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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  Goodbye Pocket Sucking Pickup - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Lawrence - November 4 - 4:50 am

  I have been admiring this car from afar since the day I saw it. I was driving a F150 to and from work and as a primary mode of transportation until gas hit 2.15 a gallon. That day I decided that I was not going to put more that ten dollars into my truck and hopefully I could make it to the dealer. I am six foot six so a Honda was not in the running. I sat down in the Magnum adjusted the seat and fell in love. Plenty of leg, knee, shoulder and head room. I decided to get the 2.7 engine instead of the Hemi based on the huge price jump for the Hemi. That was my only let down. Other than that the 2.7 has plenty of get up and go and I can save even more in gas.

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  Sleeper Wagon - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Dan Tutas - November 2 - 10:02 pm

  I have had a lot of performance cars in my life and this is one of the best. It is very useful as you can carry other people or use it to go to the hardware store. It is fast and fun to drive on top of that. It handles very good and rides really nice on the highway. I had the RT before my SRT8 and both of these cars are real nice. It reminds me of my younger days in the 60s when a lot of people had "sleeper wagons." It runs with most cars on the street and yet gets great gas mileage. 425 HP and I am averaging between 19 and 21 MPG. Depends on how many times you put your foot into it. How can you beat that? I sure wish it had a 6-speed stick though, see my comment below.

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  Magnum is a MUST have! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Jack Salseda - October 19 - 4:13 am

  This car ROCKS. I was sold before the test drive. While there are a few minor upgrades I would suggest, this is without a doubt A MUST HAVE. In the RT Model, the only improvements I would suggest are having the front passenger seat be completely automatic. The half auto, half manual doesnt make sense and is not convenient. The head lights need an auto selection to turn themselves on and off, as most cars of this caliber have. Making the VES (Video Entertainment System) standard on the Navigation System in the RT Model would be a nice touch. Overall I would rate the RT Magnum at a 10+!

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  Love it - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Caryl - October 17 - 9:38 am

  Love my Hemi. Although I have had a couple of issues...tie rods, navigation, and windows/sunroof electrical problems. But no car is perfect, especially when its a new model. I am sure the list of complaints will be taken care of. Considering the size of the car I cannot complain about the gas mileage- I think it does well for her size and power. We took it to Florida and we were very comfy and it did great on gas. The ultimate "Mom" car that Dad loves to drive to take advantage of the get up and go. Mom is guilty of that too. Its a very roomy, family car that is really sharp looking. I swore I would never own a wagon. Congrats to Dodge for creating the cool and fun family vehicle.

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  Great Car. Tag yourre it for problems! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By magnumagogo - October 11 - 5:59 pm

  First of all I love my car. It seems like I was chosen by Dodge to be the guinea pig for the problems that dont happen to anyone else. Tires lasted just over 22k. Was told I overinflated them, but mustve been dealership because I am never one to do it yourself. Tranny went out at 30k (its a Mercedes tranny too!) & it took forever to fix! Then the temp gauge went out (cant remember why, but they had never seen the problem in all of the magnums they had seen in the shop), window went out, key fob died, still have a popping noise when I make sharp left turns, but never can be heard when in the shop.

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  What SUV? - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Ed Salvadore - October 10 - 2:06 pm

  Brutally fast and solid ride. Long wheelbase makes vehicle less nimble for around town driving. Overall I am very pleased.

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  Love my Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By kevin - October 7 - 2:21 pm

  Hi, I really love driving my Magnum! The 3.5 gets the mileage I was looking for, and the fun as well. The air blows cold and the fun runs hot! Im really enjoying my ride. Have fun out there! See you on the road.

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  2006 Dodge Magnum SE 2.7L 4CYL - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By DE - September 24 - 11:42 pm

  I had this car for 6 months now and have had no problems at all. It runs and drives great. I would like to see a little more power but that is my fault for buying the one with the small engine, (for gas mileage reasons), and it does get excellent fuel mileage.

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  Overall - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Clifford Seal - September 19 - 11:23 pm

  I like the overall car it is great it drives more like a sports car than a family car. The inside is great all the gauges or well placed the controls and easy to reach. The room inside is just great i like to be able to shift the gears myself. all the safety features or great. I guess you could say i like ever thing about the car.

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  Love the car, hate the repairs - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Jake - September 17 - 6:18 pm

  First I will list the problems: 1. First set of Goodyear Integrity tires did not last long. The first winter I tried to find Snow tires but they did not exsist in that size. There is a little more selection now. 2. Needed the first set of new tie rods at 34,000 miles. 3. Front braked fell apart at 40K miles 4. At 50,600 miles it needed tie rods again and sway bar links. This time I used NAPA parts with a lifetime warranty. 5. One power window does not work. 6. Check engine light comes and goes but the dealer does not know whats wrong. With that all said I like the car, I fit in it(67"). Like the style, its lots of attention. But it makes it tough to reccommend with all the problems