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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  Our Hemi Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Terri and BIll - November 9 - 6:13 pm

  Being the first brand new car we owned, we were very impressed with the performance of this car. It is a fun car to drive, and it really gets going when the need is there, especially when getting on the freeway. I love the feeling of being at home in our car. It is very comfortable. It is very special to us as our son purchased it for us, and he monitored the growth of it from beginning to end on the internet.

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  Awesome! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Ken - October 26 - 5:16 am

  This is the most awesome vehicle Ive ever owned. The power and smooth ride are better than I anticipated. If you own this car, you will find a lot more people looking at it and asking questions.

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  My Station Wagon - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By james - October 2 - 5:46 am

  I like my Station wagon except for one thing the transmission shifts really hard and it kind of annoying, and the manufactur dues not let you put a smoother transmission fluid in the car. And my radio dues not play MP3s like it is subpose too. Otherwise I am satisfied.

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  Not All Its Cracked Up To Be - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Dan - September 30 - 10:46 am

  I have to say that I am disappointed with the Magnum. Dodge spends more money on advertising than they do materials for the cars. My car feels cheap. I should have popped for the Hemi performance package. At least I would have a good engine.

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  I love my Magnum! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Cristina - September 20 - 6:26 pm

  The interior space is what sold this vehicle to my husband. I was interested in purchasing a new Sable Wagon a couple years back, and all I can say... "I am glad I waited!". This wagon has just about every feature I want and need. We are definitely looking forward to what the future models improve, but for our very first brand new vehicle, I could not be happier. While the gas mileage is not exactly the best, I gladly give that up for the safeness my family and I feel inside this wagon. It handles nicely and turns easily for such a long vehicle. And while some reports I read "complained" about the smaller size of the rear window, it seems quite adequate and we have had no issues.

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  Solid Car, but will it last? - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Otis Chance - September 14 - 5:23 am

  This is my first Dodge, and I am still a bit nervous if this car will last. So far, so good. Just call me paranoid. This car has a lot of room and a very smooth ride. Already had to take it in for Airbag light and now have a slight pop in the dash. No biggie, just annoying. The "trunk" area is kinda cheap, but my last car was a 323 Wagon, so I am getting used to driving an American car again. Overall, very happy as long as it last four years.

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  Excelent Wagon for the whole family. - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Terilee - September 1 - 12:00 pm

  The Dodge Magnum presents a radical shift for the Dodge line. Style and functionality mix to provide an outstanding people friendly wagon with style. This class of cars has recently been showing its age. The Magnum breaks this mold and produces a handsome car with excitement and curb appeal. Unheard of just a year ago. The All Wheel Drive is excellent in snow and when mated with the Hemi engine Shows none of the customary reluctance of 4- wheel drive systems. Wonderful!

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  THE "2005" DODGE MAGNUM RT/HEMI - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Elizabeth Frigo - August 27 - 10:00 am

  This is the most awesome car, sure looks like a station wagon, but has a very classy, but tough look. My husband and I are thrilled to have this car, so yeah maybe we are going through our mid life crisis (ages:42/46), and it does make you feel younger. You have to drive one for yourself, then youll see what we mean. We bought the inferno red which catches everyones eye, they all stare at it and even stop you and ask all kinds of questions. We love it and plan on keeping it for a very long time. We have been waiting for Dodge to make a car that we would love and they finally did it, so glad we waited.

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  Very Cool - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Jere Casner - August 5 - 1:36 am

  The RT is just a lot of fun to drive. Comfortable, good looking, great handling. The Hemi provides a real kick in the seat of your pants. Im very happy with the vehicle and havent had any mechanical or handling problems.

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  Loving every minute of it - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Rosemary Stoneham - July 12 - 5:43 pm

  My Magnum is just awesome. I love driving it. We have plently of leg room and it is very comfortable. The sound system is great. And then there is the Hemi. I dont worry about pulling out onto the interstate anymore. I just nail it and Im there with the rest of the traffic. I cannot say enough about my Magnum. I couldnt be happier. Thank you Dodge for such a wonderful experience.