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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  versatility and veloscity - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Randy Mccammon - September 20 - 10:00 am

  It has been a positive experience in a short time. Fit and Finish are first rate. Versatility and Veloscity do meet.

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  Awesome - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By RPete - September 20 - 10:00 am

  This is the best riding Dodge I have ever owned. Ordered in May finally arrived July 22nd. Now have 1700 miles on it and have enjoyed every one of them. Ordered it fully loaded with the exception of the roof rack and Im having a great time figuring everything out including the hands free telephone. This is a vehicle that will make you feel young again.

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  I thought this was a nice car until - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Erica Ruckh - August 19 - 2:16 am

  I am a mother of a 18 month old boy. I have always driven a truck and didnt want to drive a mini van. I found that the Magnum had the fun look I wanted and a V8. So far since I have owned this car it has been a good car. I liked the way the car handles and the power. I also liked the comfort of the car. On February 17th 2006 I was driving at 5:30 in rush hour traffic with my baby and my transmission went out. Thank god I was not on the expressway. I do not drive this car hard at all and there should be no reason a new car should have transmission problems.

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  Better than a SUV - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By kvll - August 13 - 2:06 am

  Just the leather package and sunroof on this SXT AWD. At 6000 miles reliability has been good. Found random squeaks that will appear for a while then vanish for a month - one was the rear cargo cover when it was extended. Its a great freeway car, speed control even downshifts to keep the speed constant. In town poor visibility can be a problem for backing up, same as a Pacifica I drove. Im up to 18 mpg in the suburbs driving gently, get 22 hwy. In hindsight, I would have got the protection group, cloth seats, better radio/speakers. This is a very solid, versitile car for active people. I got it despite the styling, but some of you may like it.

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  Station Wagon?? - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Rebel - August 11 - 8:53 am

  I never thought that I would own a station wagon. But the Magnum 2005 is not your average station wagon. This car has style, plenty of speed and pick up, even with the smallest engine. For me: Hemi = speeding tickets. I wanted the blue, however not in stock. Test drove the silver/grey and once I was behind the wheel, I did not care what color the outside was. Very low road noise, smooth handling, plenty of interior room and awesome body style, who really cares what color the exterior is as long as you can get one. My brother just drove mine for the first time and now he wants one.!!

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  2005 Dodge Magnum Hemi - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Chuc49 - August 9 - 10:00 am

  It is one of the nicest cars I have ever owned. The ride is smooth as silk and the Hemi supplies more than enough power for every driving situation. The fuel mileage is amazing for a performance vehicle. The seats are more comfortable than an easy chair and the numerous seat adjustments can be tailored to anyone. I would highly recommend this car to anyone seeking a luxury performance car with all the comforts found in higher priced luxury cars.

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  Fantastic! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By LisaG - July 11 - 3:13 pm

  Really, I cant think of one obvious fault with this car. The car is so well balanced that I really dont even think the AWD is necessary except for extreme weather conditions. Everywhere I go, people ask about this car, shes a real head turner. And she is a DREAM to drive. You just feel so comfortable in her. You feel like you become a part of her. Cant say enough positive things about her.

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  Too Early to Tell - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Dennis - June 24 - 10:43 am

  The design and performance are all they were professed to be. The mileage is what youd expect with a thirsty Hemi. Interior quality is a disappointment with plastic appointments. Interior visual field is a definite weakness with door columns and small rear window limiting. None the less, I love it. Its a great driving machine.

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  Love my Magnum! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Sabrina - June 3 - 7:40 pm

  When the Magnum was released it was a true dream car that was affordable for me. The looks, roominess and sticker price drew me in. This sporty wagon is head and shoulders above my old 96 Intrepid. Interior is clean looking, the console is very practical and once driving the car you can feel the Mercedesness coming through, which I like! The engine compartment is very tidy and everything a consumer needs to access is easy to find. Passengers in the backseat will enjoy the roominess and the back window goes all the way down! Im satisfied with the 3.5L engines performance and the 4-wheel disc breaks do a great job of stopping this heavy car! A true value in todays market.

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  Unique Vehicle - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By John L. Nichols - May 18 - 2:26 am

  You dont see many of these on the roads yet. Fast, a blast to drive with one of a kind styling and oodles of room. Interior kind of sterile? I installed an aftermarket walnut wood dash kit in my Red Magnum...Perfect now. Options I ordered were sunroof and convienience group. regret: I should have gotten the Sirius radio. but with just these two options it really is a loaded luxury sport wagon. Nothing else is like it.