The original Dodge Magnum had a mere two-year lifespan, perhaps cut short by the energy crisis, perhaps by a lagging interest in muscle cars. The 1979 Magnum tried to straddle two segments, sporty and luxury, and combine the thrill of the muscle car with the high-end practicality of a roomy family car. The two-door coupe sat four comfortably and was a good compromise for those who weren't yet ready to let go of the Mopar spirit.

The 1979 Dodge Magnum showed only a few exterior changes from the year before, most notably new taillights. The last of Chrysler's B-body cars, it shared a body with the old Charger SE and the front end with the Cordoba. Wheel flares, retractable headlights, and rear opera windows hinted at the popular racers of the late '60s and early '70s. Under its hood was a standard 318 V8 Lean Burn that put out 135 horsepower, matched with a 3-speed TorqueFlite transmission. A two-barrel or four-barrel 360 was also available. The 1979 Magnum came in an XE trim or a GT option that added badging and better tires. Luxury car nods came in the form of interior options, such as leather seats, a power sunroof, T-tops, power windows and locks, cruise control, and a power trunk release. Three on the tree or a center console with shifter and tachometer maintained the sporty image.

The 1979 Magnum would be replaced by a lighter, shorter Mirada the following year. However, as the last lone representative of the muscle-car era, the Magnum remains a much-loved car. It lasts forever, say owners, and it handles smoothly. The inside is very comfortable for long rides. Some report having problems with the Lean Burn emissions system.