2005 Dodge Magnum Review
2005 Dodge Magnum Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Aggressively handsome wagon body style, powerful Hemi V8, quiet ride, roomy interior, lots of safety features, available all-wheel drive.
Cons
- Sluggish acceleration with base V6, limited transmission choices, complex stereo controls.
What’s new
The 2005 Dodge Magnum is an all-new rear-wheel-drive station wagon. Designed to appeal to buyers shopping for a spacious, five-passenger family car, it offers a choice of V6 or V8 power.
Edmunds says
Looking for a reason not to buy an SUV? With its available 340-horsepower V8, handsome wagon body and roomy, feature-laden interior, the rear-drive 2005 Dodge Magnum is one big reason.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2005 Dodge Magnum SE Rwd 4dr Wagon (2.7L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$211/mo for Magnum SE
Magnum SE
vs
$224/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
Once stigmatized as stodgy vehicles only your parents would drive, station wagons have waged a comeback in recent years with the help of stylish family vehicles like the Audi A4 Avant, Chrysler PT Cruiser and Subaru Outback. Yet, we suspect that Dodge's new Magnum could be the wagon to shove the revival into the mainstream once and for all, and convince droves of buyers to give up their SUV habit. What's so great about the Magnum? Its long, low stance and flat tail end call to mind the colossal wagons of decades past, but a sharply rising beltline, tapering roof line, short overhangs and prominent wheel arches allow it to pull off a contemporary caricature of its ancestors while giving it an athletic look. Up front, its quad grille strongly resembles that of the Ram and Durango yet manages not to appear too trucklike. Standard 17-inch wheels (or 18s if you go for the V8) complete the Dodge wagon's authoritative stance. The 2005 Dodge Magnum is about the same size as a Ford Taurus, but a longer wheelbase, rear-wheel-drive configuration and hand-me-down hardware from the Mercedes E-Class put it in a different league where ride and handling characteristics are concerned. The longer wheelbase also translates into extra passenger room, and indeed the Magnum leads its peers when it comes to rear-seat legroom, while offering competitive amounts of head-, hip- and shoulder room. Cargo capacity isn't as impressive, as the Magnum's dropped roof line limits it to 27.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the rear seats. Power comes from one of three engines -- a 200-horsepower, 2.7-liter V6; a 250-hp, 3.5-liter V6; and, for those who can never get enough, a 340-hp, 5.7-liter V8. Given that a base Magnum weighs in at a hefty 3,800 pounds, the Hemi V8 is certainly the most enticing motor of the three, though the 3.5-liter V6 should be adequate for most buyers. The V8 is also your ticket to a five-speed automatic transmission; the others come with a four-speed auto only. In order to keep its fuel consumption in check, the V8 features Chrysler's Multi Displacement System, which shuts down four of its cylinders during less demanding driving situations. Inside, the Magnum is smartly dressed in a two-tone ensemble accented with faux brushed aluminum. White-faced gauges recessed in separate pods reinforce the wagon's sporty demeanor. Available features include safety items like stability control, side curtain airbags and self-sealing tires, as well as a powerful Boston Acoustics sound system to appeal to your hedonistic side. Buyers living in the Snowbelt can get all-wheel drive starting in the fall of 2004. While sales of seven- and eight-passenger SUVs remain strong, the reality is that most families only need seating for five and a fair amount of luggage space. If you're still waiting for that one perfect wagon that makes both the kids and the adults happy, the Magnum belongs on your test-drive list.
Performance & mpg
Engine choices are delineated by trim level. The Magnum SE comes with a 200-hp, 2.7-liter V6. The SXT upgrades to a 3.5-liter V6 good for 250 hp. And for those who can never get enough power, the RT has a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 stuffed under its hood. Output is rated at a prodigious 340 horses and 390 lb-ft of torque. All wagons are rear-wheel drive, unless you specify all-wheel drive as an option. A four-speed automatic transmission comes standard on V6 models; the RT and AWD-equipped SXTs upgrade to a five-speed automatic.
Safety
Four-wheel disc brakes are standard across the line. Antilock brakes, traction control and stability control are optional on the base SE model and standard on SXT and RT models. Options on all models include full-length side curtain airbags, self-sealing tires and adjustable pedals. The 2005 Dodge Magnum has not yet been crash tested.
Driving
With massive amounts of torque flowing to its rear wheels and plenty of Mercedes-derived chassis components, the V8-powered Magnum RT provides serious fun (and serious practicality) for driving enthusiasts-turned-parents. For those who aren't quite ready for the idea of a Hemi-fed wagon, the SXT and its 3.5-liter V6 offer adequate acceleration and an overall pleasant driving experience. The base V6 makes the Magnum SE feel sluggish, do yourself a favor and upgrade to the SXT if at all possible.
