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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  The Beast!!! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Icedmanx - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I have purchased many cars over the years, this car is the BEAST!!! I purchased, the RT, in the black, and find that everyone is happy with my choice of color. I have gotten more looks, stares, questions, finger pointing and finger prints on the windows, than I can count. This is a fun car to drive, and is not your fathers stationwagon!!!

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  Magnum 2005 - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By carole - December 7 - 6:00 am

  Runs very nice, has lots of power. It is a very nice riding vehicle. Nice and roomy. Very comfortable.

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  Better than my 745i - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Les Walgreen - December 5 - 3:20 pm

  What an excellent car. I have gone from an $80K+ car to the Magnum RT AWD and I am not looking back. The car is fun to drive and hauls the mail. I never thought I would fall in love with a station wagon. Go ahead and by a BMW - I will love seeing you in my rear view mirror.

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  Our Next Car Will Also Be A Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Tom Rucker - November 27 - 4:10 am

  After a year and a half, we are still getting looks and favorable comments.Driving is still a lot of fun and comfortable. On three different occasions I had driven for ten or more hours at one stretch (stopped for gas of course)and felt great. Its been the most reliable car I have ever owned in my thirty two years of driving. The overall experience has been great and well buy another one.

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  This car rocks! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Justin - November 18 - 9:20 pm

  I previously owned a 2001 Chrysler Sebring, but was looking for more room. The Magnum was an outstanding melding of cargo capacity, fuel efficency, and the all important, fun factor. I have had not problems with this vehicle and have put over 27000 miles on it. It is great on the highway.

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  In love.... - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By HEMI WAGON - November 9 - 1:50 pm

  When many people choose form over function, Dodge has come out with a car that finally has both ideas in mind! What is better than having a grocery getter family car that can take on the other V8s and rice burners that tool around town. We are so happy with this car that everytime we see it, it makes us smile. Theres nothing like knowing that when you need the horsepower its there for you. As far as those people who are complaining about it being a gas guzzler, wake up! You have a HEMI so you knew the consequences!

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  long wait - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By taboo - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I waited forever for a muscle car, and I refused to accept a 4-cylinder PT Cruiser as sufficiently powerful. This car is exactly what I have been waiting for. I snicker at every SUV, and I love all of the impressed slack-jawed stares. My two boys are just as hyped about it as I am.

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  Got To have One - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Guy Lafleur - November 7 - 2:06 am

  If you are looking for a vehicle that has the ride of a luxury car but the oomph of a 70s muscle car, you better get to a Dodge dealer and drive one of these dream machines.

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  By comparison unmatched victor - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Xradioguy - November 3 - 10:00 am

  You have to put this up against matched contenders like the Marauder,LS sport, Impala SS and the A4 3.0 and when you do it truly shines. Bang for the buck is an understatement. Use all the hemi can give you and the competition will only see your smile in teh rear view and the gorgeous rear end of the Magnum. Dodge has hit this one out of the park!! Dodge lovers drool and the rest will gawk. It is a love it or leave it style but like the pitch with the PT they will either get it or they wont. Given the number of features that come standard it is a hands down winner I am glad I waited for it.

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  2006 Magnum RT AWD - First Review - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By W. Carline - September 29 - 3:43 pm

  I have one of the first 2006 RT AWD to find its way to MA/RI. The car is simply awesome. I have only owned it for one week, but there is no question that the ride is equivalent to that of a $60K luxury sedan. The power....HEMI speaks for itself. Interior noise is virtually non- existent, unless of course you open the windows to hear the HEMI purrrrr through the dual exhaust. This is certainly not the Dodge of my parents generation. Cornering is solid around sharp turns on the interstate. Accelearation is smooth and decisive. Despite my short ownership, I had to let you all know about one thing- I got 5 "thumbs up" from other drivers on the first day!