The 2006 Dodge Batmobile. Cruise your Gotham in style.

So, my husband's sad old Ford Focus was threatening to explode on us. With a toddler in tow and a baby on the way, we began to research options that were not mini-vans...and came upon this cooler-than-usual wagon (dare I say sexier than usual? This car's sleek lines and low profile are rather seductive).

The 2006 Dodge Magnum pretty much had us at hello. To start with, it has a totally unique look unlike anything else on the road - you can spot them a mile away. Because of the styling, the windows all seem to be slim and I was concerned seeing out of them might be an issue, but it's totally not. Ours has a hood rack, which seems to elongate it's silouhette even further. Open the doors and sit down - the slam shut is solid and you feel like you're riding in a substantial vehicle. The cockpit dials surround you and they really kept the feel of the car consistent there - it all has an old school feel to it, but is updated with all the amenities of today (including a temperature gauge, which I love). Recessed sunglasses holder in the roof; big, deep center console with coin separators & additional power supply socket; two cupholders; an ashtray (I think this is the last year of that feature); slot for putting cds or your wallet in; green-illuminated stereo (dials on dash are all green, too) with cd player, satellite ready and a jack to connect to your iPod. Fabulous.

Our driver seat is all power and moves in every imaginable direction - AND (I love this feature), YOU CAN ADJUST THE PEDALS. The gas and brake can be brought up to accomodate shorter drivers, which is the most thoughtful feature. Mm, each front seat also has lumbar support. Back seat is very roomy, which is good since we have two massive Britax seats installed. The trunk is huge! Someone else commented that it wasn't very big...compared to what, a U-haul truck? We can shove tons in there - it's a great trunk.

Now, the drive. Ours has the option to drive as a manual or automatic. It's very simple to learn, and I was glad we had the option at first, as I enjoy driving stick...but I pretty much always default with the auto. Turn it on and it has a very deep purr - (we have the 6 cylinder), the engine feels powerful. The ride is really smooth and delightfully quiet - you feel almost encapsulated in this car and that adds to the feeling of safety. It handles well, with a tight turning radius, and has the torque to backup quick accelerations. Brakes are tight and the ABS is quite efficient - and scary if you've never experienced ABS before! No issue with the shifting, the reverse or anything else I can think of. The car is not exactly a gas-sipper, but it's not too bad on the wallet.

I am trying to think of problems I have with this car...and am having a hard time - which I think is a really good sign!