Faults:

Brake rotors replaced at about 50000 kilometers as they had warped.

Nothing else.

General Comments:

I traded my '97 T-bird off on this car. I wanted something that was capable of carrying larger items if needed, without having to get an SUV or a pickup. Admittedly I was a bit skeptical about buying Dodge, but with the 7 year/ 100000 mile warranty I figured what the heck.

So far the car has been a pleasure and 100% trouble free, save the brake rotors. Still on the original pads with 70% left on the front, 80% on the rear.

The 3.5 L engine is smooth and capable. While not neck snapping off the line, it has lots of power when needed for passing, and has no trouble maintaining speed while climbing steep hills.

The ride is quiet, firm yet smooth. Seats in the front and rear are comfortable, with plenty of leg room. Although there are seat belts for three in the back, this car is really suited for four people instead of five as the high drive shaft tunnel makes for uncomfortable seating for anyone sitting in the middle of the back seat.

The interior is a bit plain with the use of plastics, but then my T-bird wasn't much better.

Fuel economy on the highway is good, over 30 MPG, but bad in the city (as expected).

The cons:

Hard to back up. The high rear seat headrests and small rear windows, combined with the wide pillar, makes it hard to see out the back.

Factory radio is weak and tinny. Radio reception could be better on FM. I suspect the antennae built into the rear window is at fault.

I want to change the spark plugs but don't know how with the engine design. Chrysler recommends to change at 160000K. I don't want to wait that long. Fortunately the dealer service shop is excellent, unlike others, they won't try to sell me grease for my muffler bearings.

Faults:

Not a thing.

General Comments:

I purchased this car because I wanted something more versatile than a sedan, but did not want an SUV. I saw this car sitting at the local Chrysler dealer for a couple of weeks, so I dropped in and took it for a spin. I loved it and bought it.

This car is quick - the 3.5 L really moves this thing.

Handling is tight and precise - it glues to the road.

Quiet, smooth and comfortable.

I have got up to 36 m.p.g highway, but it depends how you drive it. That was doing 90 kph, but if you push it it can drop down to 28. City driving averages 19-20.

It looks great - bright silver and the seventeen inch wheels sets it off nicely.

It's tight and solid - a shame they are no longer made.

Even bigger shame Chrysler is in such difficulty - if all the cars they made were this good, they would be at the top!

Faults:

No problems to report.

General Comments:

Having recently moved from Europe to North America, I had read many reviews criticizing US vehicles however. I decided to approach the situation with an open mind and chose a Dodge Magnum as my company vehicle.

Firstly, it may have some Mercedes heritage, but there is no comparison to the real thing. This doesn't make the = Magnum a bad car- just be aware you get what you pay for. In my opinion, the quality of materials is better than my partners 2007 Impala, but is not close to the standard of my old Audi A3 which costs similar money.

I enjoy city and highway driving although I find my car surprisingly struggles on most types of uphill climb. On a recent trip to Whistler, I was passed by many vehicles at 60 MPH and the engine was loud. Please also bear in mind that I was only with one person and there was no significant amount of luggage.

The design of the Magnum has my friends split in opinion. Personally, I love it. Given the opportunity again, I would specify leather seats and XM radio if available.

In conclusion, I would recommend the Magnum. It represents good value, has design character and is practical. I just hope you live in a very flat area.