Not since the early 50’s, Ford “Woody,” or the ’55 Chevy Nomad, has an American station wagon been considered cool. However, the new Dodge Magnum wagon will make you forget your Dad’s Ford Country Squire, Olds Vista Cruiser, Chrysler Town and Country and Rambler Cross Country. This is one very cool — and dare I say, practical — machine.

In case you haven’t noticed, the wagon is back. Crossovers — four-wheel drive cars dressed in SUV sheet medal — kept getting lower and longer, until the Chrysler Pacifica was the first to actually look like your dad’s old wagon. Cadillac even jumped into the act with its new SRX along with the Ford Freestyle. But it was Dodge that married coolness and cachet to the domestic station wagon with its robust, 2005 Magnum.

I first saw the Magnum on press day at the Detroit Auto Show this past January. The show is as much about extravaganza-style multimedia entertainment as it is about cars. The president of Chrysler was on stage showing off the Magnum, when two scruffy looking, immediately recognizable characters sauntered up to him, and asked, “Hey! That thing got a Hemi in it?” Brought the house down. Later, those same two guys were tending bar at The Firehouse, where Chrysler hosted a press event, but that’s another story.

Like your Dad’s old wagon, the Magnum is roomy and practical. It boasts rear-wheel drive and is available with a V8 or Chrysler’s legendary and very hot 5.7-liter Hemi. But it’s missing the bulky, clumsy handling that gave your Dad’s wagon its bad name.

The Magnum shares it major mechanical components, including a Mercedes-Benz inspired sub-frame mounted, five-link rear suspension and modified short-arm/long-arm front suspension, with the hot new Chrysler 300 sedan. But the best part is, the Magnum is relatively inexpensive for all it delivers.

 Walkaround: The Magnum’s unconventional styling, including a Ram truck-inspired monochrome grille, long, rear-sloping roof, high doorsills, and unusual rear end, give it a very cool chopped-top look that turns heads. It features a hatch that opens deep into the roofline for easy cargo loading, and instead of taking up room swinging up and out, it opens while standing close to the rear bumper in tight parking spots.

Interior: The interior is spacious, comfortable, and fairly quiet, especially considering this is a wagon with an open cargo area, and not a sedan with a trunk. The efficient Mercedes influence is apparent, featuring a silver satin center stack that in true Mercedes fashion is attractively functional without being decorative.

The round, easily read instrumentation is black on white with red needles, and softly backlit in traditional Chrysler green. Both the sound and climate controls are simple to understand and easy to operate. They feature knobs that are large enough to actually see and use — a welcome change from previous Chrysler products. The power window and mirror switches are convenient and the dual front console cupholders well placed.

Doors open wide for easy entry to the upscale, understated interior. The high-sill windows —or “belt line” — could make occupants appear somewhat submerged, but the comfortable and supportive front bucket seats are upright, offering good visibility.

The rear area is spacious, with large, comfortable seats. They have split seatbacks that fold forward and sit flat to enlarge the cargo area.

Under The Hood: There are three engine choices: The base $21,870 Magnum SE has a 2.7-liter V6 that puts 190 horses to the highway with adequate acceleration. Better is the 3.5-liter 250-horse V6 — a $1,000 option for the SE And finally, Chrysler’s latest version of its legendary Hemi, which is standard in the top-line $29,370 Magnum RT — our test vehicle. A Hemi-powered, 2005 Chrysler 300 sedan costs $32,370, so this powerplant is a bargain in the Magnum.

The Hemi V8 (hemispherical combustion chambers give it the “Hemi” name) is the same 340 horse, 5.7-liter, high-torque monster under the hood of the Dodge Ram pickup and Chrysler 300C.

Just like the original, which debuted in the 1955 Chrysler 300 and won the NASCAR championship that year and set top speed records on Daytona Beach, the current Hemi doesn’t deliver neck-snapping acceleration out of the hole But power builds fast and smooth — never letting up. The Magnum does the 0-60 drill in 5.9 seconds, hitting 100 in less than 15 seconds.

One nice feature is the Multi-Displacement system. It saves fuel by imperceptibly disabling four cylinders under cruise or idle conditions and is responsible for the estimated 25 highway and 17 mpg city fuel economy ratings — pretty decent for a nearly two-ton wagon.

A Mercedes-designed 5-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift feature is married to the Hemi. The other two Magnum engines are coupled with a 4-speed automatic, and offer better mileage.

Options: Along with the Hemi, the RT has leather upholstery, power driver seat, upgraded sound system, firmer suspension, and 18-inch tires (vs. 17-inch) with polished alloy wheels.

Most major options aren’t cheap: Standard for the RT and a $775 option on the SE are anti-lock brakes and an antiskid-traction control system; protection package with curtain side airbags, $590; power sunroof, $895; Sirius satellite radio, $325; power adjustable pedals, $925. The pedals cost $125 for the SE, but must be ordered with the $2,500 SXT package which features traction control and anti-skid systems.

Behind The Wheel: Our Hemi-powered RT was fun to drive and it handled well thanks to the Mercedes influenced suspension, Curves can be taken hard and safely, with strong braking a plus. Steering is quick, with nice linear action. Rear-wheel drive manages this kind of horsepower much better than front-wheel drive, providing a more secure and balanced feel. An all-wheel-drive Magnum will be offered shortly.

Whines: The thick windshield posts and low inside rearview mirror partly block visibility. The cargo area, while long, is narrow. Options which are standard on some other makes, can be spendy.

Bottom Line: The Magnum really has no direct competition — yet — and its distinctive styling is a definite plus. With the monster Hemi, this unique, practical station wagon is not only fun, but a great value. Your Dad would be proud.