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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  Fun car.. no fun getting it towed - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By dougo - June 20 - 4:06 am

  My continued saga of problems had an unhappy xmas, my radiator burst... now I have had Brakes re-adjusted (for squeeling), Oil Pump failed, Power Steering failed, and now my Radiator. Getting my third towing in 2 months..... Yes I still love my car, but am getting sick of the problems. The wife is getting a new car shortly and it will be either a Honda or Toyota

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  We Love it - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Jolene McBurney - June 7 - 11:06 am

  The little car, which isnt that little handles well in all areas of driving, in town and on the open hiway..Gas mileage is improving at a good rate. We have noticed that in high wind(which Texas has alot of) it does dance a bit, but nothing that I worry about..We love it.

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  05RT - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By wilson5 - May 27 - 2:33 am

  A comfortable, fun, fast, cool looking car with so so build and material quality.

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  Love My Magnum! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By CG - May 18 - 3:16 am

  Great design, fun to drive.Turn heads every where I go. I receive compliments on body styling.

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  NICE!!!!! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Magnumluver - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This is a very nice car you will like it very much!!!!

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  Excellent - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Dennis Wahrer - May 2 - 8:00 pm

  The car handles like a dream. I took it on a trip to Virginia in early Dec. I had absolutly no problems. I think I helped to sell at least one Hemi to a trucker and his wife at a truck stop. They saw the vehicle at the pump, came over to me and wanted to see the engine and the other things about the car. They said they could not find a HEMI at any dealers where they shopped. As they walked back to thier truck I overheard the wife say, "Well I guess we are going to trade our old station wagon." I hope I sold one for you.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By turbosmagnum - April 28 - 10:00 am

  As others have said my 1st Dodge like the Hemi power handles very well a little choppy on rough roads But feels well built, very solid car !

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  Great second life car - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By PLEASED - April 22 - 6:43 am

  I have been driving a Pontiac Sunfire (2) since 1996. With my kids grown, a sporty little 2 door was all I needed. Then came the grandkids. The came my mother and her wheelchair. There was NO WAY in a Sunfire. I love the Magnums look! It handles as easily as the Sunfire tho I have some concerns about winter driving in Ohio wtih a rear- wheel. I cant say eough abou the room. Ive ridden in the backseat and I wouldnt hesitate to go cross-country in it. Gas mileage 20 mpg city and fill up was a real shock to me. The absolute selling point was the pedals coming to me (at 54") and ease of handling. It gets a lot of stares and questions. I first said it when I bought it. Love at first sight!

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  Its ultra cool, and so much more! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Kari - April 15 - 7:30 am

  I love this car. The whole family loves it. Were tall people and we ride in pure luxurious comfort. No more scrunched up knees! I could live in it, happily. Getting on the freeway is so much fun. I gotta be real conscious of my speed in this baby, the Hemi appeals to the speed demon in me. Very comfortable, and adjustable seats. The paint "brilliant black pearl" is beautiful! The stereo system is lovely. I really like the steering wheel& the big console, I can easily stuff my purse in it. :) Its a pretty big car, but it doesnt feel like it when I drive it. Its a smooth ride and hugs curves like a dream. My 70y/o neighbor is selling his Honda and getting a Magnum.

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  Dodge has hit a homerun - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By highgame - March 1 - 6:00 pm

  Yeah its not a Hemi, but my Magnum has plenty of performance. It handles as if it was a sports car. And Ive never owned a new car that commanded ongoing accolades. Magnum is the benchmark auto for station wagons and four door sedans for this decade. Im 6 feet tall and our friends in the rear seat are not sitting with their knees higher than their head. This is the crossover car of the year