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:

• 

  Dads Dodge - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By scruffeone - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Looking for a family vehicle and ended up with a classic. This wagon has everything I need covered. From its great looks to fuel economy Ive been smiling since purchase. As a father of four small children, the wagon carries everything I need, as A daily commuter, its got the performance to get in and out when I need it, and as a 43 y/o teenager, I enjoy the looks I get when out cruisin. The sound system is extreme and a pleasure to listen to, and the whole package cost me much less than I expected. Dads everywhere are going to thank Dodge for this artwork on wheels. I totally recommend this ride to any Dad on a budget, it beats the wheels off of anything else out there.

• 

  Dodge Magnum RT - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Chuck Venable - November 28 - 6:43 am

  Ive had the car since July of this year and its still fun to drive and get business done.

• 

  2006 Dodge Magnum Hemi - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Michael - November 16 - 1:14 pm

  Fastest vehicle on the road today besides the Charger RT Hemi. I have both cars and this one handles as good as the Charger. The Mercedez, BMW, the stang, Nissan, or any other car on the road cannot match this car or the Charger for performance, style, speed, or quality... Ive tested all of the above and more and these two cars are the Kings of the road... I blew a vette and 2 stangs off the road and as far as the Mercedez goes, no challenge...

• 

  Great Car, Bad Mileage - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By John - November 7 - 8:03 pm

  20,000 miles in 10 months. Great road car, lots of space, quiet, comfortable for long trips. Sticker mileage is way off. 20-22mpg @ 70mph. 25mpg at 55-60mph. Sticker is 27, no way...Had to have 4 wheel allignment at 20K because it was eating up front tires.

• 

  Awesome - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By ROB - November 5 - 2:57 pm

  I love my Magnum. My wife told me that I had to loose the sports car because we had children. I couldnt bare the "m" word. (Minivan) I figured that if I had to loose the sports car, I might as well purchase a family car that hauled some serious tale, and cornered like it was on rails The Magnum is such a wonderful option in a vast sea of the same. The power and handleing are second to none. Not to mention, my fuel economy is wonderful, even with the Hemi engine. No mechanical, quality issues thus far. Very impressive. You really need to check this car out for yourself. It is absolutely amazing.

• 

  Mercedes design influence - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Sheila - October 27 - 10:44 pm

  I love this car for design, price, drive,and Mega room. Never experienced driving a car with a Suv feel but luxerious smooth comfortable drive.The dash dials and lighting is similar to mercedes,round white and simple, very similar to my sisters mercedes and drives just as smooth.Great touring car also,cant hear the outside traffic,backseat console with cup holders,air and heat controls in back also,reading lamps.liftgate lifts without having to lift it.Lights all up,has extra ac adapters in the back for tailgating. All kinds of cubicles to store stuff, air curtain bags on windows and airbags in front. Safe front seat for kids, air bag shuts off for them. Has a Hot rod look mixed with a wagon

• 

  A Nice Package Inside & Out - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Vince Galati - October 27 - 8:35 pm

  I have a Black RT that is fully loaded. Nav system and display set car into 21st century. Satellite radio a must. Dont skimp on the amenities. They set the car apart. Added 20" wheels and look out. This car makes heads turn- that is the goal right?

• 

  From An SHO to SXT - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Debera - October 21 - 10:20 pm

  After two years of trying to decide between an SXT v. an RT we finally made the move. Our SHO was slowly dying and we had to make this decision. After getting a speeding ticket we decided that the RT could become a problem for us. So the SXT won us over. Proformance is equal if not superior to that of the 1993 Taraus SHO. We have had the the SXT for less then a week now and have enjoyed the ride. Take off is there if we want to waste the gas. The seats fit like gloves and the heated seats are wonderful if you have a bad back. I can see why this station wagon is in such demand. A bit higher priced then others but you get what you pay for. Lets see if this will bring us many years of joy

• 

  05 magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By kzoomag - October 21 - 10:00 am

  handles like a dream, responsive v-6, and plenty of room inside. turn up the six speaker system and put the pedal to the floor

• 

  My Hemi - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By garry birks - October 16 - 6:33 pm

  I love the power of the v8 Hemi. It performs better than I expected. Lots of room, very comfortable. The sound system is also great.