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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  best ever - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By moochie - January 20 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car we ever had and our past 5 cars have been Chrysler products but the magnum R/T is by far the best fun to drive gas mileage for a hemi isnt bad great ride roomy cant say that there is anything thats i dont like about it . Great job on building this car .

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  I Buy American - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By SKINNI - January 4 - 4:33 am

  This "sport wagon" brings it. I’ve only had it for about a month and love it. Small issue with the air bag that was resolved. There is some vibrating in the panels or exhaust on acceleration but hope to eliminate that. If youre fuel conscious though go for the v- 6. The hemi is a guzzler. When Im driving like a normal guy I still only average about 13 mpg in the city at best. The stock exhaust is rather quiet for such a beast of a car. Could use a little more growl. I’ve found a slew of aftermarket parts so upgrades will be easy and fun. All in all I would recommend this vehicle for anyone interested. If fuel is a factor though u will have to sacrifice the power of the hemi for a v-6 :(

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  GREAT FUN CAR - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By joe masiello - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I Love My car.It is great for My Wife Son and two Big dogs..We drove to the lake ,and it peformed greatthru the Mountain..WOW WOW

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  BAD TO THE BONE - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By SKIPPERK1 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  FAST AND BAD THE REAL ROCKY.IT HAS IT ALL THIS CAR REALY TURNS HEADS.

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  Hemi Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Topip - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Great ride. Great performance with the Hemi. Excellent sound system and the GPS is a kick. Got rid of the way too quiet mufflers and resonators. Now sounds like a it has an attitude. Turns heads wherever it goes.

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  Looks great, less filling - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Dave - November 17 - 10:23 am

  I read a lot of the reviews on this site and they helped me make my purchase. I like the car for the most part but my fiance has a bad back and cant drive more than an hour without severe pain. The rear of the car gets really hot after a couple hours of driving and my dogs roast as a result. Compared to my old 95 Vette, it corners like a pig but its got some nice power for getting around town. Ive had it one month and I have found serious problems with it that the dealer says they cant reproduce. I paid $43k out the door and dont feel the quality is worth the expense. I will never buy another Dodge!

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  Magnum Joyride - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By daPig - October 25 - 11:30 pm

  Performance exceptional - especially the mileage. For a Hemi, 22 highway! The 4- cylinder feature does the trick! Gets the stares too, you can tell folks appreciate the lines & design. Lovin it so far (+/-6,000 miles down).

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  Darn good car - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Mullins - October 20 - 9:43 pm

  This is one of the best vehicles I ever owned. We live in upstate NY (snow), and with the AWD we have had no trouble getting around. It is very comfortable on long trips, and a lot of room for stuff. Comfort, performance, a real head turner. We plan on keeping it for a long time. My wife just loves it. I have my 4x4 Dakota, but I have no problem driving the Magnum in bad weather. Thanks

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  Love this ride. - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Thin Blue Line - September 24 - 10:50 am

  I have not owned this vehicle long but I love it. My wife and I have already had to come to an agreement about who gets to drive it when. I am 64" tall and weigh over 280 lbs. I love the room in my Magnum. I have no trouble sitting in the drivers seat or the passengers seat. I have been searching for a vehicle that gives me room with style and performance. And performance, whoa! It does not seem to matter whether you are starting from 0 or traveling at 60 mph. If you apply the gas, you are burning the road. And the best part is that it is so smooth when you call on your HEMI. I think this RT Magnum out performs my Police cruiser! Love it, Loveit, Love it!

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  The car that get comments - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By vjudo - August 27 - 9:43 am

  Man this is a great car. I purchased it for my wife when I returned from Iraq. It handles well in the rain, snow, and ice. I am a police officer and have driven high powered cars, but this car is incredible. You cannot lose control of it, even if you tried. I am going to buy another one for me. It is great. I cant wait to hand it down to my 10 year old...on his 16th birthday.