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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  My Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Ronald H. Pierson - May 13 - 8:20 am

  I now have 6,500 miles on my new Dodge Magnum RT. I really love the performance of the 5.7 Hemi engine, (Especially with the "Magna-Flow" muffler system). For the size of the engine and the weight of the car, I think the average 18 to 20 MPG I am getting is really awesome. This car handles really well and has a very smooth & quiet highway ride. It is a very roomy "Muscle car" that has the power you need when you need it.

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  Practical, fun, & a burnout too ! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Betsy - May 12 - 3:16 pm

  I love this car because its so practical and fun and beautiful at the same time!

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  I may never have to buy another car! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By glf07jm - May 8 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my 05 magnum sxt for over 3 months now, it turns heads everywhere. everyday i drive it to work at 90-100+ miles per hour (early morning traffic). it performs awesome. i went with the sxt because i couldnt see paying the money on gas with the RT(V8). i traded in a 99 ford tourus sho that had a v8 in it, and i must have forgot how much father you can go on a full tank of gas with a v6! the tourus i had was fwd and the engine weighed so much, you could bearly squeal the tires. i love the rwd on my magnum, if i turn the ESP off i can have as much fun as i want to, you can squeal the tires easily! i plan on owning this car until the day i die.

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  My crash test - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Hoyte Bomersbach - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Three weeks ago, while driving my 2 week-old Magnum, I was sitting, stopped in traffic, on x-way when a Honda SUV rear-ended me at 55-60 mph. It spun me around and into the other lane. The drivers seat was laid back and the damage was so severe that the rear seats were laid forward and would not raise. I could not walk or breathe, and was taken to ER. 5 hours later, I went home with no broken bones, just internal bruising and very sore ribs. The car was totaled. Today I got my 2nd Magnum. I think the weight of the car and good construction saved my life. Hows that for a rear-end test crash testimonial? Thanks for making a good strong vehicle.

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  Love my Magnum RT - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Dan - April 18 - 8:30 pm

  I was hesitant to spend $30,000 on any car classified as a "station wagon." But the styling grew on me, and the 340-hp HEMI goes a long way to dispelling myths about boring station wagons. The car handles better than any other 4,000-lb. full size car Ive ever driven. Im getting about 18 mpg city and 21 or 22 mpg highway, which is quite good for a car this size with this much power. I use the recommended mid-grade gas. This car is fun to drive and comfortable on long trips. I have had the dealer fix the "pulls to the right" problem, and I had to have the rear seat center seat belt replaced because the retractor jammed.

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  My Pretty Magnum Sure is a Head Turner - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Dennis - April 12 - 12:46 am

  My Magnum is one of the prettiest wagons I have ever seen or owned. It handles like a sports car rather than a wagon. Magnum has plenty of power when you call on it and believe me when I say it will run 0-50 in roughly 5 secs. With the ESP feature the Magnum sticks to the road like a road racer, and it is next to impossible to lose control of the car. Like the salesperson who sold it to me said, about the only way you can lose control is if you fall asleep at the wheel.

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  MAG--05 - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By EASTER GOSSETT - March 23 - 10:26 pm

  This car is a beauty and fun to drive. I have the V-6 and I have no problem with acceleration when someone is too close. I have had more women ask me about my car than men. I tell them it is just great!

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  magnum info - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By akgerb - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Sluggish acceleration Awesome looking Makes funny noises Problems with alignment Gets a lot of attention and look Roomy; love the trunk/backspace Kind of regret getting it Love the night interior lighting

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  Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Shine - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Our family of 5 loves the styling inside and out. The room...oh the room inside for me @ 62" in the front seats or the back seats is ample to say the least. With three fast growing children this is the car for us. Performance of the 3.5L is well suited and the handling is great. Break in we are averaging about 27 mpg highway. It is simply a pleasureable ride...and quiet too. Locations for under the hood is easily accessible.

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  looks to kill - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By shakeyfitter - March 21 - 10:00 am

  this car turns heads,young and old. its a stretched version of the 300. the hemi is impressive and im seeing 22.2 mpg,even with giving a few test rides to friends and family. i cant wait to get this thing on the highway. i spent two hours in the front seat,asleep, waiting for my daughter to return from a sporting event one night. the interior is so firm,yet comfortable. i would recommend this vehicle to anyone.ive added a factory remote start,and a receiver hitch w/factory wiring harness.this car is truley more than one could ask for in a thirty thousand dollar car. i feel like royalty while sporting this wagon around town. my compliments to the chef..