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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  Sad Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Pam - July 18 - 8:11 pm

  My 2005 Magnum has numerous serious problems including several electical problems, and now although I have only had it 2 years the A/C no longer works. All parts have to be purchased from Dodge making all repairs very costly. Car sits very low to the ground and suffers from body damage due to this. Woulndt buy another one although I love the look. Gas mileage is average.

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  All Tens to me. - 2007 Dodge Magnum
  By Kali_P - July 15 - 12:47 pm

  I had to decide what kind of car I was gonna get. I was more than surprised to realise that I was going to be buying an American Car (that wasnt a Jeep). After owning 3 BMWs, I was sure a European car would be sitting in the driveway but wow. The Magnum has been a favorite design since they hit the streets. After driving it, the handling, the fit and finish, the interior, the solid feel of well thought out construction, and most importantly, the way I feel when Im driving this car. How did Dodge manage to keep the vehicle so tame and peaceful on the inside. It kinda feels like a Mercedes... OK, maybe it is the Daimler influence on Dodge.

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  Early Magnum results - 2007 Dodge Magnum
  By Dlin - July 15 - 1:11 am

  Nice comfortable car with lousy windows and mediocre controls. What were they thinking? Hard to see stoplights, tops of hills etc. through narrow low windshield, the back has a narrow slit that gets dirty fast and is hard to see much in the rear either. Only question was where to mount the machine gun in the bunker. The cruise control, trip odometer are poorly located and designed, who needs an extra left handed stalk that runs right across the gas gauge. Did you hit the turn signal or the cruise control? Bad design. Controls and instruments have been much better designed in nearly all cars for over 50 years. Styling just to be different just dosent cut it.

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  Dont buy the V6! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By RKK - July 1 - 9:46 am

  Sluggish with the V6. 2nd gear is too tall. No torque below 3,000 rpm. Desperately needs a 5-spd auto, not 4! The steering is too much on-center. If theres a groove in the road, the Magnum will find it.

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  06 Magnum - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Moose - June 28 - 9:22 pm

  I looked at many vehicles over 6 months before deciding on the Magnum. I have had it now for a 1 1/2 years and am very pleased. I have 4 kids and can fit them all in and still have space in the back. The car drives very well and has great brakes although I would recommend ABS. I got the 2.7L v6 for the gas mileage. It does not have alot of power but I do get 20 mpg in the city. I have not taken it on any long trips so I dont know the highway mpg. For around town the car is perfect, it looks great, handles well, gets good mpg, is very comfortable (I am 63) and can take 5 adults plus stuff in the back. We had a Dodge Polaris wagon growing up, there is no comparison!

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  Got to Believe ! - That Dads Wagon ? - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Jellobrand - June 19 - 4:33 pm

  The car is a car, a truck, a wagon, a SUV. But inside the heart and soul is a sports car trapped in a wagons body!

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  06 Magnum - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Phil - June 10 - 12:03 am

  My SXT AWD is the most fun auto Ive ever owned. It has head-turning style and a performance package that allows the car to be a king on the road.

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  My Magnum Rocks! - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Karen - June 2 - 5:31 pm

  I sell Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep products, and have been looking closely at the 300, Charger and Magnum for some time. Comparing all things equally, my Magnum fits my kids and their stuff (hockey, lacrosse, football and all other equipment), and my golf clubs and my hubbys. It has the hot looks of a sexy sportscar, but has the capability of a family sedan. I feel great driving this amazing vehicle, and working as a Sales and Leasing Consultant, I get to drive dozens and dozens of vehicles and models all the time! I love my leather interior, sunroof, autostick and Boston Acoustics stereo for when I want to crank it up!

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  Reliability Issues - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By J MOORE - May 27 - 6:26 pm

  Although Ive had many inquiries form people about asking about this vehicle, I hav not been able to recommend it due to reliability issues. This car has been in the shop for numerous, I would characterize as nuisance problems. The AM portion of the radio has gone out on the car twice. The left rear window has gone out twice. The rear hatch has stopped working. The transmission jerks. Even though this car is a great looker, and is very useful, I dont think I will own it very long.

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  Fast and Fun - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Leslie - May 14 - 3:54 pm

  All in all I will have to say this is my all time favorite car! Love the power! No more waiting to get out in traffic. Plenty of cargo space and seats are very comfy. The only downside is that it is so peppy that we cant seem to keep our foot off of the gas! We were sold from the test drive on this car. If youre going to get one, get the Hemi! It is well worth it!