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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So far So good, but have a few concerns - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By cleary524 - September 8 - 10:17 pmBought R/T AWD in May 08, Wicked fun to drive! R/T has good pickup in the 3k+ rpm range. Little sluggish off the line. The front suspension concerns me. Has a clunking noise when you run over an abrupt bump (possible tie-rod end ($100) or ball joints($700) Ive been told). Front tires seem to be wearing on the outer edges a little prematurely. New Pirellis=$$ Plan to change tie rod ends with grease fitted ends soon and then rotate tires and realign. Fuel econ is not the best. Around town Ive gotten 19 mph. Hope this car stands test of time though? I sold a good Buick Regal GS for this.
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Clean Cut Car - 2007 Dodge Magnum
By Chad - September 6 - 1:20 amThe car is very clean cut and has an aggressive look which I like. The horsepower sucks and wish I got the hemi model for that reason. Space and comfort is great though. Gas mileage stinks and I dont have a heavy foot.
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What to expect at 80,000 miles - 2006 Dodge Magnum
By MikeInMass - September 5 - 9:43 pmI bought my 06 SXT RWD used in Nov. 06 with 13k miles. It now has nearly 81k miles. Overall, its been very reliable...roomy, comfortable, fast, no rattles, and decent gas mileage (22 mpg avg. in mixed highway and city gridlock). The RWD has only been a problem once, in a very heavy snow. The front brake rotors were replaced at 38k, and will need to be replaced again soon. The original tires lasted to 71k. At approx. 75k, a rocker arm broke, a $500 fix. The mechanic says its common, but not frequent, on the 3.5 liter motor. Other than that, just oil changes and tire rotation. I love the styling of the car, too bad its been discontinued. Everyone who rides in it loves it!
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Fun Road Pounder - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By Mopar Lover - August 27 - 9:43 amMy Father said it best when I took him for a ride, " I havent felt torque like that in Years!" Great ride! Great Stopping Power, both the car and onlookers.
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Value Magnum - 2006 Dodge Magnum
By R. Guimond - August 15 - 11:20 amWe bought the base Magnum back in July 05 when my wife totaled her PT Cruiser. This car is a great driving car and we get 24MPG overall with the 2.7 liter engine. Mileage is very comparable to the many small SUVs we were looking at before we decided to buy our Magnum. The 2.7L engine is lively and responsive and weve experienced no problems mechanically.
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I want another one! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By Bill - August 14 - 3:10 pmBought this car used with 97k on the odometer. Wife wasnt sure about it until she drove it and fell in love with it like me. I was really surprised with the "snap" it has for a 2.7, it handles beautifully, and it gets pretty good mileage too (28.5 on a 500 mile round trip at 70mph). Only problems so far are alignment (front inner and outer ball joints already, need to do rears) and my wife wishes it had better lumbar support. Other than that we both love the styling and roominess and wish they werent discontinuing these cars. I am currently trying to talk my wife into another for me to drive!
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Honey, Can I drive it now???? - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By drummerboy - August 12 - 10:53 pmWe replaced a 1995 BMW 525i with our RT. My wife couldnt bring herself to calling it a "Dodge" after owning a BMW. Now I cant get her out of it. She wont let me have it. Performance rivals my 95 Trans Am with LT1. Incredible ride, handling, power and the best stereo Ive ever heard in a car. Comments from people never stop.Get the HEMI. Worth every penny.
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Couldnt ask for a better wagon! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By Jon - August 12 - 7:51 amI absolutely love this car. When I was looking for a car to trade-in for I wanted something with style that stood out from the rest. I would have to agree that the car is difficult to keep in alignment but for a heavy car the mileage is great. We have three daughters and always have enough room for car seats and all of their stuff. A must is the Electronic Stability Program - it really works great on icy roads.
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I like my " monster" - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By Davide - August 8 - 8:23 pmI bought the car used, 1 year old, with 19,000 miles. Now the car has 60,000 miles, the few problems are just little annoyances, the battery light comes on most of the time 10 seconds after I start the car and the drivers side door sometime does not open using the remote. The rest is great. Style, engine, comfort, space. I average 24 mpg in the summer, 21 mpg in the winter, on the highway, not bad for a 5000 Pound car. I am very happy with this car. The handling in the snow is good for a rwd.
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Family Hauler + Hemi Fun = SUV Alt - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By Toonzz - August 3 - 9:17 pmI just traded my Durango for the Hemi powered Magnum. Frankly the family didnt need all the space in trade for MPGs. I had to have the utility of an SUV just not the size, but I personally wanted some style. The Magnum was the only option. Toss in the Hemi and it was a no-brainer. I love the agility and responsiveness of the Magnum, the wife loves the practicality, and the kids arent embarrassed to be seen in it. Ive only had it a few days, so the verdict is still out on the quality and reliability. Everything else is nothing less than perfection, given all other things being relatively equal. I hope to enjoy it for many years to come.
