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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  great car - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By magnum mom - November 6 - 10:00 am

  car is great. have a toddler and works out super. tons of room. only complaint is rotten on snow. will be parked for winter. fun to drive. sharp looking car that performs well.

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  SXT 2WD 2006 3.5 250hp V6 - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By SXT2WD_Guy - November 5 - 10:28 am

  I have just purchased this car recently and took a trip of about 1000kl/600mi. loved the way the car handled and comfort was very good. Fuel mileage was above my expectation as I averaged 39.84 mpg hwy and 34.32 city, very excited about that. 3.5 engine has lots of power and is all that is needed in this wonderful wagon

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  I love this car!! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By badkitty - November 3 - 10:05 pm

  It is one of the funnest cars I have ever owned. Gets good gas mileage considering the engine. I usually average about 21 mpg. It has been to the dealership a few times. Five times for the same rattle which we finally tracked down to the front passenger wheel well plastic not being screwed in properly. More recently gearshift would get stuck in park. Repaired the brake sensor (twice). For a car in its introductory year, I have been very pleased. Tonight my airbag light came on. Im going to monitor that situation. I love the roominess. I have a two year old and I love when I speed up and he giggles. I think he likes it as much as I do

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  2005 Dodge Magnum - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By hemijak - November 3 - 9:33 pm

  Best car I ever bought. Has the power of a SUV, and good gas mileage. Very comfy, and very useful for house projects. Great looker, and I really enjoy it as my daily driver to and from work.

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  What a machine! - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By hemibp - November 2 - 10:16 am

  While I have only put 1500 miles on this Hemi-powered rocket, I was impressed from the first moment of a test drive. I was attracted to it by the syling and Hemi power. I read a lot of reviews on the Magnum and researched every bit of material that I could find. When I finally decided to buy it, I never regretted my decision. This car handles like a sports car with the Mercedes suspension. The car is bearly broken in so the only issue I have is with the city mileage. The first tank was all local driving (NYC) and I got 12 mpg. I have to be careful getting on the highway because you are up to 85 mph before you know it. Great stereo and plenty of room. People are impressed with this one.

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  Statisfied Magnum Owner - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By mopar - October 26 - 6:08 pm

  Purchased Mag R/T used, second owner, with approx 19,000 miles. It runs great, currently has 24,000. So far no problems except for engine light. No steering, handling problems. No weird sounds. Very satisfied. Mileage could be better, but what do you expect, its a Hemi. Great pickup on interstates.

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  An economy muscle car - 2007 Dodge Magnum
  By Patrick - October 21 - 10:29 pm

  This car is wild. It actually drives like a race car. It gives reasonable economy with tremendous power

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  Excellent Utilitarian Vehicle - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Ryan - October 20 - 1:42 pm

  We have taken the car on two long road trips already. I was worried about the small V6 in such a large car but the pep was sufficient for excellent highway driving. The car is smooth and the steering is sharp for such a large car. Although the small windows in the rear reduce visibility, the side mirrors are the first adequate mirrors Ive ever seen on a car making the car much more navigatable through city streets. Fuel economy is actually exceeding the mid-size sedan we traded in. The transmission is uncharacteristically smooth from my previous experiences with Dodge. Only one minor warrenty issue so far (switch knob).

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  Magnum outside, Minimum inside - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By directr1 - October 20 - 5:44 am

  Magnum RT AWD is a great car all year. Super mileage even with a load. Only criticism, for a $40K + vehicle, less plastic and more style in the interior.

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  Dodge Magnum SRT8 - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By charlie - October 17 - 6:50 pm

  This car has great power, great styling, and gets pretty good gas mileage, but it rides like a Caddy and handles like a Vette. The thing I like about this car is that it seats 5 and has plenty of cargo room. I was a little afraid to buy it ,but once I drove it, and my wife drove it, I realized I made the right choice