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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  LOVE MY RIDE - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By HILGENBERG - February 20 - 1:33 pm

  I have found that my new vehicle is so much fun to drive my wife and I fight over who is going to drive. I have found one thing I dont care for where the cruse control is located now. It should be back in the stering wheel.

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  Loads O fun - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By ml - February 11 - 1:03 pm

  I have the car with the 250 HP V-6 and it has ample power particularly considering the gas mileage. The car handles well and I have yet to make the tires chirp on a clover leaf even at 60 MPH. I think it is one of the best cars I have ever had. The ride is great and I have driven it for fairly long distances with no driver fatigue or sore spots. The leather seats with heaters are great. The car ride is smooth and quiet. I would reccommend this car to any one.

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  One sweet ride - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By anita wright - February 10 - 3:33 am

  I have always owned sports cars. I had no need to worry about the choice I made when I bought the Magnum RT. It has a great look, plenty of room, and has more than enough power when I need it!! I recommend this car to everyone who wants something with room and class.

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  Highest Recommendation - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By magnuman - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Magnum RT nearly 3 months now, and love it. Everyone stares at it and many ask about it and want to know how I like it. Its roomy, gets good mileage for a high performance vehicle, and handles great for its size. Its a superb replacement for my SUV. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants/needs a vehicle with some room, performance, handling, looks and descent mileage, all at a resonable price. My two thumbs go up for this "sports tourer". I enjoy driving it so much that I get Magnumb!!

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  Mikes Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By MAGMAN - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Design of Magnum is great. I got the first Magnum delivered into Knoxville,Tn. on 05/26/2004. I had ordered the car on 02/07/04. I have never had as many coments as I have had on this new car and I have owned several new cars.I love driving the new Magnum and I have had only 2 problems with it. It has a right hand pull and high speed vibration. They have came out with a bolt kit for the cradle or K member, to give a caster and camber adjustment to eleminate the right pull and load balance of the tires and wheels fixed the vibration. The car is fun and powerful to drive and sure turns heads. Yes it does have a HEMI.

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  head turner - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By michael 69 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  i have people point and stop what there doing when ever i drive this auto in this small mid west town,i ordered this dodge it took 4 months to get it

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  Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Bridget and John - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This vechicle is a pleasure to drive and ride in. My husband and I truely love the room and the feel of this car. We are able to use this car to travel in and have the room we need to haul 3 grand sons in and around. The looks we get when we drive the magnum are unbeleiveable. I think the black color is the best out of all the colors. The special feature of the car going into a 4 cylindar at around 50 miles per hour give you a great gas milage for a hemi. We just love it and you will to if you give it a chance. We were an Intrepid owner since 1993 and owned 7 of them, so to go to the magnum was a big step for us but a very great one.

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  Love my car - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By SL Beckes - January 26 - 7:36 am

  One day in Feb 05 my car saved my life while driving in snow. An 18 wheeler drove me off the road. I went off and back on the road where I believe many other cars would have crashed. I love this car.

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  Cool ride - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Dodgehauler - January 12 - 4:30 pm

  This car is a kick to own. It rides , handles and goes like no other wagon I have ever driven. Great traction control with the all wheel drive system. Works fantasitic in the snow. Tons of leg room both front and back. The steering wheel telescopes in and out but also tilts, combined with the power seats and pedals, its very easy to get a good driving position or change it on a long drive. We are getting 18 mpg around town and 24 on the highway. Not bad for 345 h.p. under your right foot. The look of the car is very deceptive. Looks like a chopped top but Dodge raised the window openings up . Friends and famliy who have been in the car cant belive the room it has inside.

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  magnums rock - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By r aguilera - December 21 - 10:00 am

  the dodge magnum rt is a really awesome car and would buy a second one for my fiance if i could trust her with all the power this car has to offer. my only complaint is the gas mileage but thats probably because of eating all these other sport cars for breakfast. if you purchase one you will love it to death not to mention all the attention you gat from such a great and intresting car.