2006 Dodge Magnum SXT 3.5

Summary:

Bring em back Chrysler!

Faults:

Wiper speed setting #2 does whatever it wants.

General Comments:

This has been a good car to date.

The 3.5 is sufficient at moving this large vehicle. At times I do wish I had gone for the 5.7 Hemi, especially when considering that the fuel consumption between the two is not hugely different.

I have loved the looks of this car since I first saw them in 2005. I love how people usually love or hate the looks of the Magnum. After owning one for a couple years, I am very happy with it, and would not hesitate to buy another Magnum. Or, a new Charger/300.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th June, 2012

2006 Dodge Magnum SXT 3.5 H.O.

Summary:

A good car with some front end problems that should be recalled

Faults:

Front end issues developing with the Charger, 300 and Magnum. Possibly the Challenger as it is based on the LX platform.

Chrysler knows as they have already upgraded some parts.

Should be a recalled because loss of steering has been reported in some cases.

Some transmission problems are also appearing.

General Comments:

This will assist in front end troubleshooting.

Read this and save time and money. Most fixes are inexpensive if you do them yourself.

1. Rattle over bumps. Check if front pads are loose. Then check for loose stabilizer bushings to frame.

2. Vibrating sound with pop, click and groan. Tension struts a.k.a radius rod. The bushings and ball joint are low quality on these components.

3. Pop when braking and turning. Outer tie rod ends are bad. Check if loose by hand. At this point - check if the relay rod is loose at the inner tie rods.

4. Creak and binding over bumps. Check lower control arm bushings for visible cracks. If O.K. and no play - check upper and lower ball joints for looseness with a small pry bar. Dealer will tell you that the knuckle needs to be replaced. You can buy lower ball joints separate for far... far... less.

5. Hiss and moan. Check power steering fluid, lines for leaks, rack and pump.

Check the lxforum under front end noise/issues. LOTS of complaints.

My car is mint - I respect my vehicles. Never been abused or hit. I have driven 30+ year old cars that need restoration that are quiet compared to this front end. I left it parked for a week in my driveway and all the problems started when it moaned after my first turn of the wheel. Like the ball joint on the tension strut seized just from sitting for a few days. Unacceptable. This is after I changed my tie rod ends because they were popping.

Other than the front end, it's been perfect.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th September, 2010

3rd Oct 2010, 20:26

Come on Dodge, let's get it together. You have some nice cars, but are they worth the price of maintenance… changing fluids after only 30k… what’s up? If I want to spend big money to maintain a car, I’ll buy a Mercedes. Wait a minute... isn't it a Mercedodge?

6th Oct 2010, 11:33

The line up for 2011 looks good. Some nice new products and changes. Now let's focus on the parts. I hope FIAT spruces up the parts department and starts using some class A parts in assembly.

Notwithstanding... I am not holding my breath.

2006 Dodge Magnum RT AWD 5.7

Summary:

Tank with wings. Very safe - Reliable for me

Faults:

Nothing - Nothing - Replaced the plugs myself at 32k miles, and just did the rotors at 45K miles.

General Comments:

The car has simply been trouble free top to bottom. Still drives like day 1 - tight - like a sports car ride, more than a lux soft ride in the RT vs. SXT.

Getting around 18 miles per gallon in the city, and when I travel the NJ Turnpike, she gets a solid 21 miles per gallon. Not bad for a 345 HP V8.

The car has the most character of any car I have had. Been using Royal Purple or Amsoil products for the fluids.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th February, 2010

15th Feb 2010, 09:04

18 MPG in the city with a hemi???!!! In what city? Downhill in San Francisco?

15th Feb 2010, 19:21

My Chrysler 300C with the Hemi is rated 16/25, and I get either right on that or really close to it. I don't doubt he gets that kind of mileage...