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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Dodge Magnum Done Again? - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By Purp574 - March 7 - 1:56 amI know that Dodge/Chrysler are going through bad times, but Ive been Dodge since my childhood w/my fathers Dodge-ram conversion van. Owned two dodges since. Now to my Dodge magnum loved it from the first time I saw it during a super bowl commercial. (get it!) remember. I own an sxt awd 3.5 liter Dodge magnum and am in nothing but awe and praise for my car. Even after two years. What upsets me is that Dodge has decided to do away w/the mag and replaced it w/the nitro or journey which look good, but dont stand out like my mag. Please Dodge, bring back my mag. It has an all-American muscle style that with a bit more time will grow. Thanks for reading, next step for me an srt8 magnum. (get it!)
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Its a wagon! - 2006 Dodge Magnum
By william van dusen - March 5 - 11:33 amMy car 06 magnum srt-8 drives perfect for road racing, acceleration stopping night driving, looks (without a doubt) when backing just force yourself to turn your old tired body around an take a good look, blind spot is there in the back. Only thing I can see is when trying to drive down long straight roads the long wheelbase and ten inch tread in the front goes away from straight much easier than smaller tread tires but it corners unbelievable for a 4,300 lb. wagon with a long wheelbase, Ill take the cornering ability anytime. Ownership of my car has been a long time coming (since 1962) Ive always coveted the big cubic inch Dodges and Plymouths, HA thought it was crippling at 4,600.00,
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Hard to justify trading it in - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By veblenesque - January 31 - 11:16 amI normally keep new cars for about 3 years, and Im pushing 3.5 on my Magnum RT. However, nothing new I test drive measures up to this car. First, the Mercedes E-class chassis means the car has an excellent combination of performance and comfort (not a typical muscle car). The engine is as strong now as the day I bought it, with surprising torque that makes it feel faster than smaller V8s (Audi S4, Mustang etc.). Has had no problems other than poor stock tires and rotors, and feels solidly built. Id highly recommend it as a used car since values have dropped - they will likely depreciate little if you buy one now. If you test drive one, you will buy it.
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Seduced by style.... - 2008 Dodge Magnum
By Waggineer - January 27 - 10:51 amI purchased an 8 month old Magnum SXT with well less than 10K on the clock. I fell in love with the looks of the car and the roominess and cargo hauling capability. The car has a good, solid highway ride and decent handling for a large car. The downside has been very spotty quality. Issues have included a new torque converter at 9K, leaky rear diff at 12K, an annoying squeak in the rear of the cabin that the dealer has "fixed" 3 times, and a very "clunky" 4 speed tranny. The visibility is really annoying as well. While I really like the car Im wondering about the long term reliability given the big ticket warranty repairs Ive needed.
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better looking than any mini-van - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By graham - January 15 - 3:29 pmI had wanted one for years and finally bought it after selling my Durango. great looks and a great ride to boot. Tons of room for a family of 4 which saved me from the soul sucking mini- van option. I had tested a 2.7L v6, but it was not powerful enough for that big of a car. The 3.5L has plenty of power. The RWD was a concern in the snow, but the first big snow this year disproved that concern. the car did great with common sense driving. Too bad Dodge decided to drop the Magnum. At least they should have replaced it with the 300C wagon thats available in Europe.
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Great car if you have a warranty! - 2007 Dodge Magnum
By Jim - January 2 - 8:29 pmWhen I sold my business after 27 years I treated my self to my second new car, ever. I loved it until 48 hours later when the engine knocked like heck during warm up. I was told it might go away. 14k later a new short block was in stalled. A trans recall for reprogramming, brakes warped, tie rod ends came loose, both tail lenses fogged up, the clear coat on the wheels peeled in 6k from rusty rotors,rear speakers buzz even on low volume, u-connect works less than half the time but only while answering the phone. (you get a call, you push the button, it tells you your phone is unavailable!)Frustrating!. SYNC in my wifes ford works much better. I wanted to buy American and still glad I did.
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All thee Above - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By Tamira Wams - January 1 - 2:49 pmSo far I had no real problems with my RT since ownership. luv the ride an the look of the car, sometimes the sunroof dont close flush but I jus made my own ajustment. luv my 6 disc changer/mp3/sat/nav, the only problem I had since ownership is my radio lights goes in an out. The whole screen goes black an cant use my navigation and other radio functions.
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My glorified station wagon AWESOME - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By Celeste - December 31 - 6:53 amWhen I traded in my Grand Cherokee I thought I would miss it, WRONG!! I love the Magnum. The 3.5 provides plenty of power and sounds great. It handles like a dream and is comfortable. I have 3 kids and it has the room I need more than the Jeep did! The kids have a ton of leg room and I feel safer. The gas mileage I get averages 24 mpg around the city and 29 on interstate. The a/c cools it down quick when we were at the beach in 115 degree weather. It has the pickup you need to get on the interstate or to pass. Did I say it was FUN to drive? LOVE IT, I hate mini vans and this is the perfect alternative to a SUV & Minivan. Not only in performance and roominess but in fuel economy. BUY ONE!!
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Less Soccer Mom, More Whos Your Daddy - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By CoDee - December 24 - 10:00 amWe took our Magnum Wagon on a road trip from L.A. to Lake Tahoe and the ride was so smooth I forgot how long wed been driving until we stopped for lunch. Make sure you dont mind people staring and asking questions.
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I love my Dodge Magnum!! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By Judy Pickens - December 24 - 10:00 amExceptional automobile. Beautiful. Comfortable. Great performance. I am not too enthused about the gas mileage, but that may be because I cant keep my foot out of it. All in all, I love it.
