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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  Where is the quality? - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Xpender - March 10 - 4:08 pm

  Bought my Magnum RT with only 30K, black, fully loaded, heated leather seats, GPS, CD changer, sunroof... Love to drive, lots of power, but a bit sluggish when driving in the city. The front end seems to be weak. Had a clucking noise from the front and it ended up being the both strut arms, and the sway bar bushings. Was also told that the tie rod were a bit loose. For that kind of low mileage, I would expect more durability. Winter driving was great. Traction control is almost always on, but had no problems. Would I buy another one, maybe, but it would have to be a car with a Hemi. Once you drove one (Hemi), you will get bored in any other vehicles.

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  AWD SXT - 2008 Dodge Magnum
  By Gary - February 24 - 2:18 pm

  I read every review about the Magnum I could find before buying it as I was concerned about how the AWD would perform and if the 6 cyl was enough power. I live in NY but found the car in Iowa since they didnt make many 08s trying to find a loaded SXT AWD was difficult. I am thrilled I bought this car. The AWD works great in the snow and the 3.5 engine moves the car around very well. I am more pleased with the car and the performance then I expected to be. Right now these cars are a great buy and I highly recommend it. Dont be afraid of going with the 3.5 V6, it handles the weight of the car fine, it does not feel underpowered. Blinds spots are not that bad either.

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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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  Going broke from suspension problems. - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By hubberd - February 12 - 3:13 pm

  Tires 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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  I Love It - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By C Cav - February 10 - 11:53 pm

  This is truly an awesome vehicle. Also owning an SRT10, I am very impressed with the power and handling of this wagon. Great braking capabilities, and the handling is amazing. The interior is smooth and very comfortable. So far the only downside is MPG, but if that is what you are looking for in a car, the Hemi is not for you.

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  Shiny Red Super Stock Dodge - 2007 Dodge Magnum
  By Mike_M - January 23 - 5:54 pm

  Ive owned a lot of cars from muscle cars to high-end european and this car is the absolute best buy ever. The performance, handling, looks and capacity are all incredible for the price (paid $25K with 8000 miles on it). I have spent many hours driving over mountain passes and interstates in horrible winter weather and this baby is rock solid. Maybe its the Mercedes all wheel drive.

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  Black Mag R/T V8 - 2007 Dodge Magnum
  By The Diggler - January 12 - 2:01 am

  Best car I have ever owned. The looks, the interior space and enough whip for V8 models and up! Good gas mileage for 340hp ( getting 19-20) Could have gotten better quality interior but very quiet and comfortable inside. Drove to NC and handled awesome around mountain roads. I test drove v6 and there is a big drop off ! Go Hemi, the best route to go.

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  Awesome - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By baycity - January 7 - 2:55 pm

  I traded in my 3rd Yukon Denali 3 years ago for this car and I love it. I didnt need a big SUV, but I still needed the use of a utility vehicle for my business, kids and dogs. This car is great. I average 20mpg with the 5.7 Hemi. I can have my cake and eat it too. I leased the car back in 2006 and just thought I would lease or buy another car when my time was up, but Chrysler sent me an offer I couldnt refuse. If I buy the car at the end of the lease, Chrysler will take a substantial amount off the residual buyout amount in the contract, so Ive decided to buy the car. 3 years and 57K miles later I havent had any problems except with the navi which is a minor repair hopefully.

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  Magnum review - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By curtiss - January 5 - 10:00 am

  the styling of this vehicle is outstanding, and draws conversation everywhere it goes. The performance of the engine, and the braking, are superb. Build quality of the interior appears to be very good. It is too new to address the gas mileage.

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  One of the best cars Ive ever had - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By firetech - January 3 - 9:17 pm

  I needed to replace my aging and worn out Volvo 850 wagon. We are a family of 5 including two teenagers, one who is 6 feet tall. I needed a roomy car, that actually had legroom in the rear seat for my son. Short of buying a limo the Dodge LX cars are one of the only ones that fit the bill. I also wanted power and safety in the way of front and side air bags, trac control etc, etc. This car has it all in spades. I set out to but the 6cyl SXT but couldnt pass up the R/T when it crossed my tracks. If you are sensible on the throttle the R/Ts fuel mileage is almost as good as the 3.5 SXT. My advice is if you have a choice, buy the R/T with the 5.7, its way more fun and still decent on fuel.