Why is the Dodge Magnum classified as a truck? *

**DMAG** · 03-26-2005, 06:48 PM

Why is the Dodge Magnum classified as a truck?

In a word...CAFE.

OK, now what does CAFE mean? CAFE stands for Corporate Average Fuel Economy. That means the Dodge Magnum's fuel economy will be counted toward DaimlerChrysler's truck corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) rating, rather than toward cars, a move that will help offset the low mileage from hot selling V8 powered Dodge trucks. DC is able to get through this "loophole" because of the rear seats folding flat.

The popular PT Cruiser also is classified as a truck for the very same reason. With it's fuel efficient 4 cylinder engine, it helps Dodge sell more Rams, Durangos and Dakotas while keeping Uncle Sam happy at the same time.

**Poco Askew** · 03-27-2006, 02:23 PM

And for you MSRT8 buyers, it keeps you from paying the gas guzzler tax like you pay on the 300 and Charger.

**Drew's RT** · 03-27-2006, 03:21 PM

Now that's something I didn't know, thanks.

Guest · 03-27-2006, 03:29 PM

In MN it is classified as a SUV. Not only do you get to avoid the gas guzzler tax, but you are exempt from the window tint law on all windows except the front and windsheild. You could literally paint all the rear windows black and be legal.

**VanillaRT4me** · 03-27-2006, 04:00 PM

I thought it had to do with the cargo carrying capability. I guess that I was wrong. Oh, well.

**crazy_luck** · 03-27-2006, 04:10 PM

Originally Posted by 06MNSRT8

In MN it is classified as a SUV. Not only do you get to avoid the gas guzzler tax, but you are exempt from the window tint law on all windows except the front and windsheild. You could literally paint all the rear windows black and be legal.

There was an SXT running around here that had the rear side windows (rear door windows and the windows behind the doors) replaced by sheetmetal. The rear hatch window was modified to a split door (like the Chev suburban rear door) and each side had a 3x6" slot of glass. It was built to resemble an old panel wagon delivery truck. I haven't seen it since last fall. The last place I did see it was in Burnsville, MN. Maybe one of the other MN LXer's have seen it or know more about it.

**snow_mag** · 03-27-2006, 04:59 PM

In addition to assisting the truck CAFE rating, it also helps out the car CAFE rating by removing a bunch of large motor vehicles so all those PTs and Neons/Calibers have extra weight.

**GoofyTimL** · 03-27-2006, 05:05 PM

This is the reason the MSRT8 is the only SRT I would consider! But that will be quite a while from now I suspect.

**GRL70** · 03-27-2006, 05:12 PM

When I added it to my insurance, they put it in the category of "van"...!

Not to get off topic, but I told my kids The Magnum was a station wagon. The response was "eeewww" (12 yr old), "But Mom, you drive it like a sports car. Station wagons are outdated and old fashioned. Why did you tell me that?" (14 yr old).

Now I'll tell them it's classified as a "truck"...and they will be happy again! :-D

**Netsrac** · 03-27-2006, 05:24 PM

Well I was not able to get away from the gaz guzzler tax...

I had to pay nearly double for my plates this year.

Here you pay on the size of the engine displacement, anything over 4 ltr, you get hit hard for.

**Mr. Magnum Man** · 03-28-2006, 02:22 AM

Originally Posted by VanillaRT4me

I thought it had to do with the cargo carrying capability. I guess that I was wrong. Oh, well.

Technically you are right. The Magnum had to achieve a certain square footage of cargo space to get the suv/truck/van rating.

**Rockadile** · 03-28-2006, 06:34 PM

My insurance card calls it a van.

**pir8magnum** · 10-12-2006, 01:33 PM

The classification definitely saves money on insurance, thats for sure! I was driving a little Mazda minivan before, and my insurance only went up $50 a year for the Magnum.

But its definitely because of CAFE..apparently those laws are changing to force manufacturers to stop classifying certain vehicles as 'trucks' by changing the wheelbase and track specs.. so look for a lot of SUV's to suddenly start changing to 'cab-forward' type designs with the wheels pushed wayy out to the edge of the fenders.