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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  Little red Grocery getter - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Dawn - September 16 - 10:03 pm

  I like it so far.. I hope the wagon style doesnt get old after awhile. My husband likes the chopped body style look. It looks like a car from the front

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  Dodge Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By skip - September 15 - 3:16 am

  This vehicle is very reliable and very quick response for the size vehicle. The new aggressive look of the front end appeals to me. The coolest thing about the Dodge Magnum is the low- profile of the vehicle. The great fuel- economy is very nice, 19.7 city.

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  MY TANK - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By WBE - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THE BUILD OF THE CAR. THE INTERIOR IS BIG AND ROOMY. THE PASSENGER AREA IS RELAXING, AND THE DRIVE-SMOOTH

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  Magnum SXT R/T - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Paul Rodriguez - August 22 - 12:47 am

  One off the best cars Ive owned, the speed and control is better then my past sports cars, with better gas mileage too. Wow what a car!

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  Lil Red Wagon - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Joe B - August 10 - 1:43 am

  This is one GREAT wagon.

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  2 year rating - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By tsarge - August 8 - 7:06 pm

  In 2 years had minor problems. Small tranny leak and a small rattle under the right front splash guard. Thats it! I have gotten up to 27 mpg @ 70mph for a 120 miles. City is right around 16.

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  Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Topip - August 5 - 12:53 am

  We really like the car and its performance. Had a piece of weather stripping fall off a rear passenger door and have some paint chipping off the front fascia. Dealer has agreed to repair.

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  Tight car, no complaints - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By DavidJames - August 2 - 9:14 pm

  I love the Magnums. Love the Hemi. The power is amazing. Its smooth like an old Caddy. I have 2 kids and am very glad I went with this over a Charger, a lot roomier.

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  dodge magnum rt - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By M.J.Pods - July 31 - 5:36 am

  this vehicle is everything i always wanted wrapped up in one package.the power of the big v8 is awesome.add to that the comfort of the leather interior and the low slung look it is just one great machine.it was a head- turner the day i bought it and probably will still be 20 years down the road.

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  Best car I ever bought - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By vjklander - July 28 - 2:46 pm

  My wife and I looked around for a new car and came down to the Chrysler A300, Dodge Charger, and the Dodge Magnum. When we saw the all-black Magnum we just loved the styling and found the rear cargo space desirable since we often need to take her parents to doctors appointments and the wheelchair fits easily.