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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  Love our Magnum! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Jonnie - August 5 - 9:33 pm

  I bought this car for my wife, but we both love to drive it! We havent had it very long yet, but we are still having that "new car" experience. The handling is amazing for a relatively heavy rear-drive car. Steering is quick and very little effort is required. We especially like the features such as lumbar support for both front seats, power adjustable brake and gas pedals, and a very versatile rear loading configuration. The electronic stability program gives the rear drive a much better feeling of control on slippery surfaces. Braking is outstanding. The drive is smooth and solid, thanks to the 120" wheelbase. We havent yet assessed the gas mileage, but it seems to be as advertised.

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  Dodge Magnum RT - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Diana - July 26 - 10:53 pm

  I recently purchased my RT and I love it. The Hemi gives me power when I need it. It has the comfort and style of a much more expensive vehicle. So far the gas mileage is right on track. Im sure it will get even better as I put more miles on it. You can actually hear the radio/CDs without having the volumn turned blasting. You hardly notice the outside noise with the windows up. Im a very satisfied customer.

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  Magnum RT..a great review - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By vdogrt - July 6 - 6:13 am

  I keep hearing so many bad stories about the magnum rt. to date, I have had a great experience. Ive had it for 5 months and have a little under 5,000 miles. yes, I dont drive it everyday to work. its mostly a weekend and holiday car with my wife using it as needed to haul the kids around. so far no complaints. it a great car, with the feel of a luxury Benz feel to it. If problems develope in the future, I will rely on my dealership along with my extened waranty to deal with the problem.

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  best purchase i ever made - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By karab - July 5 - 8:33 am

  I LOVE THE MAGNUM, FOR THE SPORTY LOOK AND WTIH ALL THE CONFIRTS OF A BMW STYLE RIDE AND STILL HAVE PLENTY OF ROOM INSIDE LIKE AN SUV.. GREAT CAR..

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  Love this car! - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By John - June 19 - 10:56 pm

  This car is so much fun to drive and gets comments from young an old alike. Sure it looks a bit strange, but that is part of its appeal. It is very comfortable on the road and extremely quiet

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  Love at first sight - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Catherine - June 10 - 4:26 am

  I was shopping for a replacement for my 92 Trooper and thought I would have to settle for a so-so small size SUV to get something affordable. I chanced on the Magnum and that was all she wrote. This car has head turning styling and is great fun to drive. The 3.5L engine has plenty of oomph for me and it handles as nimbly as a sportscar. The ride feels like a European touring car. It looks a lot more expensive than it is and Ive gotten lots of compliments. Even my teenager thinks its way cool. My first American car ever - I just love it.

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  Initial Quality - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Jaylinb - June 8 - 12:50 pm

  Within 140 miles of use, a serious transmission problem was discovered. Also, the cooling fan clicks on and off way too often to be normal. And the factory tint on the windows is not removeable, making it impossible to change the tint on the windowsaft of the front passenger windows.

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  A Muscle Car for Everyone - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By BJSilver - May 26 - 10:00 am

  This is one SWEET machine. From the chopped & channeled look, to the large interior capacity, Dual Zone A/C, and heated seats. Tons of rear leg room, and wide 60/40 split seat. Yes people do stop and stare, and beep at you at stop lights and ask questions. Somebody though it was an Audi. But what sets it apart is the POWER. Step on the gas and Go!!!!

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  my magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By cjtc1948 - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car about a month now and I find driving to be a real pleasure again. This car is fun and easy to drive, with plenty of power when needed and also great gas mileage for it being a muscle car. There is plenty of storage in the rear and there is plenty of leg and head room. Im 6ft. 4inches and I have no problem whatsoever with head and leg room. I think this car is the ultimate in practicality combined with a beautiful design. I get the thumbs up sign wherever I go. I highly recommend this vehicle for the shear pleasure of driving!!!

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  A fantastic vehicle - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Magnum_Olie - May 2 - 10:16 am

  What a great vehicle. The gas mileage is better than an SUV, and the SXT version is very comfortable with the leather heated seats. Very fun to drive also. No complaints, I got mine for $19k brand new.