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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  Excellent automobile - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By john lindemann - April 8 - 5:50 pm

  Fun to drive, very comfortable. Good looking, plenty of interior room. Fuel economy good, smooth running. Plenty of horse power at any speed. Would definetly reccomend this car.

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  Stylish and flexible with lots of room - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Greg - April 6 - 11:04 am

  The SE is fun to drive, has wonderful racy styling and handles like a dream. It corners flat and holds the road beautifully. The 2.7 Liter engine is a little underpowered for the size of the vehicle, but considering it is such a small engine, I have no problem with available power. I purchased the 2.7 specifically because I wanted a vehicle that affords good fuel economy, and it delivers that plus I like driving the Magnum. I purchased the car in 2008 and am very happy with the value received. I get a car that looks and feels like a new car and the 2 years depreciation (60% off new price) give me a real bargain. I dont understand it but like getting such a great bargain!

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  Fun and flexible. - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By ACM - April 6 - 1:06 am

  I went from a 2006 Honda Odyssey (3 steering racks in 20,000 miles was 3 too many) to the RT. The cargo volume is not quite that of the van but it is good. Four guys and golf bags are handled with ease. The gas mileage to date (5500 miles) is one mile to the gallon worse than the Honda. The fun to drive factor is approximately 8.5 out of 10. If you have to drive a wagon this is the one that will make you smile. I can only imagine how much fun the SRT8 must be to drive. I am already planning some tweaks to the engine and suspension because the chassis is just so good that it begs for more power and better spring rates. This really is a great platform, hats off to the engineers at Dodge

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  Reminds me of an old Chevy Nomad - 2007 Dodge Magnum
  By John CT - April 3 - 3:06 pm

  Fun car to drive. I installed a Jet chip to even out the sluggish starts. I cant complain, though it is only a V6 (3.5L) and not a Hemi. The chip worked nicely. Next is a K&N Air intake, cheap ways to gain a few more ponies.

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  Fantasic Ride - 2008 Dodge Magnum
  By RS - March 28 - 9:57 pm

  Dodge fires the car instead of the people that didnt figure out how to package and market a Fantastic car. I found a rare 29R package with the performance exhaust, seats, wheels, etc. My last two cars were a BMW 5 series and an M3. The Magnum is the best car I have ever owned period! Well controlled ride, quite inside, seats are incredibly comfortable, very powerful and smooth engine and moves the car effortlessly and will do about anything you want, plus in highway driving on my first tank of gas I got 25.6 mi per gallon. Crossovers, the Magnum blows you out of the water. The Magnum does everything better and for less money. What else do you want. I never thought I would own a Dodge WOW!!!

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  Still lovin it! - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By simplijm - March 19 - 9:14 am

  I bought my 06 to replace my aging Durango and from day one it was a great choice. Even though I did not get the AWD, it still rocks in any weather, with the addition of Blizzaks for the winter. Im 64" and it is really comfortable, plus with two car seats in the back, the kids have enough room too. I put the whole family in and we go looking fo twisty turny roads to play on. With the autostick, I can run that car pretty hard and it just keeps asking for more. Cruises really nicely for the 25 mile each way commute, but gotta keep an eye on it. I tend to enjoy driving and sometimes look down and see 80 when Im just having fun. Definitely a family car for dad to have fun in!

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  Chrysler Quality Sucks !!! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By EdwardR - March 16 - 10:12 am

  I purchased a 2005 SXT AWD, new in June of 2005 (cost $31,500). Here is a list of the issues Ive had with it. First, after only 30,000 miles, the factory Continental tires would not pass inspection. Second, after numerous visits to the dealer, about intermittent problems with the rear power windows, the window regulator seized up. Just outside of the warranty. (what a coincidence, and I have the other side to look forward to repairing now) The engine has been running rough for the last 27,000 miles and, of course, the dealer has been unable to diagnose or fix. They just perform the basic "shotgun" technique of plugs, wires, etc... I have had the transmission ROM flashed twice and was charged!

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  Should have bought it sooner - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Toms NYC Review - March 13 - 10:04 pm

  I purchased this car used with only 80 miles on it and got a super deal, number 1. I was statisfied with the price, leather , styling, sunroof, and the space. Hope it would be as powerful as my 1970 Cutlass which I missed dearly, and holy cow it was. Not only was it peppy and powerful but I had all the safety and comfort of a car built today. And yes, it does get good gas mileage when driven nicely, which I personally cannot do! Wish I did not have to deal with all the lovely traffic of NYC, then I can really open it up

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  I Can Drive 55 - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Debera - March 13 - 11:53 am

  After trading in my 1993 SHO for this I am jumping for joy. I have two 6ft 4 sons who fit in the back seat with room to spare. The trunk to the wagon has more then enough space, I call this my truck. Handling a load of one adult size wheelchair and four suit cases. The get up and go with my SXT 3.5 ltr high out put engine is enough for me, think of the tickets I would have with the R/T. Handles well in all weather, only problem I have is it sits very low to the road watch out for plastic bag they will get hung up on exhaust and start melting. Over all, I know I will have this wagon for atleast ten more years. And yes I can drive 55 but it does want to use its power which is there

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  Styling and perfomance is back .. Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Mr. High Hat - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Magnum is a head turner. Ive been asked at stop lights and parking lots, What are you driving. When I tell them its a Dodge they are surprised. They are expecting a foreign car badge name.Due to the 50s look this car is begging to have performance items and dressup pkgs available before the year is out. The 3.5 Liter engine performance is ample,but it aint a hemi !! This car will have a strong appeal for drivers of all ages. With 1300 miles on the odometer the gas milage is around 22MPG city and hwy Enough, Im taking my wife to Big Boy for more adulations.