Overview & Reviews
The Dodge Magnum welcomed us to the American station wagon, Version 2.0. Most of us are familiar with the first version, the one that populated American roadways in the 1950s, '60s and '70s before being displaced by minivans and SUVs. Station wagon 2.0 was supposed to be a rebirth of sorts. The Dodge Magnum was intended to prove that the wagon could be cool again.
In terms of style, power and utility, there was nothing else quite like the Magnum. It attracted plenty of well-deserved attention because of its styling. Its long, low stance and flat tail end called to mind those wagons of decades past, but a rising beltline, tapering roof line, short overhangs, trucklike grille and prominent wheels gave it a contemporary and sporty appearance.
Sadly, Wagon Version 2.0 lived a short life. Apparently Dodge couldn't shake the Country Squire memories of Version 1.0, because it pulled the plug on the Magnum following 2008 due to slow sales. The Magnum still makes for an intriguing used car, though, particularly in V8-powered guise.
Most Recent Dodge Magnum
The Dodge Magnum was sold from 2005-'08. When last sighted at Dodge dealerships, the Magnum was available in four trim levels -- SE, SXT, R/T and SRT8 -- which provided increasing levels of standard equipment and performance features. For power, the Magnum SE was equipped with a 200-horsepower V6. It provided adequate acceleration at best. Most will prefer either the 250-hp V6 in the SXT or the R/T's 340-hp V8. The SRT8 had an even larger V8 good for 425 hp. An automatic transmission was standard with all four engines.
Most Magnums were rear-wheel drive, but Dodge offered all-wheel-drive (AWD) versions of the SXT and RT. Because of their added traction capabilities, these AWD wagons could serve well as an SUV alternative for consumers living in poor-weather climates. No Magnum was really meant for towing, however.
In reviews of the Dodge Magnum, our editors praised the vehicle's roomy and comfortable interior, useful cargo area and inspiring performance. Though their fuel economy is naturally on the low side, the V8-equipped models are well suited for both long-distance cruising and stoplight encounters. The Magnum SRT8, for instance, can clear the quarter-mile mark in fewer than 14 seconds. Handling capabilities are also surprisingly composed on the higher level trims.
When the Magnum debuted for the 2005 model year, the RWD SXT model had a four-speed automatic transmission, but it was upgraded to a five-speed unit later in 2006 (AWD SXTs always had a five-speed). The optional R/T Performance Group model that arrived for 2007 added 10 horses, and an inside-out update for 2008 included higher-quality cabin materials and a more upscale appearance.
User Reviews:
Showing 51 through 60 of 598.00-
outta the SUV - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By goopysteve - November 16 - 1:50 pmWe went from the Ford Excursion into a new Magnum, and I must say, what a pleasant transition from a lunker truck SUV to a performance wagon. Actually, you dont even know youre driving a station wagon in the Magnum RT. Not only is the Hemi power impressive, but it rides so smooth and quiet (almost too quiet) inside. Nice stereo and sport interior are easy on the ears and eyes, too!
-
GOOD START - NEEDS HELP - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By RACER52 - November 5 - 10:00 amSOLD AN 03 350Z PERFORMANCE MODEL FOR THIS RT. GREAT LOOKS. SUSPENSION HITS BUMP STOPS CROSSING INTERSECTIONS AND IS WAY TOO FLOATY ON REBOUND. WHY IS THE TURN SIGNAL STALK NEAR THE BOTTOM OF THE STEERING WHEEL. MY HANDS ARE ALWAYS AT 10 AND 2 - GEE - RIGHT WHERE THE CRUISE CONTROL STALK IS! FRONT BUCKET SEATS CAN HANDLE TWO SMALL ADULTS COMFORTABLY IN EACH SEAT. THE RT SHOULD HAVE REAL SIDE BOLSTERS TO FIT ONE PERSON, NOT TWO. PLS PUT THE CHRYSLER SRT8 UNDER THE MAGNUM BODY - OR AT LEAST OPTION A SUSPENSION TO ENABLE THE RT TO BE MORE LIKE A TRUE SPORTS WAGON AND MATCH ITS LOOKS. NOTHING CLOSE TO THE ADVERTISED GAS MILEAGE, WAY TOO MUCH FUN
-
The new trend - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By John Hamilton - November 5 - 10:00 amThis car has it all. I went from a Chevrolet Tahoe and the SUV feel is still there the pick up is 0-60 in 6.3 from a 3800 lbs. sport wagon. The ride is nothing less then a mercedes and smooth as can be.
