Mini Dodge Magnum review

[Altus]

So the Vibe's in the shop getting some paint touch-ups and a new rear bumper cover (thanks to a minor fender bender - all covered by insurance).And so my insurance got me a rental for the time being - a 2005 Dodge Magnum SXT. Powered by a 3.5L 250hp V6 in a 3800 lb car. 4 speed auto - rear wheel drive.Quick impressions - lower, and feels like it, but not so much that you feel you're way down, it's still confortable. The 'chopped' look for the windows is also noticeable from inside and takes some getting used to, as well as playing with the seat hieght to get it just right so you can see streetlights. Note that I don't think anyone much over 6 feet tall will like these cars much - headroom's okay, but that low roofline will start to get annoying. Tilt and telescoping steering wheel is neat, but any adjustments to make it comfortable put the top of the wheel square in the middle of the dash guages. Generally the wheel is much higher and takes some getting used to. Armrest/console is well placed and comfortable with absolutely cavernous storage inside. Cupholders are well placed, but can be annoying if you have drinks with straws. After a few days I'm coming to the conclusion that the Magnum's seats are definately more comfortable than the Vibe's. The dash and instrumentation is absolutely wonderful - white faced guages that at night are illuminated using electro-luminescent lighting - amazingly comfortable to look at and very, very visable.Pro's:- Engine, it's wonderfully powerful, torquey, quiet and smooth- Ride - the long wheelbase and reasonably soft suspension shows here, it's quiet, smooth, and comfortable all around. Noticeably different to the Vibe.- These instruments are first rate - if I could get a set for the Vibe I would- Electronic Stabilty Program - stops wheel spin in slippery conditions - works really well and for a rear-drive that's saying something (it's been snowing here for the last 3 days)- Overall comfort, spaciousness and room- Cargo room - hey - it's a wagon!- Very well designed overall, for all those small windows, visibility is really good all around- Towing ability, rated for 2000lbs as is, or 3000lbs if you get the load levelling suspension option.Con's:- Cruise control stick is poorly places, small, and confusing.- Rear wiper not very effective - only get's about 2/3 of a sweep over the glass, and a fairly small wipe path.- No adjustments for rear wiper, no full-time on position, only the 8 second interrmittent wipe.- Hood is amazingly huge and doesn't dip at the front - takes some getting used to - much more truck like.- Adjustable steering wheel not very adjustable, a little awkward.- Many of the controls/switches are small and out of the way (I guess this could be good depending on your view)Other beefs:- Fog lights only available on the RT with the 5.7 litre HEMI and they're poorly placed (inside the headlight nacelles).- Heated seats only available on the RT, or with a very expensive full airbag packageOverall - I'm seriously giving thought to picking one of these up