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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  Happy with my SRT8 Magnum - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By AGD - October 13 - 9:45 pm

  I traded a Volvo V70R for the Magnum SRT8 and I havent regretted my decision. This car is a blast to drive. its just so darn fast when you get on it. My 5 year old calls it the "Mommy Hot Rod".

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  Fun and Functional - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By SRT84JM - October 12 - 8:58 pm

  Two words describe this vehicle: fun and functionality. MPG? No. SPM (smiles per mile) outstanding!

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  Moms little hot rod - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By janet thomas - October 7 - 10:07 pm

  The first time I saw a Dodge Magnun, Ithought I was in love.I was so happy when I finally was able to purchase my dream car. My first long ride in my blue beauty was a trip from Rockford,Ill to Waterloo, Ia, to see my mother. Through the hills and curves it was so smooth.It was like riding on a cloud. There were a couple of times I had to pass some semis and I had the power to do so. I do not have the Hemi engine in it . For me, It is the finest riding machine on the earth. There is so much room for me to haul the thing I need. My kids like to call it,"Moms little hot rod". Yes, I am one very happy lady with the prettest blue magnum in the world. Thank you,Dodge for my car.

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  Lemon? - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Chrissy - September 25 - 2:37 pm

  Am I the only one that has had nothing but problems with my car? Multiple transmission problems? Radio replaced because the buttons just stop working? Horn works every once in a while and no one can seem to solve the problems. I had to have it when it came out since Im not am SUV kind of gal but I am so dissapointed. For the amount of money I spent I am not pleased with the way this car has performed.

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  Mopar Heaven - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By FloridaBob - September 24 - 4:43 pm

  Being a long time fan of Mopar cars, I have always wanted a Hemi engine. I have owned several muscle cars back in the 60s, this car rates as the best I have ever owned. Car is VERY fast and gets great gas mileage to boot. I only went to the dealer to look, I ended up driving one home.

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  A wonderful town and road car - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Dodge Magnum RT - September 23 - 9:10 pm

  I have been intrigued with the lines of this vehicle for several years. This was when I first saw a fleet of three cars, all black and no chrome with all kinds of strips on the outside and antennas on the middle vehicle. These cars were out for high-altitude testing. At that time, I had no idea what kind of vehicle they were. About two years later, I saw the first vehicle on a dealer lot, and it was the Dodge Magnum RT. I have liked this vehicle since. I have always liked the Hemi engine. The last Hemi I owned was in a 1957 Chysler New Yorker. I wouldnt be surprised if that engine ended up in one of Big Daddy Garlits rail dragsters. This is one fantastic vehicle!

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  After 1 year of hard driving - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Jim - September 23 - 11:02 am

  Drives smooth, handles great. After 1 year of in town driving, Im a realtor, I have never had a concern or issue with any mechanical or electrical issue.

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  Love My Maggie - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By bradyboy1 - September 19 - 11:09 am

  I have had my silver Magnum SE for almost 20 thousand miles and have not had a single issue. I have never taken it back to the dealer for anything other than oil changes. I have not encountered any of the problems that other people have posted on here. It is super quiet and very solid. Everything has worked perfectly! I love the styling. I get a ton of envious looks from both men and women, even with two carseats in the back. It is the coolest "Dad" car on the road in my opinion. It is very easy to load and unload kids and all their "equipment." I feel very cocky on the road in this car and I dont even own the Hemi. I live in El Paso and I have only seen a handful of others.

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  23,000 miles of joy and sorrow - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By goldenlion - August 29 - 10:18 am

  I have had my Magnum for almost 2 years now and have had a ball driving this car. I have had 2 bad and worse experiences concerning the front brakes. At 9000 miles the front rotors where replaced due to very bad pedal vibration. At 23k the vibration was back and the dealed wanted to charge me $180.00 to resurface the brakes. I replaced the rotors with Power slot rotors and CarQuest ceramic pads. The car stops much better than new and for about $600.00 in parts and an hour of my time my family is safe. Overall though, my experience with my Magnum is very positive. My overall fuel economy with the Hemi is about 25.25 highway and 19.2 city Not bad for an American V8 muscle car. Thanks Dr. "Z"

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  J RICH - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By jakeb richards - August 21 - 10:00 am

  i love this car!