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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  Hot Mag - 2008 Dodge Magnum
  By regularguy2 - June 17 - 6:19 pm

  Nice car, fast, smooth, hauls stuff & hauls! I like the power and the handling

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  I wish I could read a review like before - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By MTwrangler - June 16 - 10:48 pm

  When we purchased the car used, all was well, the car road nice and was quiet, fun to drive. It got 22-28 MPG, depending on conditions, all was well. Now 5 years later, the car misfires, shutters, and the known cause is mystery. It has many rattles and noises in the front end. The seats are not comfortable. We also went through early alignment issues, etc. It also has fairly bad brake fade and shutter, once the discs heat up.

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  Crazy room, head turning, comfortable - 2008 Dodge Magnum
  By bbarber - May 20 - 8:18 pm

  Im a big guy, was looking to trade out of an older SUV. I looked at so many makes and models and nothing felt right Then I test drove a Charger just for the curiosity of having a car again after years of stepping up into an SUV. The Charger was nice. Not enough room! Dealer suggested a Chrysler 300. After some research, found that the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Magnum were all built at the same assembly plant in Canada. Same frame, same basic interiors. Saw a Magnum in person. The 2008 is HOT! The look is tough, the interior is comfortable and super spacious. No compromise for me! Got all the room of my old SUV, all the style of a stacked Magnum. 2.7 V6 ok mileage A+ value!

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  Small V-6 has plenty of getup - 2008 Dodge Magnum
  By wagonlover - May 14 - 3:13 am

  Ive only had this car 2 weeks and I am pleased so far. I love the comfort and fit of the interior to my five foot frame. I should have bought one new in 08. I own 3 classic wagons with V- 8s and this six cylinder keeps me happy. The ride is smooth and sporty. The interior space is roomy and comparable with my older wagons, you dont find that much nowadays. This is a true grocery-getter.

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  2006 SE 2.7 - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By knowles - April 29 - 9:49 am

  Love the style. Mine has color matched 22" chrome wheels...had a side wall puncture. Cant replace just one tire and had to go to several places to find a good tire in stock since I did not want to wait to order tires. Cost for 2 was pricey but that has nothing to do with the car. Also, to anyone thinking about beefing up the look with big tires and rims, okay for around town but you lose some of the quality in the ride. Have tried to figure out why but no one can give me an answer. Non the less, with the color coordinated rims (car is metallic red) its an eye catcher. No mechanical problems. Its a 2006 SE 2.7 with 40,000. I wasnt looking to win a race and dont want a gas hog.

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  Magnum RT - - Almost perfect - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Rex - April 28 - 12:41 am

  Purchased Nov. 2004 -- the only car I have ever bought new off the lot. The car would be perfect if not for the slush-box tranny. Factory Contis were junk -- 13K miles. Replaced with Goodyear Assurance which are nearing their end at 40K mi. Have Michelin replacements. Issues: front-end clunk at steering extreme limits (I avoid cranking to the limits), alignment twice, popping noise in dash, unreliable rear window regulator, noisy power steering pump (even after replacement). I gather front-end issues are common. Overall, I have been pleased, but really wish there had been a manual tranny option.

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  Amazing Car says Self-Proclaimed Cynic! - 2008 Dodge Magnum
  By alaskan skies - April 17 - 2:54 am

  I purchased my 2008 SXT AWD 3.5L Dodge Magnum around the time Dodge was claiming bankruptcy - at the time I thought I was walking away with a great deal, now that I have had the car for a year I realize that this was probably the best vehicle purchase I have made, or ever will make. This car has it all. It is roomy, yet compact. It is versatile, agile, and swift on its feet. It sports an edgy masculine look as well as a classy interior design. I like its bold look and smooth drive. I purchased the 3.5 L V6 engine and I wouldnt recommend anything less than that. Overall, this is an amazing car and if you find one Id recommend snapping it up.

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  Looks can be deceiving - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By mjg - April 8 - 9:45 am

  Working on my 3rd set of rotors at 49,900 miles. Continental tires lasted 20,000 miles. Always feels likes its out of alignment. Second set of tires showing wear. Needed a left upper tie rod end and lower control arm for inspection this year. Both key fobs broken. Musty smell when you turn air on or heat in the winter. Will never by a Dodge again. Never again.

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  Mixed bad - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By overland - April 3 - 4:55 pm

  Good power and looks with adequate cargo room. Better than expected fuel mileage - 27 highway and 19 highway city. Several annoying electrical problems - rear windows failed intermittently, wipers had glitches, and constant dash rattles that started at 20k miles. Handling is so so for a big and heavy car - no corner carver. Bland but functional interior.

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  I love this car! - 2008 Dodge Magnum
  By MBeeson - March 24 - 7:00 am

  Ive driven this car for about a year now and I am so in love with it. The only con that Ive found after all of this time is that the 2.7 liter v6 doesnt have the power that Im used to. I thought that I would get used to the lack of get up and go, but I never have. Thats why Im considering trading to something different since the larger v6 in the Magnums are hard to find in my area.