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:
Showing 551 through 560 of 598.00-
Awesome - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By davecl - April 13 - 10:00 amI love driving this car more everyday! I needed something with lots of room to carry my gear, but still something sporty. One friend of mine says "This car reeks of German ingenuity" I feel like Im driving a Mercedes at a Dodge price.
-
SWEET - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By magnum33 - April 13 - 10:00 amI HAVE NEVER OWNED ANYTHING BUT A FORD. 3 EXPLORERS,AND 3 MUSTANGS LATER , IM NOW A HUGE MAGNUM FAN. THIS AUTO HAS SURPASSED ANYTHING I MAY HAVE THOUGHT. COMFORT,SPEED,ROOMY,AND COOL LOOKING. I HAVE LETERALLY SPENT MORE TIME SHOWNING THE CAR TO PEOPL THAN I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE IT. A BMW SUV ALMOST DROVE ME OFF THE ROAD TRYING TO GET A GLIMPSE,AND THEN YELLED OUT GREAT CAR. THIS CAR HAS IT ALL. WHAT A GREAT CONCEPT. GOOD JOB DODGE.
-
Dont Let Magnums Good Looks Fool You - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By nj - April 10 - 9:36 pmBought my Magnum in June. Within 1500miles had to have the rotors replaced, they were defective. At 3000 miles the A/C was recalled and replaced. Now at 10,000 my transmission failed, started smoking, had to be towed, and it has to be replaced. Fantastic. Good thing I decided Id buy a new car instead of used, so Id avoid lots of time at the mechanics. Second Dodge Ive owned, and it will definitely be my last. Im considering contacting the major networks to do a story on the crappy quality of Chysler/Dodge products. Warning to the wise: they may look pretty, but dont get suckered in by a pretty face!!!
-
I love my Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By silk03199 - April 8 - 10:00 amI love my Magnum. Spacious, comfortable and its fun to drive. You wont believe the amount of attention youll receive! What a blow to my ego when I realized the men where gawking at my car and not me LOL.Ive had people stop me on the street and look it over. Please do yourself a favor if you are considering this car and "go for it". You wont be sorry!
-
Lots of Looks - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By Sherri1961 - April 8 - 10:00 amI feel that DaimlerChrysler should be paying me for all the advertisement I provide to them. To clarify-- everywhere I go I find people staring and pointing at my car. If they catch me outside of it I am asked lots of questions about it and told what a nice looking car it is. I have had 3 new vehicles in my life and I have NEVER had this much attention for an automobile. I feel confident and secure in this car and LOVE to drive it. I guarantee you will also find this car fun and refreshing to drive.
-
Very Surprised - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By S. Cal Gal - April 8 - 10:00 amI rented this car on a recent trip and was very impressed overall, but not by the 2.7 Six cyl. My couriousity got the better of me and I test drove the Hemi. BIG MISTAKE. I was sold right there and then. I have had more attention with this car than I know what to do with. People follow me in stores and out to the parking lot asking to see the car. I feel like Im a spokesperson for the company. People wave me down at intersections and at gas stations inquiring about the car. I thought I would never own a station wagon, but as the saying goes, never say never. Plus the aggresive styling and suburb handling made the sale of this car a lot easier. Dodge did a great job!
-
a must have vehicle - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By jomboli - April 8 - 10:00 amyou have to drive it to belive it. not your grandpas dodge. awesome vehicle to drive. turns heads every place i go. loves to driven fast and hard.
-
Dodge + Mercedes = Magnum Hemi R/T - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By Jay Brown - March 7 - 2:00 amAll I can say is that you must drive this car to fully appreciate it. I was granted the opportunity to drive a production ready version on a race track under the instruction of a professional driver named John Paul Jr. This car is built like a benz, handles like a BMW, and accelerates like a Viper. This thing is just DAMN fast for a full size wagon. The build quality both inside and out was as good or better than anything Ive seen. They claim the body gaps are only .116 inches. I could go on, but it would take days!!!
-
2005 Dodge Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By Lnet46 - March 1 - 10:00 amIm probably the only woman my age (58) to read about the Magnum (with the Hemi) in January and get to order the first one into the Dodge dealership in Rockwall, Tx. My husband and I picked it up in late June and we cant stay out of it. In less than 2 weeks, we have 1600 miles on it. It drives so smooth and has so much power that its a little scary. I dont like the navigation system in it, as its not as precise as my G35s. The gas mileage isnt the greatest, but I didnt buy it for that reason. We replaced our big and bulky suburban with this wagon, and for the price, we got a winner!!!
-
burly station wagon - 2005 Dodge Magnum
By bengettinrdone - February 24 - 10:00 amgreat car i never thought i could say i have a burly ass station wagon, but i do, and comfort is outstandig