex]

Great car, well appointed. Haven't gotten over 13 mpg (500 mi) w/ a pretty light foot and lots of cruise control. Disapointing as I was expecting 15-17 in town and 22-34 on road w/ 4-cyl variable displacement.

[Scott]

I am currently driving a M3 cabriolet that I am selling for a new SRT8 Magnum!

[Joe]

Go buy your German car and then start paying through the teeth for the maintenance! Not me never again.

[jimmy]

Its a hot rod plain and simple dont compare to other vehicles cause there is no comperable comparison

[jimmy]

Its a hot rod plain and simple dont compare to other vehicles cause there is no comperable comparison

[Gary]

For $35,000, you get a 0-60 in about 6-seconds, leather seats with every amenity you could find in a BMW, DVD Nav, a 5-speed automatic (from Mercedes), and Chrysler car reliability - which right now is as good as Honda or Toyota if you ask Consumer Reports.

It's got 20% Mercedes content, including the transmission, steering, suspension, traction control, and some controls.

Compare this car to a BMW 540i wagon at around $60,000 and you'll see what I mean.

I currently drive a 330i, which I'm selling for a Magnum.