Dodge Magnum:This
is the vehicle that proves the takeover of Chrysler by Mercedes-Benz
was a good thing. The Magnum combines the best of Chrysler's styling
with superb Benz E-Class underpinnings. It's one of Bankrate.com's
10
Cars to Watch for 2005, so read our full review. Suffice it to
say that there has never been a wagon this exciting. It's a rear-wheel-drive
platform that for 2005 also is available with all-wheel drive. Then
there's the 345-horsepower Hemi V8 option, which turns a vehicle with
27.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity into a fire-breathing muscle car.
Prices start at about $22,000 for a six-cylinder version, but once
options are added the sticker price rises quickly toward $30,000 and
beyond for the Hemi and all-wheel-drive versions.
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Mercedes-Benz E320 Click image for larger view
Mercedes-Benz E Class: This
is the station wagon for trips to the country club. It's got classy
looks, a plush interior and the cachet of the three-pointed star.
In more practical terms, the base E320 wagon is equipped with a
221-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 and a five-speed automatic. It has third-row
seating and is rated to carry seven people, although those two in
the rear seat had better be small. Cargo capacity is a maximum 68.9
cubic feet with the second- and third-row seats folded. There's
an all-wheel-drive option, and for more power there's a 302-horsepower
five-liter V8 version available. On the downside, it will take more
than $52,000 to get into one -- $63,000 for the V8 version.
2005 Chrysler Pacifica Click image for larger view
Chrysler Pacifica:
Since its introduction the Pacifica has defied simple definition.
Its looks place it in the minivan category -- albeit a stylish minivan
-- and its size and four-door configuration suggest an SUV. But
it's none of those. It's really a modern interpretation of the American
station wagon. There's seating for seven, and with all the seats
folded the base model can swallow more than 92 cubic feet of stuff.
A front-wheel-drive wagon, it's also available in all-wheel drive
and can be optioned with all manner of luxury goodies. Prices start
at just above $25,000, but expect to see window stickers of more
than $30,000 at your dealer. The good news: Chrysler is handing
out big rebates.
