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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  Still all new - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By monte - March 27 - 3:23 pm

  I love the car! It has left a bit to be desired in the efficiency area, but this is the price you pay for power and a heavy foot. Although i still pay even when the foot isnt so heavy. Living in Brooklyn and commuting to Manhattan takes its toll on you in the wallet at the pump. Oh, and whats up with nowhere to put the gas cap. How stupid is that?

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  WOW American Muscle Returns - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By hemimagnum - March 27 - 8:28 am

  This car is unbelievable. It has room for the family and to haul different odds and ends. Even with 425 horses I have been getting 17-18mpg around and about town along with an occasaional jaunt on the thruway. But dont let me kid you, if you dont keep your foot out of it, which can be hard with the sensation you get when the motor starts to open up, the mileage will drop in a hurry. This car is almost too nice to drive on a daily basis. But what the heck, enjoy it. You only live once.

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  Estate Car - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Crosbeian - March 20 - 10:26 pm

  This was my one and only chance to avoid a mini van or the absurd badly built and ill concieved SUV. It basically does the job, looks the dogs, drives as if on rails and is very solid. Gas mileage OK. All sorts of folks still stop and stare at it and ask about it. You can forget about the baby seat in the back driving this. They need to sell a aftermarket kit to unpimp this ride. The traction in the snow was ok, even without chains

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  Wow - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By hemi58 - March 17 - 5:50 pm

  This car is unbelievable. Great performance and mpg isnt all that bad 18.5 average. I only got 23 on my Accord and I havent had to take it into the dealer for any of the usual "new car" problems-this is my 2nd Magnum-1st was and R/T-plus I dont know what all the hubbub is about w/ the Asian cars I had two and they both left me stranded and unsure if they would start. Thanks but IÂ’ll stick w/ the GM Ford & Chrysler that always seem to get knocked for fit and finish. Everyone IÂ’ve had I put minimum of 150,000 miles and w/ no trouble other than the usual wear items-LOF battery brakes.

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  FAST AS FAST CAN BE - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Magnum 44 - March 14 - 4:26 pm

  This is one of the sweetest vehicles Ive driven. Plenty of room and feels like you were shot out of a gun when you walk on it at any speed. Has a nice exhaust note without being intrusive, handles great with a firm but comfortable ride. I guess the styling is love it or leave it as there is nothing out there quite like it. I personaly love it and find I have more compliments and questions from others than I have ever had before, and Ive had a lot of new vehicles. The gas mileage is respectable about 19 MPG with a 50/50 mix of hiway and city driving, going up to 28 MPG on a hiway trip. Winter driving is OK but on glare ice it could use a set of ice radials, which I cant find in this size.

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  Bold and Aggressive - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By K. HARRIS - March 10 - 10:47 am

  I have owned the car for two months now and I am loving it. The ride is comfortable the interior is roomy, handling is great and it gives you that SUV feel.

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  Compromise - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Mustle Seeker - February 26 - 10:00 am

  First of all, this car is really good value for its price. but 2.7litle engine is a bit smalll to maneuvers around in the urban area. with your full accelation you will lose A/C power. so I have decided to buy a RT next year. This car is the car which I expect all SUV boomer to come back to old school station wagon style.

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  Fast and furious. Way too much power - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By vinny - February 8 - 2:47 am

  When I first got the vehicle I though about how much I would be paying at the pump but when I got the feel for the car it amazed me how much power it had under the hood. The car really moves it has a lot of power and once you start pressing the pedal it ask for more speed. YouÂ’re saying to yourself thatÂ’s enough, but no, the hemi engine wonÂ’t stop revving until you press the brake. It has so much power it should be illegal to drive. The g-force just rocks your head to the back of your seat. Hold on tight to the steering wheel because the hemi will take over. But you will visit the pump soon.

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  The Dodge Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Chris - February 1 - 9:43 pm

  Had the Magnum RT for almost 6mos now, and still always getting questions, comments, and thumbs up on the road. This car is as fun to drive as it looks! Made an 8hr trip in 6 1/2 without a single complaint heard from the passengers. The transmission is silky smooth.

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  Not your average wagon - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By rick - January 28 - 8:57 am

  Dodge didnt waste any money on bling bling here. Everything you need is covered, but the magic is underneath. The motor is a split personality crazy man. quiet and smooth when you need it to be. Step on the pedal and you are in another dimension. Amazing torque and acceleration(especially for a heavy car). Handles tight and the SRT8 seats are perfection. If you crave attention buy another car- although this car gets a knowing glance from anyone who understands Dodges secret society. Generally you get the glance as you blast past them on straight AND twisty roads. Outward vision isnt great but you gain confidence in your mirrors after awhile. Build quality so far is excellent. Rock on