Market Niche:
Unique offering in its segment, blending sedan-like driving dynamics with SUV-like utility and styling.
Key Competitors:
Ford Five Hundred/Taurus, Toyota Camry/Avalon (wagon variants), Subaru Outback, Volvo V70, Audi A6 Avant.
Design Philosophy:
American interpretation of a European sport wagon, emphasizing distinctive styling and rear-wheel-drive performance options.
Interior Versatility:
Spacious cargo area with fold-flat rear seats, offering practicality for hauling goods.
Coverage Scope:
Features, controls, maintenance/service schedules, DIY activities, towing, safety
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for a comprehensive owner's manual of this era)
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Engine Operation:
Details on starting, stopping, fuel economy, and engine management system indicators.
Instrument Panel:
Explanation of all gauges, warning lights, and indicator symbols.
Controls And Features:
Operation of climate control, audio system, power windows, seats, lighting, and wipers.
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems (LATCH), ABS, traction control (TCS), and electronic stability control (ESC).
Tires And Wheels:
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), changing a flat tire, and information on approved tire sizes.
Electrical System:
Fuse box locations, basic electrical troubleshooting (e.g., bulb replacement), and battery care.
Heating And Air Conditioning:
Operation of HVAC system, cabin air filter replacement guidance.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change intervals, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs.
Do It Yourself Activities:
Guidance on basic tasks like checking fluid levels, replacing wiper blades, and changing certain light bulbs.
Towing Considerations:
Specific instructions for towing the vehicle (e.g., flat towing) and towing capacity recommendations.
Emergency Procedures:
Information on using the spare tire, jump-starting the battery, and basic troubleshooting.
Diagnostic Information:
Limited to owner-level understanding of warning lights and basic system checks, not in-depth diagnostics.
Repair Information:
Focuses on user-serviceable items, not comprehensive mechanical or electrical repair procedures.
Base Engine:
3.5L SOHC V6 (250 hp @ 6400 rpm, 250 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm)
Performance Engine:
5.7L HEMI OHV V8 (340 hp @ 5000 rpm, 390 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm)
Engine Code Base:
EGD (3.5L High Output V6)
Engine Code Hemi:
EZE (5.7L HEMI V8)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded (3.5L V6), 91 Octane Unleaded (5.7L HEMI V8 for optimal performance)
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (42RLE)
Performance Transmission:
5-Speed Automatic (W5A580 Mercedes-Benz sourced)
Drive Layout Base:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Drive Layout Optional:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available with the 3.5L V6 and 5.7L HEMI.
Tiptronic Shifter:
Available on certain models, allowing manual gear selection.
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
5-Star Driver, 5-Star Passenger (for 2007 models)
IIHS Frontal Offset Rating:
Good
Traction Control System:
Standard on all models
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard on all models (ESP)
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard on all models (ABS)
Airbags Front:
Advanced multi-stage front airbags
Airbags Side Curtain:
Standard front and rear side-curtain airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners
Child Restraint:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, available Sirius Satellite Radio, and premium Boston Acoustics sound system.
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed navigation system available.
Cruise Control:
Standard on all models
Parking Assist:
Optional rear park assist system.
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary audio input for portable music players.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (dependent on oil type and driving conditions, refer to manual for specifics).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
Approximately 100,000 miles (original equipment may vary, consult manual)
Spark Plug Replacement Hemi:
Approximately 100,000 miles (original equipment may vary, consult manual)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 (API Certified, meets Chrysler MS-6395)
Engine Oil Capacity 3.5L:
Approximately 5.0 quarts (with filter change)
Engine Oil Capacity 5.7L:
Approximately 7.0 quarts (with filter change)
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Coolant Type:
Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Engine Coolant, Extended Life (Blue)
Power Steering Leaks:
Potential for leaks from the power steering pump or lines, especially at higher mileage.
Throttle Body Issues:
Some models may experience rough idling or stalling due to a dirty or failing electronic throttle body.
Suspension Components:
Wear on ball joints, control arm bushings, and sway bar links can occur over time, particularly with RWD models.
Water Pump Failure:
Premature water pump failure has been reported on some V6 engines.
Dodge Lineage:
Dodge's history of performance-oriented vehicles and distinctive styling.
Introduction Year:
2004 (for the 2005 model year)
Design Basis:
Revived the sport wagon concept with a modern, aggressive design. Based on the LX platform shared with the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger.
Production Period:
2004-2008
Manufacturing Plant:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada
Insurance Institute For Highway Safety:
Top Safety Pick designation in some years due to strong crash test performance.
Consumer Reports:
Varied reliability ratings over its production run, with some strengths in powertrain and chassis dynamics, but occasional concerns in electronics and build quality.