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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  Grocery Getter with an Attitude - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Noah and Kristen - June 23 - 10:22 pm

  We bought our new Magnum three weeks ago and I have been in love with it ever since. The weekend after we bought it, we drove it to Nashville and averaged 27 MPG. The power out of our 3.5L is amazing. It is nothing to bark the tires at a light or around a corner. Now that I got rid of my old beater, my daughter always wants to ride in Daddys car.

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  2006 SXT Magnum is Awesome! - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By T. Smith - June 21 - 5:11 pm

  My "Maggie" is the best vehicle I have ever owned or driven! Its so comfortable to drive and ride in and the Boston Acoustics are wonderful! The 6x CD player is a blast to load and listen to all my favorite music back to back. I zoom my sunroof back and turn up my tunes and enjoy the ride!

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  Glad I bought it! - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By CrazyArrow - June 21 - 12:42 pm

  I went to the dealership to buy an SUV and drove off in a Magnum! It was love at first sight and Im a big guy so room was very important- definitely no complaints here. I have definitely upgraded from my minivan and no longer feel like Ive given up on life! :) I definitely do not need a Hemi, but am a bit disappointed with the 2.7. It has enough "umph" to get the job done, but with nowhere near the performance of the 3.5 or Hemi.

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  Gotta love this wagon! - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Steve S. - June 13 - 12:34 am

  Have had the vehicle for only a few weeks. Had to sell 05 Mustang and go practical. The Magnum gave me practicality and fun! Really nice car, drives very well, nice and tight. Love the low cut look, very aggressive. My wife really likes it too. Can actually be cool in a wagon.

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  Love My magnum! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By l. lyons - June 8 - 3:20 pm

  I bought my car site unseen, never even test drove it. What a chance I took, but there hasnt been one thing about this car that I am disappointed in! I love everything about my car except where and how the cruise control lever is located. I also own a C-5 Vette and I can honestly say I usually choose to drive the Magnum over it. I never thought I’d say that about any other car. The Hemi does justice to its name. Its got the looks, the comfort, and the power I look for in a car. Just dont expect it to get very good gas mileage, but I knew that was the price to pay for pure happiness whenever I get behind the wheel. It is one of the roomiest and comfortable vehicles Ive owned. Plenty of storage.

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  Better Than Ever - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By tom - June 2 - 5:48 pm

  Overall fit and finish is more than excellent for a car in this price range. Take a tour of the outside and see the detail given to the body seams, their almost perfect all around the car. sit inside and notice that this is a drivers car. Its easy to get in a good driving position and all controls are extremely easy to use. The only downside is the comfort level of the seats over a long trip. This needs to be looked at by Dodge.

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  Great! - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By coolrider - June 2 - 5:29 pm

  Excellent vehicle, 5.7 Hemi (need I say more?) MPG has been up to 29.5 highway with the engine management system of shutting down cylinders at cruise. Fun to drive factor is off the scale. Self sealing tires (18in) have been a life saver. It will even pull my 3500lb. motorcycle trailer smoothly with its hidden hitch and and self leveling suspension system. It sure is more pc than an SUV.

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  SRT-8 Magnum - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Charlie - May 31 - 6:19 am

  Not only is the 2006 Magnum a beautiful design it also has the awesome power that Dodge used to have back in the late 60s early 70s. You have the modern luxuaries of a Mercedez Benz and the "holy cow" power of a 1970 Hemi Roadrunner. My SRT Magnum came with GPS, Sirius Satelite Radio, all leather interior, (Gray on Black-Standard for SRT8) steering wheel remotes, sunroof and digital gauges with white face gauges. The new Hemi 6.1 liter is just as appealing to look at as the rest of the car. I do feel that the exhuast could have been a bit throatier, however you do hear the engine well at 6000 rpms. The ride and handling is smooth and confortable. All this for $40,000. I did well.

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  Fun and reliable - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Rene - May 26 - 7:20 pm

  After years of driving minivans and big SUVs I thought Ill never get used to driving a sedan but I did and I love it. It feels like a sports car (and drives like one) There is lots of room for my 2 kids in the back with car seats, plus enough room if I have to take my German shepherd with me. I wish fuel economy would be better (just a tad better then my Expedition) I love this car

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  What an engine - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Rx:MagnumQd - May 24 - 10:19 pm

  Wow! This is one incredibly fast car. It replaced my Magnum RT, already a fast car. This one simply flies. The whole car has been upgraded from the suspension to the transmission to the brakes. It feels like a complete package. Handles suprisingly well for a 4300lb car. Seats are terrific, way better that the stock RT seats. Driving the car is an exercise in right foot restraint. The barritone soundtrack that comes with a quick jab of the throttle is worth the price of admission alone. The thrust that comes with this right foot exercise is very impressive indeed. Remember, this car has more horsepower than any Corvette (except Z06) produced in the last 25 years. Overall, a blast to drive!