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:

• 

  Wonderful Car! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Rebecca Tweed - February 7 - 2:46 am

  I have had my eye on this car for quite some time now, and when I got to the dearlership, there was no other car I wanted to look at. We are trying to start a family, and I do not like SUVs or mini vans. The Magnum is the perfect family vehicle and it looks and rides great too!

• 

  Glad I bought it - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By dlp - January 15 - 5:00 pm

  Bought my Magnum RT in September and have over 6k miles on it as of late November have adveraged just over 19mpg with a low of 16mpg (first tank) and a high of 23mpg. Excellent ride and handling, no problems so far.....The only change Ive made so far has been the addition of a flowmaster exhaust system.

• 

  We love our Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Thomas Froio - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Best all around car I have owned . I have been buying new cars since 1961 and this is by far the best of all.. It is a quality not expected.. We could not be happier with our purchase.. Thomas Froio

• 

  2005 Dodge Magnum RT - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By macster - January 12 - 10:00 am

  The styling of the new Dodge Magnum caught my attention as soon as I got near it, and caused me to want to look and look some more. The long, low stance, the tall wheel/tire combination, the short window chopped top look, made me think this was a custom vehicle. Drove one (the hemi) at the dealership and was sold on it. Nice looking inside, but not frilly. Looks strictly business. Gets more serious when you apply those 340 horses under the hood to the pavement. This thing gets the drivers attention! Surprising headroom too! Im 6-6, and no problems!

• 

  Interior needs help. Too plain - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By jerry thomas - December 28 - 12:30 am

  A great running car. The gas mileage in town is a little weak. The interior is cheap looking. It should have some wood or something to spiff it up. The ride is a little stiff. It makes the CD jump when you hit a small bump.

• 

  Great car - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By rkt wgn - December 26 - 5:00 am

  I love this car. Around town, I get 16 mpg all the time, and on the highway, I got 23.3 the last time I had it on a trip. I really like the power, ride, room, just about everything about it. I need to go by a dealer as I have just started getting a vibration, like running over a washboard, when backing around a corner while it is cold, in the morning. Seems like a positraction problem, like my old Corvette had. Fixed with a can of special oil. Overall, I love it.

• 

  AWESOME CAR - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Oliver - December 13 - 2:33 pm

  The best buy for me in a long time. I wasnt sure whether to get an SUV or the Magnum SXT, but after owning mine for 3 months now, I know it was the right decision. Fuel mileage, handling, roomy interior and the excitment of driving a "Grocery Getter" that turns head was more than worth it. The whole family loves it and my kids call it the "Beast" :)! If you think of getting one (Dodge has come a long way with improvements and quality) take it one for an extended spin (highway, backroads and city) and Im sure that youll get it. Its worth checking out if youre in the market for a new, sporty, head-turning car (even for those in a mid-life-crisis)! I love my Mangnum "Beast" SXT, Youll too.

• 

  Just got my Hemi Magnum! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By MRSIX - December 6 - 10:00 am

  The car is an eyeful! From every angle you smile when you look at it. I selected the Black Metallic Pearl with every option except the trailer package. My first impression when I saw the car was astonishment with the unique stance and look. For a US carmaker, Dodge has definately outdone themselves. I have waited 18 months for this car to happen, and I am not disappointed. The car drives incredibly well at all speeds. Acceleration from a standing start is not stellar, but the car comes into its own when entering the on ramp, and from 60 to 100.

• 

  This is the car! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By bigdaddyoc - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I can honestly say I love this car. Ive had mine for just over a week and 700 miles and have no complaints...ok well the gas gauge and my atm card might complain but all in the name of fun. For an all around daily driver with room to spare it doesnt get any better. It has the power and handling of a decent sports car, yet seats 5 comfortably with their luggage. So far Ive pushed the car pretty hard and it just keeps taking it. Be prepared for the 2nd set of tires..it will come soon!

• 

  Never to old to drive a hotrod - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By debbie collier - November 7 - 8:00 am

  This car is great. I have had 3 new cars in the past 2 years, and when I see this one I had to kiss the others goodbye and Im glad I did. I love everything about it.