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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  No more imports for me, thank you - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Ed - August 14 - 1:30 pm

  I am a field engineer. I drive in total comfort, economy and awesome power when I need it. 43,000 miles on it without a hitch.

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  I love my Magnum - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Step Tyner - August 10 - 3:13 pm

  Aside from rather poor rear quarter visibility, that impossible-not-to- damage-while-parking lower front clip, and a seeming inability to "memorize" my garage door opener code, the car has been entirely trouble free. The concept is a superb one. Who says station wagons have to be snails? The interior cargo space includes handy grocery racks and a host of fascinating little compartments and such. And, while the interior decor is a bit Spartan, the seats are comfortable and all the controls are conveniently placed.

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  Still Loving It After a Year - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By NickTheFish - August 1 - 9:03 pm

  Ive driven this car for a year so far, and love it as much as the day I drove it off the lot. The AWD is great in any less than optimal traction situations - its very cool to just power away up a hill from a stop light in the rain with no wheel spin! It doesnt drive like your daddys station wagon. The handling is much more like a high performance sedan (i.e. Mercedes). You wont believe the amount of stuff you can get in this thing. The loading crew at Lowes never thought wed get a 4 burner grill (in the box) in there along with an arbor, a dozen plants and some bags of potting soil the other day. Weve towed a 3400lb trailer on multiple occasions with no sweat. Great car!

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  I love this car - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Don Shrum - July 28 - 8:19 am

  Ive had it one year. I have put 36,000 mostly highway miles on it. Highway mileage ranges from 26 to 28 miles per mpg. I love the styling and the interior roominess. After owning it a year we still get compliments on it. Its a red beauty.

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  Black Hemi R/T - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Susan - July 27 - 2:03 am

  This car has been so much fun to drive I dont want to get out of it. It handles well and is very comfortable. This Hemi has tons of power and then some. But it is also nice to cruise. The 4 disc braking is really great! I love it!

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  Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Malik - July 26 - 11:54 pm

  I love this vehicle. Its fast and sporty. Everywhere I go people stare and ask how I like it because they were thinking about getting one

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  Magnum Supreme - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Fred Baustian - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Fabulous car...fun to drive. Goes fast and comfortable. Best move I ever did was to purchase this great car.

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  Magnum R/T, we love it! - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By shortc4c777 - July 24 - 7:51 pm

  We absolutly love our new Magnum! The ride, performance, interior, sound system are all very good. Ours came with 20in. wheels, and it rides better than I expected. It is also the quietest (interior wise) car I have ever driven. I have no regrets in buying this car, I may go back & purchase a 300 or a Charger. I may even wait for the Challenger!

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By SPNH - July 24 - 7:50 pm

  I recently bought a 2005 Dodge Magnum SE. The base model with none of the fixings, and let me tell you that this vehicle has all that I will ever need. I fell in love with the Magnum over a short stint working for the dealer that I bought it from. The car I bought became my motivation to succeed. I have owned many cars in the past, but my Magnum is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. The 2.7L V6 delivers plenty of power, even when I dont need it. It is as civil at 70- 75mph as it is at 30. The gas mileage is acceptable and the ride ie exceptional. Not to mention the turned heads everywhere I go. Do I recommend it? A resounding yes. Add in its versatile nature and the Magnum is #1.

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  Favorite car to date - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By BenzGuy - July 24 - 7:14 pm

  My Magnum has been my favorite car to drive of all the many Ive owned. I reluctanly gave up my Mercedes for one and have not looked back since! I would suggest going for the engine upgrade, but even with the 2.7 I still have plenty of fun. I tend to drive my cars very hard, and my Magnum takes it all in stride. Cornering, hard braking, floored at most greens/toll plazas.