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:

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  Its been a nightmare - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Mike azuela - August 6 - 9:14 am

  Since ive had this car, the water pump, upper control arms, tie rod ends, gas tank, and thermostat had to be replaced in less than 4 months.

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  5th and LAST Chrysler Corp. product - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By brass2 - March 15 - 6:52 pm

  Initially, I loved this car but honestly how many of all the cars that have ever been made are terrible from day one. There are so many problems, that have nothing to do with operator error, like the windows regulator, headlights that either dont work or flicker and a shifter lever that was made so cheaply that apparently it is just short of recall, the list goes on and on. This car had so much potential, but the shoddy (and overpaid at $75 an hour) workmanship along with inferior parts combine to outweigh any positives or potential for greatness this car had.

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  I wish I could read a review like before - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By MTwrangler - June 16 - 10:48 pm

  When we purchased the car used, all was well, the car road nice and was quiet, fun to drive. It got 22-28 MPG, depending on conditions, all was well. Now 5 years later, the car misfires, shutters, and the known cause is mystery. It has many rattles and noises in the front end. The seats are not comfortable. We also went through early alignment issues, etc. It also has fairly bad brake fade and shutter, once the discs heat up.

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  Junk - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By bjstarnes - February 13 - 11:46 am

  I bought my Magnum with a hundred miles, first year out. I would not recommend this car or any other Dodge product to even my worst enemy! I have had my car in the shop at least 20 times in the past 2 years. 4 times in one year for the transmission! I have called Chrysler Corp about this issue and they do not stand behind their work, they will do nothing for me. If you know whats good for you do not buy this car!

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  sucks - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By edloze - November 22 - 10:00 am

  this car is not what i expected commercial do a great thing in hiding the true facts

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  MAGNUM REVIEW - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By JACK WILSON - November 22 - 10:00 am

  CAR HAS SIGNIFICANT R/H DRIFT. DEALER IS UNABLE AND UNCONCERNED. THEY SAID IT A PROBLEM WITH ALL MAGNUMS AND 300MS. NO FIX IN SIGHT. CHRYSLER "WORKING ON IT" BUT STILL SELLING THEM. GAS MILEAGE NOWHERE NEAR ESTIMATED EVEN WITH A VERY LIGHT FOOT. IN THE SHOP 4 TIMES SINCE JUNE 04 INTERIOR SPARCE. NO MEMORY SEAT AVAILABLE.

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  Dont buy the V6! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By RKK - July 1 - 9:46 am

  Sluggish with the V6. 2nd gear is too tall. No torque below 3,000 rpm. Desperately needs a 5-spd auto, not 4! The steering is too much on-center. If theres a groove in the road, the Magnum will find it.

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  Do not buy this car! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Robert in Atlanta - December 21 - 4:13 am

  I had this car for 4 days before the engine blew (200 miles on it!). I was convinced that it was a lemon, but the dealership said it was a problem with the car and would not be covered by warranty. Ill take their word and assume it is an awful car. And Daimler Chrysler has backed the dealership! Beware-if you buy this car (or the 300, Charger, or any other car with the same platform) and you have problems, they will not take responsibility. I had heard similar things but wanted this car so badly, I took a chance on it anyway. Biggest mistake of my life. I am actually left hoping that the engine problems continue so I can take them to task and claim it as a lemon. I am a VERY angry consumer!

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  looks better than it is - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By mikevjones - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Great look, losts of interest from people on street. View out from interior limited especially blind spots on left and right. interior all plastic looks and feels cheap. Tires are noisey and transmission has whine.