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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  Will make excuses to drive somewhere! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Amber - November 6 - 2:06 am

  This is the most fun vehicle I have owned. The Magnum turns heads where ever I go. The Hemi will force you back into your seat and even has kick when already at high speeds. Has lots of room, I fit a willow tree in it! Adults love all the room in the rear seats. Worth every penny I paid for it.

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  Magnum RT AWD - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By arcadia - October 30 - 10:20 am

  Great ride with comfortable seating. The Hemi is great for passing and merging. It is an eye-catcher.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By John Reed - October 29 - 11:00 pm

  Great perfomance. I get lots of comments from friends and family,and I believe that some are jealous of our purchse. Its great for traveling across the couintry, is very comfortable on long distance drives ,especially in the Southwest. Weve used the A/C a lot. It keeps the vehicle comfortable.

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  Surprised purchase - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By damian - October 14 - 2:46 pm

  I purchased this car to get away from the look and feel of the SUVs and to my surprise, it seems I got a big car with comfort that you would get in a luxury mode,l and the sportiness of a smaller car. The drive is simply breath taking

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  Meets expectations - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By mbs - October 10 - 4:00 am

  Very fun car to drive. Great for long road trips. Be aware that the car is a bit difficult to park, but is otherwise a solid platform for around town or on the road.

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  That is one fine machine! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By rtDawg - September 27 - 1:43 pm

  Alignment problems, (Car pulls slightly to the right) - I dont know yet, however I am starting to believe the tug is radial related at 6000 - 9000 miles... Dealer thus far has not mentioned radials and has aligned the car without fixing the problem. Going to asecond dealer soon!

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  Magnum is a great ride! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By kylydy - August 19 - 10:00 am

  We love our Magnum! The only problem is that we cant both drive it at the same time!

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  Fun and sleek - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By C Palmeri-Shine - August 16 - 6:36 pm

  For the first time in my life I am having fun driving in a car. The kids friends think they are so cool for being dropped off in a Magnum. The ride is smooth.

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  Fun, Fast & Roomy - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Mark Rempe - August 16 - 2:00 pm

  The Magnum RT is a hot rod car with the ride of a luxury car. Excellent acceleration. Runs well in snow with the ESP traction on. Has plenty of room while still being sporty. Stereo system very nice for a factory installed unit. A pleasure to drive.

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  The Man Van - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By talib - August 9 - 2:20 pm

  Good attention grabber. Lots of power. Spacious interior cabin. Feels luxourious at cheaper price than the 300. Electronics are starting to act up at 4000 miles. Otherwise, no complaints besides gas mileage.