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The name Dodge Magnum has been attached to several vehicles over the years. In
1978 and 1979, it was used as the model name for a coupe being marketed in the
U.S. Also, Brazilian consumers could buy a Magnum, which was really a Dodge
Dart, between 1979 and 1981. The Magnum name was also attached to a K car being
marketed in Mexico starting in 1983 and ending in 1990.
The most recent incarnation is a station wagon that was first offered in 2004
(2005 model year). It is the first vehicle to be introduced to the market using
the Chrysler LX platform.
The Dodge Magnum offered in the late '70s in North America was a replacement for
the Charger SE. It was available in two different trim packages: the XE and the
GT. This version of the Magnum was driven by Richard Petty for Nascar and
featured power steering and brakes, along with rectangular headlights. A power
sunroof was available as an optional feature.
Fast forward to 2004 when the Magnum was once again offered to North American
car buyers. This version was a station wagon built on the Chrysler LX platform,
built in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. The 2004 Magnum was the first station wagon
offered by the Company since the Colt wagon went out of production in 1991. Four
options were available for the 2004 Magnum: 2.7 V6 (190 hp), 2.5L VT (250 hp),
5.7L V8 (340 hp), and a 6.1L Hemi (425 hp).
The Magnum was on the Ten Best list published by Car and Driver for 2005. Sales
were sluggish in comparison with the Dodge Intrepid, although it may not be fair
to compare a wagon to a sedan.
The Magnum was given a facelift for 2008. The interior was modernized to look
very similar to the Dodge Charger. Other changes included squared-off headlights
on the front fascia and a smaller grille. The 2008 model was powered by a 3.5L,
250 hp engine. Again, these changes were designed to look very similar to the
Charger. Consumers who bought the Magnum could expect to get 21 mpg in the city
and 28 mpg for highway driving.
The Dodge Magnum was discontinued after the 2008 model year. The company
announced that the decision was made as part of an overall restructuring plan.
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