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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  Poor steering - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By g bell - May 11 - 6:36 pm

  The Dodge Magnum is having a problem with the front end pulling to the right. Ive had it in the shop 5 times since I purchased it in August. Its better, now the car just drifts to the right, but on a distance drive your arm will still be sore .Dodge said its engineers are working on the problem but its been a couple of months. Though Im past the lemon law, I love the car and dont want to give it up. I hope they come up with something soon! My friend at work has the same problem with his and and loves it to much to give it up

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  European Accents & Ride - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By diggy1969 - May 5 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been the best Ive ever owned. I wanted a mercedes, but decided not to spend an unrediculous amount on a vehicle. I chose the Dodge Magnum SXT, because of its sleek styling and european accents. The safety features are the best Ive ever seen. I feel like I have total control

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  Love this car - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By blackmag - April 27 - 4:30 pm

  Head turner everywhere you go. Everyone wants to know what it is. Great gas mileage. I had a Dakota 5.2 that I traded in for the blackmag and the Magnum seems to have as much get up and go and looks great doing it

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  Top Notch - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By HammerMaster - April 27 - 9:07 am

  The Mercedes Benz based 4-matic is amazing. I will never drive another car without it. Wet weather traction like i have never seen before. All this on top of 340HP! Styling speaks for itself. Love it or hate it. Interior is huge. Turning radius is great for such a huge car. Speed, well there are cars that are faster but I dare them to do it in such a good looking car or loaded up with 5 people and groceries and still have power. Eat that import lovers. My only minor want is at $34k why could I not get the auto turning mirrors when the car is off like its German cousin. All together, I dont think you could get all the things this car offers from anyone else at the price its offered.

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  Fantastic car! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By dnstrom - April 23 - 3:43 pm

  This was a compromise between an SUV, sports car, luxury car, and an economy conscious car. What a perfect fit. It does all well and is fun to drive and be seen in! I already have a truck that gets 10 miles to the gallon and wanted something to fill the gap and yet I dont like most cars! Wow!

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  Great car - 2007 Dodge Magnum
  By Rex Wilson - April 19 - 12:45 pm

  We recently took a 2300 mile trip in the car with four people and full of luggage, no problems. Ran great, average 20.9 mpg, even with a few high speed bursts.

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  WOW - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By David - April 16 - 10:56 pm

  The last really neat car I owned was in 1962, a 1959 Austin Healy 3000. I had been looking at a new SUV after 6 years of a Jimmy. Couldnt get excited about anything. Then I saw a Magnum and I was sold. This car really turned my head, and when I started reading about it I decided I wanted one. I ordered one back in July or so, and had to wait until November to get it. Well worth the wait. What a car, what a ride. We took a 200 mile trip the day after we got it, and I knew I had made a good decision. Mileage was about 21 mpg for that trip, and I am told that will impove once the engine breaks in.

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  Silver Dodge Magnum 2005 AWD Hemi - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Ray Field - April 16 - 2:48 pm

  The vehicle is revolutionary. I wanted an alternative to an SUV. This car has it all. Speed, comfort, room, safety, sporty appearance, the list goes on. The price advantage for the vehicle against a comparable Mercedes or other Euro-wagon type makes the Magnum the clear choice.

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  JUST LOVE IT! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Mandy Eames - March 28 - 7:13 pm

  I am a mom/volunteer on the go. Have had a van/mini-van for 23 years! Took some getting used to, but I ABSOLOUTLY ADORE my MAGNUM! Its zippy, has pep, plenty of room to haul groceries for a large family, haul stuff to the beach (including surf boards - even a LONG board!) Took it into the mountains this fall, it took the steep inclines with no problems.

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  Gas sucker - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By pbardet - March 27 - 10:48 am

  After 2 years of ownership, I love the comfort and all the features I got in the car, but I hate the poor mileage. Ive never been able to do more than 15-16mpg average with that car. In winter, I down to less than 12 mpg. This stinks big time, especially when its advertised at 19mpg (city). Dealers/Chrysler wont do anything about it. Not their problem. I know for a fact (checked with other owners) that its a problem with my car, not all the Magnums. I wish Chrysler would just look at it.