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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  Best wagon ever! - 2008 Dodge Magnum
  By MagRT - December 21 - 1:57 pm

  Im writing this just to express my anger that Chrysler will stop producing this excellent vehicle. Great perfomer, has place for 5 tall people + luggage. Only minus is the fuel economy - in the city. All distances that I drive in a normal day are 3-6 miles with 5-10 traffic lights. Avg: 13 MPG. Highway - over 24 MPG.

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  Feel The Power - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By DRWIX - December 14 - 1:35 pm

  I bought my R/T Magnum new after driving the 300 and Charger I liked the magnum the best as far as handling. There is nothing I do not like about this car other than they are not making it after 2008. Shame on you Dodge, you never really advertised this car much as it was that was your fault, all things considered it sold well to begin with. Personally I think you should have redesigned it to offer a third seat, watch how it would sell then Dodge Brothers. I would buy another and I just may try an 08.

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  Great Car - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Andy268 - December 10 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the best riding and handling cars I have ever owned. The 3.5 V6 has plenty of power. I get looks almost everywhere I go. Dodge has built a Winner.

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  love it - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By johnlclark - November 17 - 6:53 pm

  Plenty of power to merge or pass and very comfortable seats.

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  Magnum, one fun soccer mom vehicle - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Mike - November 16 - 7:20 pm

  This car has it all....power, convenience, style, and fuel economy of a V6. We get a lot of looks and comments on this car. The one word I love is HEMI= raw power and fun!

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  Home run - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Remi McKenzie - November 13 - 3:36 am

  Dodge hit a home run with this one! Awesome looking and the power to back it up. Going to get myself in trouble with the law with this one. The overall quality and value is the exceptional secondary benefit. It handles so tight and smooth, you forget your really driving a 5 passenger car instead of 2 seat sports car! I have put 750 city miles on it and cant wait to take it on the highway.

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  best - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Bob Crachtit - November 12 - 8:13 am

  THE BEST CAR EVER

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  Never Thought Id Love This Car - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Cass - November 9 - 12:16 pm

  When my husband traded my PT Cruiser for a one year old Dodge Magnum, I was a little skeptical about the choice because it was so much larger than the Cruiser. Was I pleasantly surprised! I love this car it is so comfortable, so easy to handle, and comes in handy on Fridays when I take friends to lunch. The ability to manuever the car is superior, I can back up easily into a parking space and its great for hauling everything from the dogs to bags of mulch to groceries.

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  Unacceptable Powertrain!!!! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Unsatified Owner - November 5 - 9:24 pm

  After 3 rebuilds and a new transmission replacement I brought it back to the dealership last week to confirm that my NEW transmission still shakes. They not only confirmed it, but told me Chrysler has to engineer a fix for my transmission. The service manager told me he will call me in thirty days for an update. WHAT THE! SO, IM SUPPOSED TO KEEP DRIVING THIS THING! After a year of ownership and 16,000 miles Ive had a series of MAJOR mechanical problems with the engine, suspension, and now the transmission. You think this car is a LEMON?!! Chrysler doesnÂ’t even know what is wrong with my transmission! My average fuel economy is around 10 mpg! Thats right 10! This sucks!

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  Cruiser - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Joni - November 4 - 11:16 am

  I enjoy the stability and power, and the style is one of a kind. Im always asked about my Magnum RT and how I feel about it. A very enthusiastic thumbs up!