The headliner is the SRT8 with a 6.1-liter Hemi V8 that puts out 425 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque to propel the Magnum to 60 mph in about five seconds. That's quick, especially for a big American station wagon. The Magnum SRT8 can reportedly accelerate from 0 to 100 and back to 0 in less than 17 seconds.

It's not necessary to choose the SRT8 to enjoy the Magnum experience, however. The Magnum R/T comes with a Hemi engine, a 340-horsepower 5.7-liter V8, and it costs about $6000 less than the SRT8.

The Magnum SXT, with its 250-hp 3.5-liter V6, offers fine around-town power for about $26,000. The least-expensive Magnum is the SE with a 2.7-liter V6 EPA-rated at 18/26 miles per gallon that starts around $24,000.

While these cars are not miserly, there is some attention given to fuel economy. The R/T boasts technology that shuts down four of the Hemi's eight cylinders when the car is just cruising, delivering up to 30 miles per gallon during those moments. Put in everyday terms, if you used it to commute on the freeway at a steady 60 mph, you could average 25 miles per gallon.

The all-wheel-drive models are designed to offer excellent cornering balance under all driving conditions and improved traction in snow and wet-weather conditions.

The Dodge Magnum was launched as an all-new product line for the 2005 model year and expanded for 2006 with the SRT8.

For 2008, the Magnum's front end is restyled, the interior gets minor design changes, and new options include Sirius Backseat TV and Chrysler's MyGIG, a 20 gigabyte hard drive that holds songs, pictures, and navigation system map information. The interior changes include a new instrument panel and center console, as well as upgraded soft-touch surfaces on the arm rests, center console and door trim. Dodge's UConnect hands-free cell-phone link is also upgraded with an integrated iPod interface.