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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  Family Wagon - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Mike - November 15 - 10:22 pm

  This is a car that I believe succesfully fulfills the niche inbetween a minivan, family wagon, and a performance sedan. Since I first saw and read about the Magnum I really liked it. After driving it, I loved it. The car is manueverable in the city and is a great freeway flyer that cruises at 85 MPH all day while getting 24-25 MPG with a 340 HP Hemi. Outstanding!

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  Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Alexander14 - November 15 - 10:00 am

  Incredible handling and all around great car

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  My studly station wagon - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By brenda peek - November 12 - 10:53 pm

  I love my new car. This car has so many features that make it a real deal. The power is awesome and the comfort is great. Great car for my family of 3.

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  2006 Magnum from Ontario - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By robbo68 - November 11 - 3:07 pm

  I am a lifelong Dodge fan. From the Dodge Dspen to Dakota now to the Magnum I am very impressed witht the structure of the whole car. I believe they spent time on this and made it right. Spacious in design with a whole lot of sport.

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  My Two Cents - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By A. PHILIP - November 11 - 11:15 am

  I bought it to drive it in the snow, but changed my mind and still live in the south. Im in the car business ( luxury sales) but fell in love with this car at first sight. One year and 16,000 miles later, I love it still! I have chipped it, and added a performance filter and exhaust. It is a blast. Wish I had the bought the RT though.

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  Who the hell needs an SUV - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Todd Werth - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This thing is just a cool car , go with the larger wheel and tire package and get the 5.7L Hemi at whatever cost, you wont be regret it. The Hemi runs as a 4-cylinder on the highway. And it handles excellent, smaller turn radius than you think. The V6s are pretty stout too.

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  Smooth Riding - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By James Lockwood - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Easy to handle,quiet ride, visual ability excellent. Roomy inside makes shopping a breeze with high hatchback door up high. Very comfortable seating, for 5 people with large leg room in back seat. Adjustable peddle and seats make it easy for myself at 6ft. to drive and for my 53 wife to easily change quickly as she drives 90% of the time. Smooth at turns and brakes are excellent. See what winter will bring.

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  Very Pleased - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By My Mag - November 8 - 7:43 pm

  I bought my Magnum last November. I love the car. I am having problems with water leaking in my doors and falls on the rocker panels. This freezes my doors shut in the winter. So far there doesnt seem to be a solution for this problem. All in all, the car is great. I love driving it. Handles well, looks excellent and is very comfortable to drive and to sit in. Has some blind spots but after driving it for awhile you get use to it. The windshield fogs on the inside quite easily and is hard to unfog for some reason, maybe because the windows are so small. I feel Ive made the right choice buying the magnum.

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  I love my wagon! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By enydvalentin - November 8 - 3:50 pm

  I am a working mother of two girls and I wanted a car bigger than a sedan- not a SUV, and definitevely not a mini van because I hate looking like a "soccer mom" in them (though that will never apply to me anyway!). The Magnum was the perfect choice. It is big, brute and sturdy looking but it drives very well, very smoothly. The perfect car for a once-tomboy now professional mom. It also catches peoples eyes - twice Ive had two men telling me their love my car. So do I!

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  Why purchase a Subaru - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Ken - November 7 - 9:49 am

  Wow. I am a 60s child. What an increase in quality, driveability, utility, and performance. Commute 70 miles one way to work. I am much fresher upon arrival than I was driving an " all wheel drive import". Exceptionaly quiet, solid. I have had the vehicle four months and have put 18k miles on the clock.