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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  Awesome vehicle - 2007 Dodge Magnum
  By jerry - March 9 - 7:07 am

  Every time I see my car I cant believe how good it looks. @hat a beautiful, fun to drive vehicle it is. I wouldnt mind having one of the bigger engines, however I enjoy the gas mileage and cant complain about power or acceleration. Overall Im very satisfied with my car, it gets me from point a to point b in style and comfort.

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  nbabei live - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By lc - March 8 - 10:26 pm

  its good and i really like its speed and quick accleration

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  satisfied buyer - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By greg - March 5 - 11:03 pm

  I drove the 2 wheel drive model a few months ago,and liked it alot. I decided to wait until the AWD model came out before buying one. I am very happy with the one that I bought. It really is a pleasure to drive this car. It is very comfortable, solid and quiet going down the road. For a car in the $30,000.00 price range,it really has alot of good features. People do notice it when I drive it.

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  Ownership of the Dodge Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By jasper porter - February 28 - 6:43 pm

  tThis vehicle is a lot of fun to drive. My wife and I will sometimes fight about who will drive. I used to drive all the time, but now she wants to drive. This is the only car that I like more than my pickup. We try to find reasons to drive this car. We have two other cars that we drive to work, but this is our favorite.

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  HAS IT GOT A HEMI - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By STINGERLZ - February 26 - 4:00 pm

  FUN TO DRIVE. GETS A LOT OF LOOKS AND COMMENTS FROM PEOPLE ON THE STREET. EVERYONE WANTS TO KNOW IF ITS GOT A HEMI.

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  Love the Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By garbroo - February 25 - 9:53 am

  What a pleasure to drive. This baby just wants to run, and if you let it the fun doubles. Great handling and the ride is superb. After driving a 2001 Intrepid RT driving this is more that double the fun.

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  And They Quit Making Them - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By pmedic - February 23 - 10:20 am

  I have throughly enjoyed this car. I added a K&N FIPK and Magnaflow mufflers and have been completely satisfied. I cant believe that Dodge quit making them. Im trying to find a 2008. Wake up Dodge, no wonder you are having problems. MPG is not bad, I can get 26 MPG if I keep my foot out of it. It has a good carrying capacity and also looks good. They have no other vehicle that can compete on this level. If I cant get a 2008 I only know that my next vehicle will not be a Dodge. Get one if you can an enjoy both worlds.

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  a true owner - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By donovan - February 16 - 4:23 am

  This is a great looking car. Awesome performance.

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  Great car - 2008 Dodge Magnum
  By PaulV - February 8 - 10:05 pm

  I wanted a sporty, powerful, low CG car, able to pull a small trailer, and haul lots of stuff. This was the only one under $50K. I recently completed a 4000 mi roadtrip and it was great.... very comfortable (Im 64"), and it didnt even downshift going up mountain passes. The lifetime powertrain warranty & multidisplacement engine were big pluses. The high intensity headlights are great turn night into day. I think the interior is ugly 5 different colors... bad try at a retro look, but Im getting over it. The visibility isnt good, and made worse by heavy window tinting. The trailer package didnt come with a hitch or wiring. The my gig system works well great sound.

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  Great Car! No Regrets! - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Dodge Owner - February 8 - 12:53 pm

  This is the best car we have ever owned. Powerful engine, quiet ride, sleek styling. Love the leather, heated seats, sunroof, and AWD!