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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  I love this car! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Melanie Andreasen - July 20 - 2:09 pm

  I have wanted one of these since they first came out on the market. After finally finding one that was equipped the way I wanted it to be, I have to say that Im not disappointed in any way with this car. It is extremely comfortable and quiet. The acceleration and handling are amazing,and it is a pleasure to own. Since I am a very descriminating comsumer, the only complaint I could ever have is about the color choices that Dodge is offering this model in. They stink. They are boring and drab and in no way reflect how truly special this car really is!

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  Great room - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Russell B. - July 16 - 4:50 pm

  I had a 2004 Ford F-150 5.4L V8. I traded it in for the 2006 Magnum, and the two things that I was worried about was leg room and fuel economy. My truck was great with interior space, but with gas hitting $3.00 per gallon, and me having to drive over 100 round trip to work, I needed something better for fuel. I was a little put off on the Magnum, but the leg room sold me. There is almost as much leg room as my truck, and even though I get the same mileage on fuel, it cost me 1/2 has much to fill up.

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  Wonderful car!! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By krd - July 13 - 2:26 pm

  Just got my Magnum a couple of weeks ago. I bought the car that the dealer ordered because the one I had ordered wasnt near the point of being built.That is one point I would like to make if you are planning on ordering an RT...plan on a good long wait. Mine has been on order for three months and is still not built. It is a beautiful Mineral Gray with gorgeous leather seats. One of the best new cars I have ever purchased. Very solid feel good power and great handling. I felt right at home in this car from the first time I drove it.

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  70,000 miles and loving it - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By John Hutchins - July 10 - 12:35 pm

  Have nearly 70,000 miles on my RT. As a former Toyota owner for 30 years it took a lot to bring me to buy a Dodge. This is one heck of a car! It captures the feeling of a 60s muscle car with great fuel economy, comfort, safety, and very high build quality. I went thru the factory in Brampton Ontario and was very impressed by what I saw. A clean super efficient factory where the workers work in teams, totally German influence from Mercedes. Some people may be put off by the rather stark interior, but it grows on you, think German influence. The Magnum is also a great workhorse, carries quite a bit with rear seats folded and a fine tow vehicle with the self-leveling suspension.No complaints!

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  Back to the Future - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Magnum - Radar - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I have always loved the Chevy Nomad, and when I first laid eyes on the vechicle, I knew it was build for me. The station wagon 50s look. The feels of nostagia, I get when Im behind the wheel. This vehicle reminds me of when I was a child. I have always loved wagons. That was the main reason I bought this. Exceptional automobile. Beautiful. Comfortable. Great performance. Test drive this car before your next purchase. You gotta be in it, for it to truely win you over.

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  A great car to have! - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Danny - July 6 - 1:08 am

  My family and I took the 1st road trip to Vegas. It was a smooth and fun drive going across the desert. Car stayed cool woth the AC on the whole way. Love every minute that I am behind the wheel of my Magnum!

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  I love my Maggie! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Terrie - July 1 - 1:25 pm

  Have had a few electronic gliches, but otherwise, a very good car thats fun to drive.

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  My Magnum I - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By gregcarithers - June 28 - 2:50 pm

  I chose the 2.7L Magnum. Black on Black. For such a large car, I couldnt find another that would beat the gas miliage. I am getting an average of 30 miles to the gallon on the highway and a tank of gas will last me almost 2 weeks going to and from work. I use my car for customers and they love it. It has all the room I need for their bags and carryons as well as comfort for the trip. While I have heard some things about the 2.7L not be enough for this large car, for me its plenty. It has the power when I need it and then drops to the cruise mode when Im in fast lane. I can drive this car and 115 and it feels the same as driving at 55mph. And yes it will reach 115 with not problems!

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  Ton of fun, but not reliable - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Geoff Rummel - June 28 - 7:04 am

  Magnum RT AWD is a load of fun to drive. Installed an AFE Cold Air Intake - adds 10 extra HP. Car is comfortable, agile and extremely fast. AWD with 4 snow tires easily handles severe winter driving. My only complaint is poor quality and reliability. Ive been to the dealer 13 times in the first 4 months. AWD transfer case vibrated - fixed first time, replaced second time. Three new radios replaced in succession - radio ate my CDs. Steering rack vibration - unit replaced. OEM self-sealing tires replaced under warranty after only 8,000 miles. Major suspension rattle. Wiper switch defective. Cupholder lid defective. Front brake rotors warped after 5,000 miles - replaced under warranty.

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  Family car - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By anika honhart - June 24 - 9:08 pm

  It is a nice car to have for a family. Very roomy! Do not like sunroof open unless I had a wind guard. Has a lot of power with Hemi! Love the navagation system. Came in handy when traveling. Gas milege is not very good! 18 miles to the gallon! The head rest is not very comfortable, kind of bulgy. But drives very smoothly!