2008 Dodge Magnum

Although reviewers largely adored the Dodge Magnum wagon, buyers largely ignored it. As a result of the poor sales, 2008 is its final model year. Testers at driving-enthusiast magazines still can't get enough of the Dodge Magnum; it's one of the two wagons most often recommended in these reviews, along with the BMW 3-Series luxury wagon (*est. $34,200 to $36,100). The Dodge Magnum's power and performance are unique among midpriced wagons, matching that of a luxury wagon like the BMW for thousands less, experts say. However, the Dodge Magnum wagon delivers its power in a hard-angled, muscle-bound exterior that reviews say bears little resemblance to a refined luxury wagon. Reviewers note that the Dodge Magnum is one of the roomiest wagons you can buy at any price, edging out the highly rated (and still quite roomy) Subaru Outback (*est. $21,995 to $32,195), a close midpriced competitor. But all-wheel-drive is an extra-cost option on the Dodge Magnum, unlike the standard all-wheel-drive Subaru Outback. And the Dodge Magnum wagon's pros can also be its cons: Its distinctive low roofline causes visibility problems, reviewers say, and its powerful engines are fuel-thirsty. The 2008 Dodge Magnum's base engine posts 21 mpg in mixed driving – comparable to the Subaru Outback, BMW 3-Series and other similarly sized wagons – but that's without the Dodge Magnum's optional all-wheel-drive..Overall reliability is a bit below average.

Reviewers compare the Dodge Magnum wagon with powerful luxury cars -- they say it drives like those models -- as well as with other midpriced wagons, such as the Subaru Outback. ConsumerGuide.com ranks the Dodge Magnum wagon a "Best Buy" among large cars, and KBB.com ranks it at the top of the wagon/hatchback category. Edmunds.com rates the Magnum its "Editors' Most Wanted" wagon under $30,000. Comparative reviews at BusinessWeek and Car and Driver concentrate on the Dodge Magnum SRT8, a souped-up version of the already high-powered Magnum.