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:

• 

  Gotta love that Hemi - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Taj1129 - March 23 - 6:56 pm

  What fun! Didnt want to be another SUV in line waiting to pick up the kids from school. I wanted styling, comfort and power and the Magnum delivers. Gas milage in the city stinks but on the highway its great. A wonderful, stable ride. Makes merging on the freeway fun. The kids love it too.

• 

  Magnum RT - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Alan - March 22 - 4:23 pm

  With cruise set at 65mph I averaged 24.5 mpg on I-25 south heading for Santa Fe over the holidays. I have towed a 14 ft. enclosed Pace trailer with ease. Mileage while pulling the big trailer fell to 12 mpg. I average 20-21 mpg on combined city/highway driving. The mpg drops into the teens if you indulge the urge to feel the hemi do its thing.

• 

  Awesome Car - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Tblair - March 16 - 6:40 pm

  I love my new Magnum. It has great pick-up and handles like a true sports car. It has a very tight suspension and takes turns with no problem at all.

• 

  Dodge Magnum RT - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Chazzer - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I fell for the Dodge Magnum when I saw the concept version a copuple of years ago. When I found out it was on the market I arranged for a test drive. That sold me. So I bought one. The ride is a little firm but the faster you go up to highway speeds the smoother the ride. On twisty mountain roads it sticks to the road like glue and handles like a dream. The 340 hP Hemi MD is really something. Around town Im getting on average 17.0 MPG; on the highway about 20 to 24 MPG depending on hills vs. flat land.

• 

  Fun - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Rogerd - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. Rides like a dodge and made like a dodge. Not bad for the money but Id rather pay more and get more quality.

• 

  Dashboard Rattle - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Martin Miller - February 21 - 11:36 am

  This car is Kickin. Its a suped up station wagon. My 3 year old son calls it "Daddys Hemi Car". An annoying rattle under the front pass floorboard. Mystery thus far w/ Dodge not too knowledgeable. They need to ride on 95 at 65MPH to hear it. Any thoughts? mminstigator@hotmail.com

• 

  MAGNUM... What wagons were meant to be! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Americancrabass - February 8 - 1:46 pm

  I just bought my Magnum 2 months ago and I absolutely love it. The body design is amazing. I love the hard edges and lines throughout the vehicle, and it carries over to the inside with the same style that looks simple and not so flashy, but also captivating at the same time. Everything is laid out perfectly on the interior. From the way the guages are set up, to the radio and AC controls. The simple accents of chome along the inside make it work so well. The car drives amazingly, to say the least. I purchased the 3.5 ltr SXT and must say that it is enough power under the hood to satisfy me completly. The car rides so smooth it is almost unbelievable that it is not a whole lot more expensive.

• 

  Freeway Cruise - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By sugareasy6 - January 27 - 9:50 am

  I drive many new cars. Dodge was reliable in that there was always wind noise, excessive road noise, steering wobble and generally less control that one would want. The Magnum RT HEMI is an entire different machine. The undesireable noises have been handled to a large degree. The winner is the front suspension, wheel/tire size and the star is the Hemi Engines performance. The vehicle response is almost to much. Acceleration is great and the RWD makes good use of all the power. Sudden power spurts at freeway speeds for lane change ie passing, on off ramp performance and emergency deceleration are all outstanding. Ists hard to find a dealership that has one in stock and most dealers