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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  kind 05 RT - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By DubStylee - June 24 - 10:40 am

  the lines and the color - midnite pearl blue.

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  Overall excellent - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By BigKen - June 22 - 8:20 pm

  The 3.5 V-6 has plenty of power. It handles well and is fun to drive

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  Fun & quality - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Greg L. - June 21 - 9:53 pm

  This is a very large car that handles like a sports car. Corners flat, breaks straight, very comfortable ride and considering the too small engine, it has good acceleration. It does NOT like to pull a trailer, but if youre reasonable its okay with that too. The drivers seat is far too narrow, Im a big guy and have to find just the right spot to get comfortable. Some people dont like the sparten interior, but I like the design. However, a little less of a plastic look would be nice. The exterior design is outstanding and there are lots of storage pockets and nooks and crannies. The standard tires are just adequate, but in Canada you really do need snow tires for winter safety.

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  Magnum RT/AWD after 33500 Miles - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By Dadd Wagon - 33k m - June 7 - 4:01 am

  Had my Maggie now for 28 months and 33,500 miles. Used Royal Purple since beginning. CAR has been the most reliable , fun , trouble free car I have ever had. Still sounds, feels, drives as I took it home. No issues what so ever. Very pleased that we own a car that was discontinued also.... So what.. The AWD system I have never felt safer behind the wheel of any 4x4. She is a tank and built well.. Keeping her forever...

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  powerful reliable workhorse - 2007 Dodge Magnum
  By dogmanosu - June 6 - 9:31 pm

  Ive already put 50000 miles on this awesome machine, and it still drives like its brand new. My dogs like the cargo space, my family loves the ample leather space inside. I feel like this car is just going to go on forever, like an old pickup truck would. I think the hemi, and the heavy duty transmission are unstoppable.

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  Red hot Wagon - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By wayne - June 3 - 5:50 pm

  Tight well built car with smooth ride and mad power. Dont let the kids drive it! Master computer had to be replaced at 10k. No other problems. Satelitte radio is a little muzak.

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  Dodge Salesreps Review - 2007 Dodge Magnum
  By Louis in Louisiana - May 28 - 8:46 pm

  I worked @ the dealership for 14mos. and drove all models available from SE to SRT. The 2.7L V6 in the SE just isnt powerful enough for a 4000 lb car, especially in steep climbs, and it dosent have ESP like the SXT and higher models. I purchased my SXT, because the 3.5 L V6 has a very good track record of reliability and I could not afford the RT at the time. If you can afford the RT, GET IT instead of the SXT! If you cant, the SXT has most of the base features the RT has, including the 5 speed autostick trans. Use a high grade motor oil, I use CASTROL GTX or SYNTEC and have noticed an increased gas mileage of almost 5 mi./ gal. Some recalls exist, get them executed ASAP! Nice car!

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  Still Loving It ... - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Nikdfish - May 20 - 8:24 pm

  Aside from a few bumps along the way, I have always enjoyed this car. Some warranty repairs needed, but my out of pocket for repairs has been minimal (< $400 over 4 years). Great power and towing capacity (for a unibody). Tremendously sure footed in all driving conditions. Better in winter than a 4x4 pickup. Very comfortable on long trips and 23-24 mpg on the interstates. Was planning on a new 2009 or 2010 version but they discontinued the model so Ill be driving this one til the wheels come off. Only disconcerting issue was a change in alignment specs that made it necessary to purchase replacement components to permit alignment to the new specs (would have met old specs OK).

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  Engine - 2007 Dodge Magnum
  By herve - May 17 - 11:39 pm

  Station Wagon on steroid, fun to drive with enough power on Hwy and city. Very good AWD. But.... I had to bring the vehicle twice to Dodge for engine failure. First time one of my valve broke, second time, the engine stall, the warning light stays on and ... still waiting for teh results. Not a reliable car

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  i love my magnum - 2008 Dodge Magnum
  By danny lopez - May 12 - 10:01 pm

  i own a dodge magnum and theres no words to explained the performance and handling on this beast is incredible. One of the best cars dodge ever built.