2006 Dodge Magnum Trims and Specs

There were few changes to the Magnum SE in 2006, mostly because there was little to change. Powered by a 2.7-liter, 190-hp V6, the base model SE was a peppy four-door sedan that handled smoothly and accelerated quickly whether in the city or highway. A roomy interior for four or five, with split-fold rear seats made it versatile and practical as a family car.

The SE is a great buy. For less money than the SXT and R/T, you get a lot of luxury features standard (but a smaller engine). Power windows and locks, power defogger, rear spoiler, cargo tie-down, power exterior mirrors, and cruise control are just a few of these. Options include an upgrade to either the 3.5 V6 or 5.7 Hemi engine, 18-inch tires (regularly 17-inch), leather seats, ABS, traction control, power adjustable seats and pedals, sunroof, fog lights, and security system. Parents love this car, not only because it holds kids and cargo comfortably, but also because it is both easy and fun to drive and very stylish. Most complaints centered around the 2.7 V6, which some drivers said either caused problems or wasn't powerful enough. A cheap-looking interior was also cited.

A chopped top look to this crossover station wagon/SUV/sports car gives the Magnum a unique appearance that hides the roominess inside. The 2006 Magnum SXT AWD serves every purpose you're looking for in a family car -- fun, safety, and versatility. It carries a 3.5-liter, 250-hp V6 engine paired with a 5-speed auto tran. Along with the AWD comes traction control and an electronic stability system for tough weather, tough roads, or tough adventures.

Armed for adventure, other standard features that separate the 2006 SXT from the SE include power adjustable seats, fog lights, a rear spoiler, and cargo net in the rear. An optional rear DVD entertainment system is also available in the SXT to keep the little ones happy while you're out enjoying the zippy engine. Many drivers agree that the Magnum not only looks cool, but it's great fun to drive and leaves all other comparable cars and SUVs far behind. Some owners with kids wish for a third row of seats, and most are unhappy with the placement of the cruise control right next to the turn signal.

If you want to put all other family cars to shame, you might consider the 2006 Magnum R/T four-door sedan. Not quite an SUV, not quite a station wagon, but one aggressive beast, it has plenty of space for family or cargo and a 5.7-liter, 340-hp Hemi V8 under its hood that will blast you out far ahead of the pack.

The Hemi comes standard with a 5-speed AutoStick, ABS, and traction control. Aside from the upgrade in engine power, 18-inch wheels and leather seats set it apart from the SXT, as well as options such as a navigation system. Like the SXT, it offers a rear DVD system and power sunroof. Drivers love the way the Magnum looks, but the R/T's biggest selling point is its Hemi power. The extra oomph makes this car such a blast to drive, that you might forget its SUV/station wagon heritage. Handling, curve-hugging ability, and creature comforts are all plusses. Minor drawbacks mentioned are a plain interior, uncomfortable seats for long rides, and a wish for a touch-screen navigation system.

Power and performance all wrapped up in a spacious four-door family sedan. The 2006 Magnum R/T AWD features all the same creature comforts of the regular R/T (including its rocket-like 5.7-liter, 343-hp Hemi V8 engine) and adds AWD to the package, when you're not content with mere city and highway driving. AWD with ABS, traction control, and electronic stability system gives you the power and confidence to tackle any challenge the weather or roads throw at you. Inside, the R/T seats five comfortably, with lots of leg and headroom, despite its chopped-top appearance. Lots of cargo room means storage capacity rivals many SUVs, but the Magnum handles betters and looks a lot more stylish.

There are few complaints about the 2006 R/T AWD, because the ferocious Hemi overshadows all else. Versatility, expert handling and roominess get high marks. Hemi lovers wish for a performance exhaust that lets people here the power hidden under the class exterior. The confusing cruise control placement annoys owners, and some mention the need for more lumbar-supportive seats.