Interior
Inside, the Magnum's long wheelbase opens up plenty of room for passengers, particularly in the backseat where the Dodge leads its peers in legroom. The Magnum's tapered roof line limits cargo capacity to just 27.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats. Folding those seats opens up 72 cubic feet. Its interior styling isn't revolutionary, but a two-tone color scheme, faux aluminum accents and white-faced gauges give the Magnum a contemporary look.
2005 Dodge Magnum models
The 2005 Dodge Magnum is available as a wagon only in one of three trim levels -- SE, SXT and RT. SE models come standard with 17-inch wheels, air conditioning, a CD player, a telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, full power accessories, keyless entry and an outside temperature display. Step up to the SXT and you'll get a bigger V6 engine, along with alloy wheels, antilock brakes, stability control, privacy glass, a power driver seat and a cargo net; most of these items are available on the SE. The high-line RT is your ticket to V8 power, dual exhaust outlets, larger brakes and 18-inch alloy wheels, as well as amenities like leather upholstery and a six-speaker, 288-watt Boston Acoustics sound system. Options include leather upholstery on SE and SXT models; SXT buyers can also get the upgraded stereo. Optional on the RT only are a navigation system and dual-zone automatic climate control. Among the other extras are an MP3-compatible in-dash CD changer, side curtain airbags, adjustable pedals, self-sealing tires, seat heaters, a cargo organizer, a roof rack and a sunroof. Snowbelt residents should also consider all-wheel drive, available as a midyear option.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2005 Dodge Magnum.
5 star(82%)
4 star(12%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
440 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
A Durable Powerhouse
marty2916, 01/09/2012
2005 Dodge Magnum SXT AWD 4dr Wagon (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
I absolutely love my Dodge magnum.
Its roomy, versitile, fast, and it looks great.
I am in the process of renovating my new house, and I have hauled everything from tools to new hardwood floor to 10' beams (And yes, I was still able to close the hatch).
Even with a heavy load the rear struts never bottomed out.
The car is very durable and will keep you safe in case of a collision.
I … was recently struck by a hit and run driver that caused me to lose control and lightly knock the front end up against the barrier.
The car was still running silently, and the damage was repairable.
The only 2 downsides is the weight of the car which robs a bit from the performance and the average mpg.
5 out of 5 stars
Fun, fun, fun!
Thomas, 07/11/2015
2005 Dodge Magnum RT AWD 4dr Wagon (5.7L 8cyl 5A)
I am 6' 3" my wife is 6'1" and the youngest daughter is 6'4",,,,,, there is no shortage of room in this car and the 5.7 Hemi has the power to make it move. The suspension rivals many sports cars and the weight distribution is 51/49 front/rear which adds to the handling capabilities. I did not buy it for fuel economy, but at 15 city and 24 highway I am more than pleased. One of the most … fun cars I have owned and driven. It's a shame they stopped producing it
4.38 out of 5 stars
magnums rock
turbododge2, 09/21/2013
2005 Dodge Magnum SXT AWD 4dr Wagon (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
I bought an 05 sxt awd. it now has 89.000 miles on it and I have never had a problem. keep up with the required maintenance and it should last a long time. I installed a mopar cold air intake from mopar performance and bought a predator tuner and did the 93 octane performance tune and what a difference. with the predator it is like a different car. you can change the axle ratio for … quicker acceleration and the transmission to shift firmer. you can make the autostik so it will not shift for you so you can actually hold the gear to the full 6.500 rpms.. my magnum is black and gets a lot of compliments. I just replaced the sparkplugs myself and taking off the upper intake manifold is not to bad
3.88 out of 5 stars
Me and my Magnum
jwdugar, 10/17/2011
2005 Dodge Magnum RT Rwd 4dr Wagon (5.7L 8cyl 5A)
It was love at 1st sight.
If a station wagon & the bat mobile had a child it would be the Dodge Magnum.
Here I am 6 years & 100k miles later and all I love is marred because the car is made w/rubber and plastic screws. I never neglected maintenance and upkeep.
Now the dash vents have come "unattached" to the dash, the toggle for the navigation controls has untoggled and to fix it I have … to replace the entire radio system.
The front carpet detaches, the rear vent blows sometimes, the undercarriage screws, being plastic have worn out and the under carriage "plate," also made of plastic has split at the screw holes and has to be replaced. Not a good long term vehicle.
2005 Magnum Highlights
SE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $22,020 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $211/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 27.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Magnum include:
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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