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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  Wonderful - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By aqtldy - April 27 - 9:56 pm

  I had gotten into an accident and had to replace my Concorde. I did not want to, but my new Magnum is great. It has been more comfortable and it has been a lot of fun to drive. I have the navigation system in it and you will never get lost.

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  Love my car - 2007 Dodge Magnum
  By minesarotty - April 24 - 8:41 am

  I was a 4wd driver for over 20yrs and decided because I live closer to work now and mileage is more of a concern I traded my 2005 silverado with all the toys and whistles in on my magnum. It handles like a dream. I have already gotten my very first speeding ticket (at age 51) as it goes quick a little too easy. I am not used to a lower profile and taking curves in the road is fun but it is great and the mileage is great too. The interior is a little lacking on mine but I dont spend that much time in it so it isnt a big deal. The stereo is better than I thought and it seems to be reliable so far. Over all I like my "car".

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  Fantastic!! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Jennifer - April 19 - 10:43 am

  Just love..... love this car. The styling is superb!! People keep asking what kind of vehicle it is. Its a great vehicle, lots of leg room, and space for everything. Only problem is, its so beautiful, I keep finding hand marks on it from people trying to look into the car, and people will insist on parking so close. If your are looking for a wagon, look no further, this car is cool!! Great value for money.

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  WOW!! - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By gallowhl - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I was in love the moment I laid eyes on my black Magnum. I wasnt even aware that it existed. My husband and I were looking for a 2nd option to the new Mazda when we say the front end of this amazing vehicle. We studied the lines of the body, the options, the gas mileage, the interior (what we could see. The lot was closed at the time). Within 10 minutes of leaving the lot we both agreed that we had just changed our minds. We bought it the next day. SOFT is the word I would use to describe the way it rides and handles. It the most different looking vehicle Ive seen. It also seems to have a personality to it. Its perfect for me and anyone who appreciates

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  Magnum - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Nightbreed - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive have my 5.7 liter magnum rt for 3 days now and Ive love everything about it. It feels like a race car and a luxury car rolled into one. The hemi is a major jump from the 3.5 and is worth the price of admission. The looks of the car have people dropping their jaws. All I can say is Im thrilled to have one in my driveway.

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  Black Beauty - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Heater - March 28 - 3:26 pm

  I call my car the bad yammer-jammer. Young and old continuosly give me the thumbs-up.

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  2005 DODGE MAGNUM RT - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By DECOBILL - March 27 - 6:53 pm

  Heads will turn when you fly by with this 21st Century Rocket Car!

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  HEMI - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Jim - March 26 - 10:46 pm

  Its fast, fun and I love it!! Handles fantantic.

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  Not your ordinary station wagon. - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Cy - March 26 - 3:23 pm

  This is a great vehicle for the 30 - 40 something guy with a family. Gives you all the performance, luxury, and utility a family man could want. Its definitely a good compromise between performance and luxury. BTW... this is probably not a good daily commuter car since youll never get the MPG Dodge advertises. Plus you have to buy medium grade fuel (89 or better). All that said, I like the car a lot. Its the best thing on the market now and for 2006.

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  Once was just not enough - 2006 Dodge Magnum
  By D.E.Light - March 23 - 8:39 pm

  Bought a new SRT Magnum for my own retirement gift in 2007. Simply loved it but eventually sold it to a friends son who kept bugging me for it (for 3 years). After that I owned 2 Chargers, 1 R/T, 1 SRT and a Chrysler 300C. I really missed the wagon because of the versatility and nasty looks so when I was able to find the second wagon I grabbed it. Never have had any issues with any of these vehicles but then I take care of all the maintenance/repair myself so no one can mess them up. There is a HUGE difference between the 5.7 and 6.1 Hemi LX cars pretty much in all respects so for me it will always be the SRT. The 6.1 responds very well to small changes (tuning,exhaust,CAI) and kicks real butt when you also loose 150-200 lbs of weight from the car which is not that hard to do. Even with the 12 sec. 1/4 mile performance I get around 23mpg on 75mph trips. Best of both worlds and the darn thing is a wagon to boot! Kudos to the SRT team. This gang has brought back the old day attitude and swagger we had in the 60s and early 70s. Chrysler leads and the others follow ( after complaining and trash talking about being beaten of course). Some things never change.