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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  Love it - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By sxtawdguy - May 15 - 10:14 pm

  Very comfortable and smooth ride. A good compromise between German technology and American way of building comfortable cars. CanÂ’t wait to try it in snow and ice.

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  RT traded for SRT-8 - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By MassMagnum - May 15 - 5:41 am

  I bought my RT almost 2 years ago. I saw it, drove it, and had to have it. I have loved everything about it. Everyday driveing it has been perfect. As for hauling, I put 8 6ft banquet tables and 20 folding chairs in the back. (Yes, in one load) Only down side is snow performance but you cant have everything. She has great style, comfort, usefullness, power, breaking,cornering and reliablity.

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  FINALLY!!! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By CC - May 14 - 12:33 pm

  I test drove the RT and the SXT and decided to go with the Special Edition SXT that offered what I was looking for....being a "Grandma". I didnt think collecting speeding tickets with the Hemi would set a good example. I picked it up and drove all day...what FUN..all the comments about people looking and pointing and asking questions are TRUE!!!! I had read and read all the reviews for the past 3 mos.and really wondered if it wasnt just being overrated by everyone..After going 2 miles on the test drive, I was a believer..As the saying goes....Try it, you just might like it! Quiet, QUICK, Sturdy, beautiful...I could go on and on but you need to see for yourself.

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  You Have To Love Them - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By KACHINA321 - May 6 - 1:16 am

  I wanted the Magnum and talked my wife into getting rid of her Toyota. She liked the Toyota but it was getting a few years older and I wanted a Magnum. So everytime I saw one I said "honey look there is another one". It didnt take long for the Magnum to grow on her. She loves her new Magnum. I put a billet grill on it. The chrome pillers and back lights. Also the door handles and mirror are now chrome. We have the hottest Magnum in the Las Vegas area. Everyone in town that has a Magnum thinks ours is a custom Magnum. I wont tell them where I got my parts from. Let them do some work to make theirs maybe as nice as ours.

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  Awesome - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By STEVE - May 5 - 4:16 pm

  I went from a Ford Explorer to a Magnum.

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  6.1 HEMI - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Rocket Wagon - May 3 - 8:03 pm

  The up grade from my 05 R/T has been very exciting. The acceleration and roar from the HEMI makes it hard to drive it slow. My gas mileage has been the same as my R/T.

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  I love my Magnum - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Trisha - April 22 - 10:21 pm

  I fell in love when I first saw the Magnum but to actually own one is a dream come true. To have the Hemi and the power in a station wagon is so wonderful. You have the power of a truck or SUV but the space and comfort of a mini van. I am completely happy and satisfied with my vehicle and cannot wait to drive it everyday. It goes when I need it to and gives me the comfort and safety I need on the roads today.

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  Loving It! - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Len - April 22 - 10:58 am

  Only had a couple months, but Im loving it so far. Very fun to drive, and plenty of power. Fuel economy just under the 17 MPG city. But, this car needs the 8 cylinder, not the 6. I dont have the navigation, but the satellite radio, electronics group, sun roof and convenience group are great additions. This has more storage room in the back than our mini-van when both of the bench seats are in it. Im 62" and feel very comfortable in this. Takes a little bit of time to get use to the viewability out the windows, but with the small round mirrors added to the side view mirrors, you should do fine. No regrets so far!

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  Get outta that minivan! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Ken - April 17 - 12:50 pm

  There is no American built car that can compare to the new Dodge Magnum. You can find a faster car, a better handling car, and a more utilitarian SUV or minivan, but looks and comfort is second to none. What I found so appealing is the ability of one car to do so many things so well. I love to drive the car, use cruise control because its easy to catch yourself going way to fast. The handling is very predictible and safe, but forget about rain and snow. I believe a good set of snow tires would remedy that, but currently no snow tires are offered in that model, so I ended up buying another car for winter driving.

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  Magnum RI - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Rick - April 6 - 8:25 am

  There is no better way to say this: I have never been happier with any car (and Ive had quite a number of them) than I am with my Magnum SXT AWD. I chose the 3.5L V-6 because 250 HP is a lot of power, no matter how you cut it. The AWD keeps the wheels firmly planted. I corner hard, and this thing hasnt even squealed the tires a bit. So far, Im averaging 17.5-19.0 mpg, combined, and driving habits give you the predictable results in that area. Style: this car has it in abundance. It rides like a dream, courtsey the chassis and tranny from the Mercedes E- class underneath. Interior is beautiful, elegant, with a touch of attitude. Ive never been happier with any car, ever.