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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  3000 Miles in a Hemi AT - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Larry - March 20 - 3:26 am

  We have had our Magnum about two months now...no problems...gas mileage is improving...to 20mpg highway at 75 if I stay off the Hemi... :) Our only concern is an occasional popping sound in the sunroof when the vehicle body torques. Awesome in a blizzard, better traction and control than my 4 wheel drive truck. The steering is different than any other vehicle we have had, doesnt seem to pull in either direction..just a little more pressure required than usual to steer. Could be because its an AWD. Been waiting for a "stop light jockey" to take me on but they all seem to look over, see the word Hemi on the fender and then pretend to be model drivers... :) Love the car!

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  i never thought I would love a Dodge!!!! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By baggiemaggie - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I have always driven a Gm vehicle till now!!! I became so disappointed and needed a car that was roomy , exciting dependable and efficient... I got it so far!!! We have spent more time showing this car to curious on lookers... 3 hours one time outside a store...all i needed was laundry soap... but we had to take the time to show the car of our dreams.. it was worth it!!!

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  ESP - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Swampoodle - March 3 - 10:00 am

  A real pleasure to drive, turn the ESP off, place right foot on floor and hold on. It reminds me of the late 60`s. Oh and it can carry a crapload of stuff. The roof line and quarter windows give the car a look that I somehow associated with an old Nomad wagon. One item that I don`t like is that I don`t have headlamps that come on automatically. Overall a great machine.

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  Go Get One - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By NJCOOP - March 3 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I needed more room, but I didnt want an SUV. I just couldnt bring myself to buy a 4 door sedan. Then I found the Magnum. Do your research, you will be impressed. I want you to know that the SXT with the 3.5 v6, will give you plenty of power and is a blast to drive. I traded in a 2004 Mustang convert. It had a 3.8 v6, it also had 60 LESS horses...

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  Yes It Is! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Dawn Main - February 27 - 4:53 pm

  I love it. The best car that I have ever owned. Excellent handling, comfort and looks! I do have to say that most of the looks come from men. Women are not as taken with the car.

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  Dodge Magnum RT - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Tom - February 22 - 8:46 am

  I have had a problem on slick roads (midwest) with the anti-slip differential. The traction is very poor for this vehicle. I was told Mercedes had the best anti-slip differential on the market and this car would not have any problems. Not true. I dont like the mixture of the shiny chrome and brush interior items and I am disappointed in the passenger side leg room. When I have someone six feet tall and taller they are cramped for knee space with the seat all of the way back. I had a fog light get broken when I hit an animal in the road and to have it fixed cost $260; which I thought was a little extreme.

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  Wish I had all wheel drive. - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Dave - February 10 - 10:16 pm

  This is a great car and lots of fun to drive. Gives a super smooth ride with really nice handeling qualities. Great acceleration as well. The only negatives are the Continental Touring tires the car came equipped with. Real junk, only got 14,000 miles out of them. The only compensation the dealer offered me was to get a 25% discount on the same tires! The only other negative is this car is terrible in the snow. Just a few weeks after I bought this car they came out with all wheel drive! If the dealer had told me this I would have waited a few weeks and bought the all wheel. All in all a really nice though.

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  Magnum SXT AWD - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By RVR - January 30 - 1:53 am

  I am very satisfied with the car. I will recommend the car to my family and friends.

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  The new Dodge - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By MDJ - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I wanted the RT but decided that the fuel economy would be better with the 3.5 V6, and probably fewer speeding tickets too. The SXT has plenty of power, gets decent mpg, great handling, and interior comfort. Definately the nicest car Ive ever owned.

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  Love it - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By dlscott - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Best car I ever owned. By far the most fun to drive, especially when blowing off young kids. Their mouths drop open at he sight of my tail lights. Nice smooth, quiet ride.