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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  Love the Car Hate theTransmission Leaks - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Barb - July 26 - 7:40 pm

  Over all I love the look and handling of this car. Plenty of room for the grandkids and all their toys, etc. On the highway gets decent gas mileage however, the intown mileage stinks. The price you pay for the HEMI. Main concern is the transmission leaks and the wheel alignments. Weve had it to the dealership twice for both issues and were assured that the problem was fixed 5 months later we have another transmission leak and it already feels like the front end is out of alignment. (We just purchased new tires before the last alignment)Tires are very expensive for this car and they are already showing significant wear without a lot of miles on them.

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  My Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By cc - July 18 - 3:26 am

  Before I purchased my dream car, I had read and read and read everything I could find on it. While doing the test drive thing at several dealers, my husband would always ask, Why dont you try the Chrysler 300 but my mind was made up long before getting behind the wheel....Just the sleek look, especially in the Black. I wanted the everything that the Hemi version had but didnt want the added insurance costs, plus the chance of any speeding tickets so I found an Special Edition SXT with everything I wanted. After after almost a year of driving it, and still answering questions from complete strangers, I am still in love with it! So easy to drive, comfortable and secure..

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  We just LOVE this car - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Barbara & Mike - July 17 - 10:00 am

  People ask What is it?? I love it! Can we look inside? Is it a car or a SUV, heads turn on the street when you drive by. We traded in a Mercedes SUV and didnt look back! I love the way it handels through town and on the highway, cloth seats are very comfortable,

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  Best Damn Car, Period! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By lefthandedpollock - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Without a question, this new vehicle is stout! Handles like a dream and corners without stressing. My family loves the room and utility. Dodge scores BIG with this one!

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  Best car I have owned - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By techi214 - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Incredible, so fun to drive and comfort has not been forgotten. It is the most comfortable and roomy interior of all the cars that we looked at. The RT model was great but the 3.5 V6 SXT has just as much power when needed. Thank you Dodge for finally making a cool family car.

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  Bad On Gas but Really Hauls (Fast) - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By rad dad - July 12 - 10:00 am

  My Magnum RT RWD is a keeper. People stop, point, talk, stare and roll down windows, they ask "What is it? or "Love your car". It is thumbs up everywhere. Manual trans is a blast - winding roads or freeway. Huge inside for towing or guests. Stero rocks. Satelite radio is fantastic. U connect is the best and safe and really works! Love the car, but ran out of gas twice already by not watching the gauge. It goes and goes fast and is expensive to keep filled and prices are not going down. Dealers are demanding $5K-$10K over MSRP and not budging in negotiations so far.

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  I Love My Dodge Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By ambrosh - July 12 - 10:00 am

  This is perhaps my favorite new car, I lease a new one every 3 years. It has an enormous amount of power and drives like a luxury car.Everywhere I go I get oohs and ahhs.

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  Guiddie Up!!!!! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Tricia Kaiser - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I never thought I would have so much fun driving a car before. This car has not just Get Up and Go, its got GUIDDIE UP AND GO!!!!! I purchased the V-8 Hemi. Gas Mileage is not so good, but I knew what I was getting myself in to. The car is not an every day driver, but when she comes out of the Garage all she wants to do is run. The Handling around corners and curves is great, the "pick up" when you take off is incredible, and the room inside is amazing. It does not look like there is that much room in this car, but you can fit 5 Adults in there, and no problems. I recommend this car to anyone who has the self control to keep it under 100 mph. Have a great ride, WE DO!!!!

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  MAGNUM-RT - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By duplex - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR-RIDES AS GOOD AS MY LINCOLN TOWN CAR(99)DID BUT WITH MORE ROOM & A LOT MORE OMPFFF GOOD SOUND SYSTEM & REAL GOOD HANDLING ON CURVES

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  test - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By princeofmoon - July 12 - 10:00 am

  the car handels wonderful, you can feel that the car is actuali an german one, if you have the money by the car because the style is perfect