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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  Visibility - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By slogal - June 17 - 10:20 pm

  We enjoy the car, but wouldnt recommend it to anyone in the 50+ age range due to visibility. Lane changes are heart-stopping in fast-moving traffic. We added back-up sensors to help with parking. On the positive, our 20ish children have no problem driving it.

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  "Maggie" is the Best - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Jenn - June 8 - 8:33 pm

  I love my 05 Magnum. I nicknamed her Maggie. I had a lot of problems with the dealership but Maggie made up for it. The room is great. And the handling is awesome, you would think with such a big car your turning radius would be horrible but she whips right around those corners better than my husbands Accord. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone that wants a lot of room and still look good. Its such a sporty grocery getter!

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  Gotta Hemi - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Dude got a Hemi - May 12 - 6:06 pm

  Wow, steering took a little bit of getting used to. It is very precise. Where you point is where it follows. Does not drive like a big wagon, inspires you to take curves quickly. Feels like a car that cost 20,000 more.

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  what i like about it - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By aaron Pickering - April 21 - 1:26 am

  I love it -- fun to drive. Lots of power and very roomy.

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  WOW!!!! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By JAR731 - April 20 - 10:00 am

  This is the coolest car that I have ever owned (29 at last count). This car turns heads everywhere I go and people come up to me where ever I stop to tell me how much they like it.

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  Fun, fun, fun - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Big Daddy O - April 20 - 10:00 am

  Short of a big block hotrod, nothing is more fun to drive than the Magnum RT. Its fast & corners well. But the main thing is it looks cool going anywhere, even to fill it up with groceries. I have never owned or even seen a car that everyone, from 17 year old guys to 60 year old ladies, love. I bought it for my wife, but I cant stop driving it.

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  Girls like torque too! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Hemi Girl - April 20 - 10:00 am

  My previous experience with a V-8 4 door was my husbands Impala SS. We both agree the Magnum is superior across the board. The HEMI rocks, and the suspension handles that power like a dream. I cant believe the acceleration of this car. Its quite comfortable, the stereo is good, and I love the nav system. Styling is outstanding. Every where I go, people stop me and ask me about the car. The few cars that catch me on the highway, slow down to check it out as they go by. Leg room is great in both seats and I still have ample room for cargo in the back. I love blowing the doors off my neighbors BMW 325I. European performance at American prices.

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  O HEMI..........! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By O Hemi - April 20 - 10:00 am

  Test drove the RT in May... I was consumed. Read the brochure cover to cover and memorized everything. Factory ordered in June... due to the 300C, Magnums were backed up. Our dealer traded with a dealer out of Oregon so we could get it in time for our road trip to California! We traded a Ford Windstar for this and the Magnum RT is 10 times more comfortable than it was! My wife is 55" & I am 62" and we are both are at ease behind the wheel! Merge is no longer a word in our vocabulary!

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  Disappointed with quality problems - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By richard primton - April 20 - 10:00 am

  It happened again at 831 miles, there was a strange chirriping sound coming from the transmission, and one of the power door locks (rear left) doesnt unlock. Ive taken it back to the dealer, theyve claimed the problems been fixed, but the chirriping sound is still there. At 1,208 miles, Im hearing three rattles, one from inside my door panel, another from the dashboard, and another from the back near the left tailgate.

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  Dodge Magnum Doesnt Disappoint! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By RTMagnum - April 9 - 1:40 pm

  I have enjoyed every minute driving this car! I cant say enough about the performance of the 5.7 litre Hemi engine. The interior fit and finish is excellent with no squeaks and rattles inside. Road noise is also kept to a minimum. If you are sitting on the fence - GET OFF AND GO BUY ONE! You will not be disappointed!