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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  New Dodge Magnum 2006 - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By hopper - October 16 - 5:46 pm

  All in all this is a great car. There are a few things that we dont like. The size and cargo is excellent. We packed our house in it for the evacuation of hurricaine Rita. The car drove great in 28 hours of traffic , never ran out of gas. It has large gas tank and great fuel economy. The things we dislike are that the air conditioner blows hot air at you when you first turn it on. This is annoying when it is hot out. The other things are that the arm rests are extremely hard and hurt your elbow. The windows are high so when you hang your arm out the window it is at an uncomfortable angle. But most of the things we love about this car.

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  zoom - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Dale - October 14 - 3:00 pm

  Great car to date, highly recommend.

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  ONE HOT WAGON - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By RCAL - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I WAITED A LONG TIME TO REPLACE MY 88 WAGON. AM I GLAD I DID. I OWN MINE SXT FOR A MONTH NOW AND I AM LOVING IT. THE 3.5 HAS ALL THE POWER I NEED AND IT HANDELS LIKE A SPORT CAR.

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  You gotta try this car - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Ramification - August 25 - 9:40 am

  For me to rate a car as high as I did it has to be something special. At 63" I fit very well inside. I would like to have the center arm rest come out a few more inchest to beter saport my arm. Very quiet inside and at highway speed. Can hardly hear the engine. Stomp on the gas and no question you got a bunch of woop ass power. Brakes are solid and sure footed. As for styleing, drive one for the day and see the looks you get. People ask all kinds of questions about it. The first time you are walking into a parking lot and you see your Magnum amung plain cars that all look the same, you will be as happy as I am about a well rounded station hot rod... ZOOOOMMMM

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  Great car! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Izzy - August 21 - 6:33 pm

  Love the look and it is fun to drive. A very smooth ride. Great handling. People are definitely interested when I drive around. I see more Magnums around the city now and wave. Watch out when you have a lot of cargo because it will cause you to bottom out. And make sure the tires are inflated properly. The only things Ive had problems with, is the sensors going off; the "Passenger Airbag off", the "ESP not working" light... things like that, but they werent permanent and nothing to go crying to the dealer about. (I did call them though)

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  Magnum RT 2005 - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Chamras - August 21 - 2:26 am

  The engine rocks. The transmission enhances the engine performance. Its a very powerful, practical, fun-to-drive, stylish car. I still drool when I look at it! However, the cosmetics in the cabin are not the most durable ones. I have had the visor clip, the sunroof, and the seal for the back spoiler changed. The quality of the paint is also poor.

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  Magnum RT Magic - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Bobbydog - July 22 - 10:00 am

  This car is an attention getter with an admiring population that is totally inclusive. Young, middle aged, older, male, female....all ask questions, admire and comment on the car. In terms of the car itself, I have found it to be a dream to drive, smooth, powerful, responsive, comfortable, and it fulfills my need for hauling space for my dog, computer stuff and other belongings as I travel back and forth across the country. I am retired, a widower, and on my own. I need a car like this for my new lifestyle. The best car I have ever owned, by far.

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  Awesome - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Magnum boy - July 22 - 10:00 am

  it looks cool going anywhere! This car turns heads everywhere I go and people come up to me where ever I stop to tell me how much they like it. i love this car!

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  Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By NICK - July 7 - 8:13 am

  Great quality improvement for Dodge. Outstanding performance is only mared by poor fuel economy. However, my highway mileage is still a respectable 18MPG. The only problem I have had has been a clunking noise from the HVAC system at start up. Apart from that, I love it. Oh, It really does turn heads!!!!

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  Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By serehill - June 29 - 1:36 am

  Extremely happy with car The performance of the 2.7 with the 3.90 rear end rocks. Love the styling but just didnt need the Hemi. Car seems well thought out & shows a strong Dailmer influence. I bought the basic blacked out no chrome model & installed 22" black wheels. The car was obviously made for these wheels It gives the car a kind of European/retro 70s blackout look. Good comfortable road car with a Detroit Iron feel. To be able to put the grocery getter on the road is a great versatility. Ive forgotten how much better a road trip is in a good road car.