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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  MyMag - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By LDYnFL - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Love my new Cool Vanilla Magnum SXE..Truely a head turner. The only thing I find is it is sensitive to the road crown and always veers in either direction.Had it inspected and aligned but they say its the Florida roads. Until they figure out how to fix it, one must put up with it.

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  What A Car - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Magnum Lover - July 18 - 2:46 pm

  I must say I really love my Magnum. It really does have the power you want when you ask for it. The design is what got me interestested in this car, I love the low slung broadbased wheel stance and it just squats down and takes off when I put my foot in it. I bought the car in Nov. 2004 and it has 11,200 miles on it. Since I got it , I have taken trips from Tucson Az to Roanoke Va round trip and in March to Kansas and Missouri and back and had no problems of any kind with my car. Of course the gas mileage wast the best, but hey its a HEMI. Want do you want, your cake and eat it too?

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  Family & Fun Without the Oversize SUV - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Icee - July 16 - 3:36 am

  The Dodge Magnum is in a class all by it self. The drive is quiet and comfortable and the gas mileage I get is good. The kids love the look and the comfort of the ride as well as the 6 CD changer MP3 and the sounds the speakers give, as well the satellite radio for everyone. Speaking of comfort, the leather seats, and the dual heated seated in the front are great. This car feels and drives better than the best SUV on the market.

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  Awesome car - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Art G. - July 1 - 11:03 am

  We went to buy a new Grand Caravan and I looked at the Magnum. My wife didnt care for it, but I told her to drive it to see how it handled. That was it. She loved it and I must say it is without a doubt the best car I have ever owned. Handling, ride, power, comfort on long trips. We travel to Florida for the winter and fuel mileage was as quoted. Now have 8,000 miles on it, no problems except for two bad tires.

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  Magnum RT - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Ed - June 18 - 9:00 pm

  Comfortable, fun to drive and VERY Quick. Too bad the traction control cannot be turned off. Rear seat had immense room. Long wheelbase makes it very stable but not as nimble.

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  Fantastic Vehicle - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By dennyl - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased this car. Dealer allowed us to use it for the weekend. We put 500 miles on it and it drove great. The 2.7 was powerful enough and used regular gas. The fit and finish and overall quality were excellent. Our kids are grown but we can use the space to help them move, etc.

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  What a kewl car - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Carolyn - May 27 - 1:10 am

  This car is so kewl, so different in looks then most.I wanted one from the first time I saw it at my neigherhood Braums store. Its so unusual looking, drives great, good on gas, rides comfortably, roomy, what more could you want. Im so glad my husbands truck transmission went out. Its the car Ive always wanted.

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  An American Car I Can Love ! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Jack_ - April 30 - 10:00 am

  Finally I am back driving and loving an American car. The Styling is what brings you to this car, the performance is what keeps you loving it. Minor electical problems had the car back at the dealer in the first week, but all seems well after repair. I love the way this car drives and am delighted to run all the errands. It is a substantial solid and fun machine!

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  340 magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By pam gilbert - April 4 - 6:36 am

  This is a smooth driving, head turning car. People look and want to see inside my car everywhere I go. The fuel mileage is better than I expected. The cool vanilla color is very classy. i love my new car

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  Love my Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Mrs.B - March 29 - 1:23 am

  This has been the best vehicle I have ever had. It is fun to drive, handles great, and even though I dont have a Hemi, the get-up-and-go is just great. I never wanted a station wagon, but this is one I will always drive