While my Toyota Avalon is in the shop being given a whole vehicle makeover (or nearly so), I am driving a Dodge Magnum wagon, rented for me by the company that is doing the work on my Avalon. The Dodge Magnum looks like it is pissed off...an angry automobile. It was, no doubt, designed to be bad-ass looker...something teenagers would covet and to which they would affix loud mufflers, lots of chrome, and painted flames along the sides. The one I'm driving is black, with tiny flecks of silver. I couldn't find one on the web that looks quite like that, but here's a link to a picture of a Magnum.
The black version I am driving actually is appealing, visually. Driving it, though, is like driving a tank whose steering is very, very loose. And it's loud...inside, it sounds like the engine noise has been amplified and is routed through the sound system. If I were given the opportunity, I could give Dodge some very good pointers about how to improve the vehicle's appearance and, more importantly, how to improve the driving experience. First thing, they should give the job of redesigning the car to Toyota, Honda, or some other foreign automaker that has proven itself competent. Raising the rear roofline would help, as would replacing the engine with something much more quiet. And adding sound deadening insulation would be a sure bet to improve the driving experience. Better, tighter steering, along with a less choppy ride would help.
Oh well, Dodge won't ask me. I'm not going to buy one of these beasts, but I do like the concept of the sports wagon. If I can't have a Honda Element (which I have not driven, but which I like more and more every time I see one), then at least I can dream of wagons and things.
Enough for tonight...I have time to waste!
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