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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  Hemi Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By jab575 - October 26 - 5:23 am

  Just bought the Hemi RT, this vehicle is comfortable, handles well, awesome power and great looking. Got the Bright Silver Clearcoat w/ sunroof and roof rack ne other option, comes well equipped. Friend owns a Chrysler dealership and said going for other options is a waste no trade in value. Highly recommend. Do not know mileage yet, have only driven for one week.

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  Love My Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By mitcfarm - October 19 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Magnum since early July 2004. I love it. It is exceptionally roomy inside for my family of four. It rides smooth like a heavy sedan on the freeway, but handles quick and responsive like a small sports car around town. The power is phenomenal and a whole lot of fun to drive. And, it definitely turns heads and starts conversations everywhere I go. One negative--I have encountered a "hard-start" problem and the dealership and factory finally solved it after 10+ days in shop, now it continually has a "check-engine" light that they are still unsure of. The problem, although frustrating still has not taken the fun out of this car.

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  This was not the car for my wife. - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Joseph Machlitt - October 10 - 3:13 am

  This car has gone beyond my expectations. This is the true combo of Mercedes Benz and Dodge performance cars. This drives like a very expensive European car. Lots of good legroom and loads of storage space. We like the look outside. My 8 year old daughter calls the car her limo in the Cool Vanilla color.

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  I like it - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Michael Greico - October 7 - 1:43 am

  I have been a Dodge fan for many years. This car has not changed that. The performance is awsome. With the all wheel drive the handling in any condition is crisp and stable. Fit and finish is very good. Gas mileage is what I expected considering it has a 340 hp Hemi engine. I have not owned the car long enough to judge reliability. So far I would recomed this car to a friend

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  Magium 2005 - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Warner Mclean - September 27 - 5:40 am

  Fun to drive. well finished, power to burn, plenty of room, easy to drive, good bargin. concern that lower price versions will hurt resale valve of RT

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  Amazing Wagon - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Fennec - September 13 - 2:13 am

  Wow ! I never thought I would see station wagons come back, and certainly not like this. The styling, the handling, the power; all amazing. I got the SXT with AWD and it really handles so wonderfully, youd think you were driving the Daimler car that they took the 3.5L engine out of - the ride, the feel, the overall quality of this Dodge is more than the sum of its parts.

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  looks better than it is - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By mikevjones - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Great look, losts of interest from people on street. View out from interior limited especially blind spots on left and right. interior all plastic looks and feels cheap. Tires are noisey and transmission has whine.

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  Magnum SXT RWD - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By pdubois - August 31 - 12:46 am

  Excellent car. Would recommend. Good power with 3.5L. Fuel economy below advertised, but still pretty new. Very quiet ride.

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  What a ride - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Don S - August 23 - 5:46 pm

  This is my third Dodge, and I love this car. Thats the first time in a long time I am able to say that. Fun to drive, and handles great. Im very impressed with the 3.5L. I find it has very good get up and go, no regrets on the selction of this motor. Don;t forget the looks you get too. I had aa older couple in a Benz really give me the once over look. Well have this car for a while.

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  Awesome Car! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By cgl - August 7 - 10:40 pm

  Love the handling and design. I get compliments everywhere I go. Roomy and comfortable, yet practical.Loads of fun!