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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  Time for a "Hemi Moment" - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Tom - April 30 - 8:33 am

  Love the styling and LOVE the Hemi. We have a family joke, "its time for a Hemi moment" on the rare instances when traffic has us waiting. Overall, the Magnum RT is a good car. Deceptively fast as its a heavy car (just watch the traffic fade away in the rear view). Handling is ok. Several small build issues: odometer was 10% off, alignment&tires are difficult to keep true, rotors and gasket on rear hatch have been replaced. Do not drive hard and then pull into a car wash - Im convinced that the brake rotors wrapped because of this (warranty did cover).

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  Great Vehicle - A Good Buy - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Greg - April 29 - 9:59 am

  Incredibly dumb that Chrysler discontinued this model. Without a doubt, the best looking wagon to come out of Detroit in decades. After three years, no problems to report on my 2005 R/T. Very fast, nice subtle exhaust note, great mileage - I averaged 27 on the highway at 65 mph. Really like how quiet the car is. Would recommend this as a used car or for those getting the last of the 2008s. Hope to pair this wagon up with a new Challenger in time after the initially rush for them slows down.

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  Amazing - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Luke - April 28 - 7:19 pm

  Quick review. - Fast - Great styling - 25+ highway MPG with the Hemi - Comfortable - Lose the Continentals and get some 255s all around

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  Hot Wagon - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By JR - April 25 - 10:12 pm

  An excellent choice if you want stunning performance with functionality. Ive owned many sporty cars but never one that I could load a full family and all luggage in with ease! The Magnum also has the looks to turn heads.

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  I love my Magnum!!! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By magnumamma - April 25 - 8:11 pm

  I really do. I usually switch cars every two years and have had this one for almost three now, and I plan on keeping it! Not only is it beautiful and unique, it is not bad on mileage for how large it is (I average 19- 20 mpg), it is great for a young mom like me, I can use the back trunk area space for changing diapers, and there is tons of room to get in to install the car seat, and store all the things I lug around. The only thing that has happened (knock on wood) is that the power steering hose blew after 4 months of ownership, but the warranty covered it no prob. It really is an awesome and reliable care, I work for Infiniti and prefer my Magnum over their newer vehicles.

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  Magnum 5.7 and happy. - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By bird - April 23 - 10:29 am

  This is the second Dodge I have purchased. I like the style and looks of the Magnum. The one item that I do not like is the self sealing tires. The first few miles you drive, it feels as if the tires are cement slabs.

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  Very Nice Ride!! - 2007 Dodge Magnum
  By JJokert1 - April 19 - 10:20 pm

  Great Ride! Fun to drive. I got the SXT with leather, sun roof (huge opening), 3.5L V6. The 3.5 liter has great performance for the size of the ride. I think the 2.7L would be too small but just an opinion. Love the smooth ride (a lot of people dont know most of the suspension parts are Mercedes Benz). HUGE amount of cargo space in the back. And has a lot of great standard features. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for an SUV type cabin but a luxury type of ride. Cons: Cruise Control Stick design takes getting used to. Some blind spots on the sides of wind shield. Parking is kind of tough since its a long ride. A lot of backing out and straightening to get into spaces.

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  Im not a Soccer Mom in the Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Paul - April 19 - 9:07 am

  This is a family car with attitude. We love the aggressive styling inside and out. I love how the car just glides over the road, even with all the pot holes from this last winter. The only issue we have had so far is the washer sprayers on the hood broke. Those as well as most of the Magnums parts are "dealer only". We really didnt want to buy a mini van but that was what we where needing, so glad we found this instead.

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  Nothing Compares - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By kcmartin1@aol.com - April 18 - 11:46 am

  Power to spare with milage to be proud of. 1500 mile trip with 80 mph+ cruise most of the time achived 23mpg - COOL. Every day backk and forth to work is about 20mpg, constant city stop and is only about 14mpg. Quite secure ride. Electronic Stability Program (ESP)is fantastic on wet roads you swear this thing has all wheel drive.

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  If you can find one, buy one - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Dodge Magnum RT - April 14 - 12:23 pm

  I have driven mine for almost 3 years and can report NO PROBLEMS. Lose the Conti tires and put on performance 255 wides and this car comes alive. Now it goes, corners and stops! I would buy a 2008 if I could find one. The RTs must come off a different line than the SXTs because I hardly ever hear of problems. If Chrysler would put in a better dash without all the charcoal gray, it would be an extraordinary car.