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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  Its all I wanted - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Dave - March 4 - 7:56 am

  I waited a long time for a car like this one. I had no desire for a SUV but I needed to carry things. I could never see myself in a mini-van but I needed to carry things and people. This is my dream car. Style, performance, and room.... its got it all.

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  Awesome Magnum RT - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Miles - March 1 - 12:03 pm

  Verasatility says it all. This is the first car I have had in a long time where people will stop me and tell me how COOL my car is. I really love it.

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  Love my Magnum!!! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Todd Brown - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car,walked into the dealer turned the corner and stopped. Told my wife thats my car right there. Major head turner,EVERYONE stares,we live in Arizona and there are very few on the road. Questions from most people,what is that?,are they expensive?,Can I look inside?,I didnt know it came with six cylinder,etc. Perfect ride.

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  Magnum R/T - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Mike Zuro - December 31 - 10:00 am

  The R/T handles like my old Trans-Am. The ESP works great without the driver knowing it. The interior is very quiet and standard features available on the R/T are plenty.

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  Business traveler loves the grave digger - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Alan - December 30 - 9:53 pm

  I travel 50,000 miles a year. I have driven many different kinds of cars and find that the looks are great, ride is fun, everyone gives you the look and the kids want to race with you. 2.7l is small but accelerates well in traffic. I carry samples and displays and can fit just enough. Even my kids think that the car is cool. Sometimes nice to be the cool dad!

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  Drive and Grin - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Jack - December 28 - 2:36 am

  I recieved delivery on the 2005 RT Magnum in early January and have put a couple of thousand miles on the car. The GRIN comes when you step on the accelerater and the 345 horses come alive. What a pleasure being able to pass, enter X-ways, without effort. The suspension and ride qualities of the car make it truly a bankers sports car. The 18" sticky Continental tires and the ESP feature gives me confidence in handling high speed curves. Another GRIN feature is the number of people who comment on the looks of the car. Stop at a light and you will be looked at and probably get a thumbs-up and grin.

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  Coming from a 4runner - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Now we have a car! - December 25 - 4:03 am

  Averaging 19 mpg. Not bad for the fun Ive had in it. The power is great. Too much plastic in the build. Grill is plastic, fenders are plastic and the dash is made out of something that sinks under any weight at all. But these are asthetic issues. If it was made like a Lexus, it would be priced like a Lexus and I wouldnt be driving it. Compared to a 99 4runner, it drives like a dream. My wife drives a 98 4runner, and when we switch cars, I feel like Im trying to run in iron boots. The Magnum flies.

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  Awesome Vehicle!!! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By bigboy1234 - November 23 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle reminds me of when I was a child. My dad had a chop top wagon. That was the main reason I bought this. However, the 340hp HEMI had something to do with it also. I suggest you atleast test this vehicle before you purchase your next.

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  Magnificent - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By beergut9000 - November 18 - 10:00 am

  The magnum has everything you would want in a wagon. IT is very comfortable for both the people who are driving and the kids in the back. THis car is fun to drive because of the power under the hood (even though I did not get the Hemi the magnum still preformes perfectly). Even though this car is a wagon it is great. Most people think of wagons being uncool but the magnum chages all of that. Also the magnum is the wagon version of the chrysler 300. I got this car instead because of its looks rear leg room comfort ant its big trunk. if you want a car with a perfect 10 the magnum is for you.

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  fell in love when we test drove it - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By ROBS MAGNUM - November 13 - 10:00 am

  We went to test drive one. we were looking for a new vehicle for my wife as her intrepid was getting alot of miles on it.got in the black rt at the dealership feel in love with the car got back from the test drive and bought it for my wife and kids.now im going to get me one as my wife wont let me drive hers because i have a habit of smoking the tires which is very easy to do in the rt.this car is awesome its a must have vehicle just be prepared to answer alot of questions from people every time you stop