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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I think I got a lemon - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By sheriday - November 4 - 3:20 pmIn 2006, I bought my 2005 dodge magnum the first time I saw the magnum I knew that was going to be my next vehicle I would own. Well since having my magnum I have put 8 tires on it, 3 tire rod ends,and an all whell alignment cause you cant just have a front or back you have to have them all done at once, brakes for the works all around twice, and the rocker panels are held up with plastic clips that cost $5.00 per clip. The front dash rattles without the heat on. There is so much rattles in the front end. And recently I was driving down the road and it was like it went into neutral all by itself and my headlights go dim just randomly. Great car if you have lots of money for the repairs.
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Looks can be deceiving - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By mjg - April 8 - 9:45 amWorking on my 3rd set of rotors at 49,900 miles. Continental tires lasted 20,000 miles. Always feels likes its out of alignment. Second set of tires showing wear. Needed a left upper tie rod end and lower control arm for inspection this year. Both key fobs broken. Musty smell when you turn air on or heat in the winter. Will never by a Dodge again. Never again.
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Seduced by style.... - 2008 Dodge Magnum
By Waggineer - January 27 - 10:51 amI purchased an 8 month old Magnum SXT with well less than 10K on the clock. I fell in love with the looks of the car and the roominess and cargo hauling capability. The car has a good, solid highway ride and decent handling for a large car. The downside has been very spotty quality. Issues have included a new torque converter at 9K, leaky rear diff at 12K, an annoying squeak in the rear of the cabin that the dealer has "fixed" 3 times, and a very "clunky" 4 speed tranny. The visibility is really annoying as well. While I really like the car Im wondering about the long term reliability given the big ticket warranty repairs Ive needed.
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Should have listened to the wife - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By firelieutenant16 - July 30 - 8:05 pmLove the look. Thats it. Got car with 70 miles on it. Have had it in the shop many many times. Cylinder 2 misfire 5 time, trans leak, both rear window motors replaced, 3 radios replaced, 3 sets of leather seat covers, air bags disable themselves, heat seat works on and off, rattle in the dash, brakes at 24000, warped rotors, E brake need to be replaced vibration in the front end at 45 to 60 MPR and 3 sets of tires. If you can get by all of that its a great car.
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Going broke from suspension problems. - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By hubberd - February 12 - 3:13 pmTires wear every 15k miles. Car pulls to the right, dealer says every thing is OK after 3 alignments. After warranty expired, I have major issues with front end noises. Spent lots of money on tie rods, stabilizer links, tires, bushings, etc. I still have front end noises. My mechanic says get rid of it. Says car has multilink suspension. Too many parts that can break. People wonder why American car companies are going out of business. Im buying a Toyota next.
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Piece Of Junk - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By Phil M - May 17 - 9:17 pmThis car was great for the first 38,000 miles, then the trans had to be rebuilt. Then at 40,000 mile the trans locked up and was replaced with a brand new one. Two weeks later the new trans had to be rebuilt! The car kept clunking and jerking, they found the drive shaft was bad so they replaced it. Then a strange noise appeared, sounded like a bad crankshaft, but found it was in the trans, so its being rebuilt again. All this in 4,000 miles. Whats really sad is that Chrysler could care less! I would never buy one of there products again! They know these transmissions are no good but they just keep using them.
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Chrysler Quality Sucks !!! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By EdwardR - March 16 - 10:12 amI purchased a 2005 SXT AWD, new in June of 2005 (cost $31,500). Here is a list of the issues Ive had with it. First, after only 30,000 miles, the factory Continental tires would not pass inspection. Second, after numerous visits to the dealer, about intermittent problems with the rear power windows, the window regulator seized up. Just outside of the warranty. (what a coincidence, and I have the other side to look forward to repairing now) The engine has been running rough for the last 27,000 miles and, of course, the dealer has been unable to diagnose or fix. They just perform the basic "shotgun" technique of plugs, wires, etc... I have had the transmission ROM flashed twice and was charged!
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Stay Away! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By Unhappy Tom - January 6 - 11:21 amIve owned this car just over 2 years & already Ive gone through 2 inner tie- rods, 2 rack & pinion, & 3 sets of front brake rotors (warping...although they say its not a common problem). The CD player & sunroof (doesnt open) stopped working 3000 miles ago & now the transmission is slipping! Some of this was covered under warranty but much of it has occurred just after the warranty ended. While the trans is still covered, the CD player/navigation system isnt ($2300). This is a fun car to drive when its working! I never bought a Dodge before and will never again. Be forewarned!
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Unacceptable Powertrain!!!! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By Unsatified Owner - November 5 - 9:24 pmAfter 3 rebuilds and a new transmission replacement I brought it back to the dealership last week to confirm that my NEW transmission still shakes. They not only confirmed it, but told me Chrysler has to engineer a fix for my transmission. The service manager told me he will call me in thirty days for an update. WHAT THE! SO, IM SUPPOSED TO KEEP DRIVING THIS THING! After a year of ownership and 16,000 miles Ive had a series of MAJOR mechanical problems with the engine, suspension, and now the transmission. You think this car is a LEMON?!! Chrysler doesnt even know what is wrong with my transmission! My average fuel economy is around 10 mpg! Thats right 10! This sucks!
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Love the car, hate the repairs - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By Jake - September 17 - 6:18 pmFirst I will list the problems: 1. First set of Goodyear Integrity tires did not last long. The first winter I tried to find Snow tires but they did not exsist in that size. There is a little more selection now. 2. Needed the first set of new tie rods at 34,000 miles. 3. Front braked fell apart at 40K miles 4. At 50,600 miles it needed tie rods again and sway bar links. This time I used NAPA parts with a lifetime warranty. 5. One power window does not work. 6. Check engine light comes and goes but the dealer does not know whats wrong. With that all said I like the car, I fit in it(67"). Like the style, its lots of attention. But it makes it tough to reccommend with all the problems
