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:

• 

  Made it faster! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Hugh - May 21 - 8:23 am

  Cut of the restricters at rear end, and gained 35 more HP! Removed the Boston Premium sound system and replaced the entire system with Eclips. Fuel milage is fantastic, averaging 25 MPG as I drive from 1800 feet up to 5000 feet on Sunday and back down on Friday every week. Also doing approximatelly 1500 miles per month from Scottsdale Az to Sadona Az. Best car for the money I paid, and I have a BMW Z4, Porsche Turbo and 1976 TR6.

• 

  Dodge hot rod - 2007 Dodge Magnum
  By Hank - May 19 - 6:38 pm

  This car turns heads for a second look by all ages. Fun car to drive, I would have bought the 425 horse model if it werent for price of gas.

• 

  Piece Of Junk - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Phil M - May 17 - 9:17 pm

  This car was great for the first 38,000 miles, then the trans had to be rebuilt. Then at 40,000 mile the trans locked up and was replaced with a brand new one. Two weeks later the new trans had to be rebuilt! The car kept clunking and jerking, they found the drive shaft was bad so they replaced it. Then a strange noise appeared, sounded like a bad crankshaft, but found it was in the trans, so its being rebuilt again. All this in 4,000 miles. Whats really sad is that Chrysler could care less! I would never buy one of there products again! They know these transmissions are no good but they just keep using them.

• 

  357 MAG - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Steve - May 15 - 5:06 pm

  Bought this Magnum in 2004 when they first came out. I wish I had waited for the SRT AWD. But this wagon can go down the road and leave the rest behind.

• 

  inequity - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Harry - May 14 - 4:25 pm

  Bought my magnum last year for $27,500. Paid down loan to $22,500 today its worth $11,000

• 

  Vaders Wagon - 2008 Dodge Magnum
  By Vaders Wagon - May 14 - 11:32 am

  What a tragedy that they are canceling this car. Awesome power and soundtrack from the exhaust. Fantastic ride and classic hot-rod looks. Good but not great fuel economy but its a big V-8 so one does not buy this car for the mileage. I ride about 30 mi on 95 every day to work and cant keep it under 90! Comfortable and easy to drive fast. Love the MyGig radio even though it is a little confusing to use at times. Parts of the interior are a little cheap but it is a Dodge. Not a fan of the Auto-stick trans, doesnt work great. Otherwise a classic, pick one up before theyre all gone!!!! Boo-hiss to Chrysler for dropping the axe on it.

• 

  Sleek and Fun - 2008 Dodge Magnum
  By ydahsmils2001 - May 12 - 11:32 pm

  I bought this vehicle looking for something that could haul my equipment and have the heart of a sports car. Man! does it ever haul. The car is roomy too. Gas mileage is not so great, but the car makes up for it in raw power! I am thoroughly impressed with the SRT8. No one even sees me coming, sleek and fast.

• 

  WOW - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By RLCURRY - May 7 - 2:16 am

  I get 25mph on the road and 20mph in town. This model will be a classic like a 57 Chevy. Styling makes car look smaller than it really is.

• 

  Sweet ride - 2007 Dodge Magnum
  By Junior - May 5 - 7:57 pm

  This Magnum R/T has Performance package. Bought it used,had 15,000 km built in July 07. Fun to drive. So far no issues. Get between 25-27 MPG when cruising with MDS engaged.

• 

  Want-to-be Muscle Car! - 2007 Dodge Magnum
  By JMV - April 30 - 2:45 pm

  Very attractive body style! My RT has 18s, nothing special, but I do plan on getting better performance tires and wheels after my first year with the car (8.08). Agree with some of the past comments about interior design, couldve done better, especially that cruise control stick on the left. Had to add Navigational/6-CD, and BlueTooth for convenience could use audio controls on the steering wheel (another option = $$). Blind spots can be trick at times, but when driving defensively, not that big of a problem! But still a problem. Brakes now beginning to squeak at 10K, need to have them checked out at next service.