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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  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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  Gittn ur done! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By vpg100 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  What a ride? Everyone asks me 2 questions? Does it have a Hemi? YES Does it live up to the hype? NO- It exceeds the hype! My commutes have become way to short. I love to do errands for the wife. Just another excuse to be in the Hemi for a ride. You will not be disappointed in this gem.

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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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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By gomes - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Awesome. Out this world, the best riding vehidle Ive owned, and Ive own close to forthy in the past 42 years....I love this car..

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  Awesome - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Big E - October 20 - 7:40 pm

  Lots of room I have the special edition with Bose stereo Power everything moonroof . Would trade only for SRT version

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  Roomy, Quiet Oasis in Traffic - 2008 Dodge Magnum
  By Ken - October 8 - 4:19 pm

  Being 64" tall, interior room is very important. Ive had the Magnum since February, and at first was worried about the 2.7 L V6, but having driven it to the east coast, over the mountains, was surprised with the power of the car. Extremely quiet ride, nice stereo system. Absolutely zero build problems, no mechanical problems with the car at all. Have to join the chorus that is sorry that they are not building this car any more, really love it. Traded in a 1995 Dodge Spirit with 120K miles, this car is a whole different ride altogether. Also considered Cadillac DTS and Buick Lucerne, Magnum has a better quieter ride and is roomier.

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  big boy hotrod - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By ken - October 6 - 9:13 am

  For a big car, it drives small. Alot of fun to drive. Corners great, and has alot of power.Im 67" and I have plenty of room, head and leg. Love all the looks I get with this car.

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  love my magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By sardac - October 5 - 10:00 am

  this has been a most fun car, I gave it to my wife as a birthday present is very fast handles very well on the road and gets excellent mileage if you keep your foot outa it. It is bit shy on ground clearance . The dealer service has been excellent and I have not has a problems to speak of. still enjoying it.

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  Just Bought One - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By jnitschke - October 5 - 10:00 am

  The 3.7l v6 provides ample performance, although if I had the cash Id have bought the V8--quieter and smoother ride (drove both) but the big v6 is no slouch and its quieter than other vehicles I test drove. The exterior is a head turner. The interior is more than comfortabe witht he leather seats. Despite what the reviews said I didnt find the stereo to be difficult to operate, however the reviewers are on the money when it comes to rear visibility--the wide posts leave wide gaps in your rear view. Overall I love it.

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  Lets Drive - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By koolade70 - September 13 - 4:54 pm

  This is a great car. Look at them at the Auto Show when they first came out. Trunk space seemed small for two kids with double stroller. Decided kids could stay in wifes Suburban. Has 5.7 Hemi, 340 HP plenty to make this car move. Great car to customize, very unique and seems like a "Magnum Club" when driving. Next vehicle will be the same with the 6.1 Hemi. I am 64" and have plenty of room in the drivers seat.