-
Cant get more for under 30K - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By Magnumbuyer - October 25 - 2:33 amWow, what an impressive car. Very European in styling and handling. The cargo functionality is awesome; I can fit anything in the back of that thing. The gas mileage for the Hemi is nice; I got 21 miles/gal on my last fill-up; better than many 6-bangers. People talk to me all the time about the car-at the gas station-store at work-"hows the Magnum?" they ask; like its a member of the family. Hehe
-
chop top thriller - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By chris j - October 20 - 1:26 amWhat a blast to drive! This ride purrs at 90, and yearns to jump over 110, without any stress. A great highway cruising vehicle--and makes for a fun ride to the coast. My two 9-foot longboards fit with ease. Exterior styling is aggressive and bold- -projects its "wanna rumble" attitude with confidence. I get many Mustangs and Vettes that want to play on the highway- one light tap on the accelerator and theyre wiping the sand from their eyes...
-
I love my Magnum! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By PBooth1115 - October 12 - 1:13 amWhat a great car! Ive never owned a car that accelerates AND turns heads this quickly. Hemi engine is a must. Interior is comfortable. Heated leather seats great for Chicago winters. $1800 is worth it for the navigational system and 6 disc CD player-makes it fun to drive. Too new to know about reliability. Only complaint is that angle of rear window makes it get dirty easily. Just keep it clean.
-
Great purchase - would buy another! - 2008 Dodge Magnum
By NJBloke - September 29 - 10:55 amI bought a 2008 certified pre-owned Dodge Magnum SXT (silver/black) three months ago and love it. I needed space for a part-time business (photography) and did not want an SUV/crossover. This vehicle drives like a car and has more space and style then any mid-sized SUV on the road. The 08s are relatively rare as they have a redesigned front facia as well as interior (higher-end soft touch plastics, nicer center console, etc.). If you can find a CPO SXT with low miles for a reasonable price- grab it! I searched for 3 months and stole mine it had 16K miles on it and I bought for $12,800. I plan on keeping this as a second car for years to come.
-
2005 Dodge Magnum RT - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By B.Wilcox - September 23 - 4:31 pmOverall its been a good car for me. Does not do well in the snow, I park the car in the winter and drive an suv. I love the sporty and strong look of the car. Although it may not look like it from the outside the back seat is very comfortable and has plenty of room.
-
Bring back the Magnum - 2007 Dodge Magnum
By Stephen - September 13 - 6:49 amIf you are looking for a slightly used cross over, I highly recommend the Dodge Magnum instead. First Dodge Ive owned, and I love it! Fantastic alternative to those boring CUVs. I drove Jeeps for 12 years (last 3 was a Commander), and wanted something better on gas, but more fun on the road. The Magnum has a deeper cargo area than our Nissan Murano (07 SL), costs less, and is 100% more fun to drive. My wife discovered this, too and now I have to hide the keys to the Magnum. My daughter is 3, but already demands "HEMI". RT package is excellent, the torque from the HEMI is intense, but refined and smooth at normal speeds. Visibility is perfect with an aftermarket rear view mirror.
-
Great looking, fast, fun and comfortable - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By noj - September 2 - 8:07 pmThe Magnum is an relatively amazing. It does haul, stuff inside, trailers, and ... It gets great gas mileage, 18 city/24 hwy MPG, for such a big vehicle with so much horsepower. You can take it to the drag strip and run the 1/4 mile anywhere from just under 14 to 14.3 at around 97 MPH stock or run it on a road course. 4 people can easily ride comfortably, 5 if needed. People frequently compliment the car when I am out.
