Dodge Magnum

In the 1960s, there was nothing quite like a big American station wagon. Then along came SUVs and mini-vans, and we forgot about wagons for a while. Now, thanks to Daimler Chrysler, the capacious wagon is back with a bang.

Using the same mechanicals as the highly successful Chrysler 300, the Dodge Magnum is a clean-lined, strong piece. Depending on the engine and other options you choose, the price ranges from the mid-20s to the mid-30s.

I drove one with the big Hemi engine, which endows the car with as much power as you could possibly use. But because four of the eight cylinders are deactivated in highway cruising, this big Dodge delivered 21-22 miles per gallon on a trip to Portland and back. A five-speed automatic, with a manual shifting feature, gives the driver absolute control.

There’s no nameplate on the car’s exterior to identify it. The bright metal trim is used sparingly, and combined with similar restraint inside, makes for a very tasteful package. Its bold silhouette and stance on the road announce this car without the need for further I.D.

A weight of only 4000 pounds indicates very careful engineering. For comparison, a VW Golf R32 weighs 3400 pounds; the new Land Rover LR3 weighs 5700. Those pounds are important because it takes energy (read fuel) to move weight. Lighter cars are easier to steer and stop, too.

The only significant downside to the Dodge derives from its shape and length. It’s not so easy to see when reversing, and it’s long and wide, noticeable especially when parking. If that doesn’t bother you, a big, stylish, useful wagon can be yours for a semi-bargain price.

Volvo V-50

In contrast to the Dodge, the new Volvo wagon is lean and compact. Volvo has finally acknowledged that style and performance have a place in cars after years of staking their claim to fame on safety.

Yet it’s always seemed that the worst drivers chose Volvos, apparently believing that the car’s structure would protect them from their frightful lack of competence. They were encouraged by the rantings of Ralph Nader and the rest of the care safety “experts” who always blamed cars and car companies for safety issues  —  never the drivers. Drivers couldn’t be blamed because 1) they vote, and 2) they aren’t as deep-pocketed as car companies in lawsuits. So we encouraged a whole generation of really bad drivers by blaming the cars for the accidents.

Other bad things happened in this safety “witch-hunt.” We’ve had the National Safety Council bleating the slogan “Speed Kills” for years. Nonsense. Bad driving kills. Capable, alert drivers can travel at safe, efficient, very high speeds; witness the European superhighways where speeds are 20-30 mph higher than on U.S. roads. Accident rates are comparable. But the European drivers are well-trained, alert and capable.

Driver training in Europe seeks to impart skills. Here, we base instruction on fear, and get terrible results — fearful, skill-less drivers who hope a Volvo will save them from their ineptness.

This Volvo V-50 wagon, priced in the mid-30s is a nice size — big enough, but not sprawling. Quick on its feet, too. But this car just doesn’t live up to its price. For example, comparing it to last month’s $20,000 Hyundai, the Volvo could be seen as a direct competitor, not a car worth a 60 percent price premium. Look for yourself — you may see it differently. But there sure are a lot of choices out there.

HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle or Carpool) Lanes — Another Safety Debacle

One of the major road safety problems is speed differential between vehicles. Commuter lanes, if successful, will encourage enough multi-occupant vehicles so that the HOV lane is as crowded as the others. Back to square one. All cars move at the same speed, so there’s no incentive to car-pool. But until that happens, single occupant vehicles are squeezed into their lanes, while HOV cars whiz past. Big speed differential. Big increase in accident rates (unpublicized). Great program, eh? Either a big increase in accidents because of speed differential or, when and if successful, all lanes equally crowded. No incentive to carpool. Failure either way.

Disposing of that Cherished Car

Often families find themselves with a fine old family car that should move on to a collector. If you have this problem, call me at 415-479-9950 and I’ll offer some suggestions. (Note: I don’t buy or sell them. This free advice is simply a way the Gazette can be useful.)