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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  hemi RT - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By garboe1 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  very nice styling...great power...just fun to drive...everyone looks at it, because of its great looks...18 mph is the average with 5000 miles driven so far. i have the dark grey so it does blend in to traffic well, and it is a great match, with the grey interior.the navagation system works so well, and is easy to use I use it all the time

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  A real blast from the past updated! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Joan - July 11 - 6:53 am

  We rented a base SE and loved it so much we went and bought an RT AWD. The performance is outstanding very smooth and the Auto-stick is a ball for having fun on twisty roads. The ride while tight is very smooth with no intrusive harshness. Just right for long rides on both backroads and the interstate. Fuel economy for a large high power v-8 is outstanding! Love the in your face appearance kinda like a bulldog lovable but dont mess with me. I havent had this much fun since my 69 Formula 340-S Cuda. Keep your Mustang and assorted generic import Sport Sedans and wannabe sport cars and tuners this is world beating American muscle with panache. "A Velvet Fist"

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  Magnum SXT - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By David Hayman - July 10 - 6:03 pm

  Love the styling inside and out. Generous room inside for passengers and cargo. Great RWD chassis, brakes and steering, fun to drive too. Some build quality issues - Choice of plastics inside a bit too cheap looking, also the way some of them fit is a little dissapointing. I have some wind noise issues with the car but overall am very pleased with it. Oh one thing, the dealer network varies from very good to absolutely frustratingly lousy.

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  What else do you need? - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By CMW - July 2 - 10:43 am

  I traded in my beloved Avalanche on this black pearl magnum with the 18" nice rims due to my wife not needing a huge vehicle anymore. One test drive, and found myself searching the globe for the Magnum I wanted. My wife begged me not to get rid of the Avalanche, but after a week of driving the Magnum, she hasnt looked back.

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  Excellent - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Richard - June 23 - 6:44 am

  I plan on keeping my magnum to it just cant go anymore. I get excellent gas mileage (27 MPG on the highway). Thank God I didnt get the Hemi. :) I have over 86,000 miles on it with no major engine problems. I keep up on the maintenance. I love my car.

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  Overall rating - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By mickey knt - June 22 - 7:46 am

  From the sleek curves and body lines to the interior, I dont think you can find a better buy. I bought it for the look. Will drive it for the comfort and how safe I feel behind the wheel. It was money will spent.This is a car I will enjoy driving for years to come.

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  I love it.. - 2008 Dodge Magnum
  By Kali - June 16 - 7:56 pm

  I love my Magnum. I think it is a great bargain and a well thought out design. It even surprises me its an American car. Ive had 2 BMWs and this is way better than both of those cars. I only wish the gas mileage is better. My AWD gets a little thirsty on fuel but at least I recognize its partially due to my driving style. The interior and ride are comfortable and natural and I am surprised by how much "stuff" Ive been able to carry in this vehicle. Its a shame they stopped making them. Hopefully theyll figure it out and bring it back.

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  SXT AWD 3.5, best car I have ever owned! - 2008 Dodge Magnum
  By JN - June 11 - 2:29 pm

  I went to the dealership thinking I wanted to charger. I started looking at the Magnums, but I did not like the headlights. I went home and was reading a magazine that the 2008 model will be the last year, but will come with a completely new front end. The 08 front end looks better than the Charger or the 300. I ordered one immediately. This is the coolest looking car I have ever owned. It is built well, rides great, and performs great! I usually get a new car every year because I put on about 50k a year, but I think I will keep this one at least 2 years. This will probably be a classic as only one year for the new design and the last year, with few made! Absolutely awesome car!

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  Grand Dads Hot Rod - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Dandeman - June 10 - 10:27 am

  This Inferno Red number turns the heads of young and old. This is not your ordinary grandads wagon.

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  Love this Car! - 2007 Dodge Magnum
  By MuslMag - June 3 - 12:18 am

  I bought a used 07 after renting an 08. Mine is 3.5L RWD, Inferno Red Pearl. BEE...UTIFUL!!! All leather and great stock stereo. Lots of space for my 3 tall teens. Awesome styling, very different from anything out there. A modern muscle car regardless of engine size. Joined a Magnum owners club last night and cant wait to cruise with all you Muscle Mag owners out there!