Dodge Magnum Review

2008 Dodge Magnum R/T Station Wagon Shown

Welcome 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, however, is a rebirth of sorts. It has gained a measure of cool, and leading the charge is the Dodge Magnum.

Though the Magnum didn't initiate this new wave of wagons, it certainly has had the biggest impact. In terms of style, power and utility, there's nothing else quite like it. For automotive shoppers looking for a large wagon or just desiring an SUV alternative, it warrants strong consideration.

The Dodge Magnum deservedly attracts plenty of attention because of its styling. Its long, low stance and flat tail end call to mind the wagons of decades past, but a rising beltline, tapering roof line, short overhangs, trucklike grille and prominent wheels give it a contemporary and sporty appearance.

The Magnum is classified as a large wagon and shares much of its underlying hardware and design with its sedan cousins, the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300. Its long wheelbase provides roomy seating for up to five passengers plus a decent amount of space for luggage or gear. Behind the rear seats, there are almost 28 cubic feet of cargo room available. Lowering them reveals a maximum of 72 cubic feet of space, which is about as much as the top-rated compact SUVs can hold.

Sadly, Wagon Version 2.0 will live a short life. Apparently Dodge couldn't shake the Country Squire memories of Version 1.0, and will pull the plug on the Magnum following 2008.

Current Dodge Magnum

There are four trim levels available on the Dodge Magnum: SE, SXT, R/T and SRT8. Each one provides increasing levels of standard equipment and performance features. In terms of value, the vast majority of buyers should be happy with either the SXT or the R/T. The SRT8 version is similar to the R/T in terms of features but comes with additional performance-enhancing hardware.

For power, the Magnum SE is equipped with a 200-horsepower V6. It provides adequate acceleration but we suspect that most buyers will be more satisfied with either the 250-hp V6 in the SXT or the R/T's 340-hp V8. The optional R/T Performance Group that arrived for 2007 added 10 horses. The SRT8 has a larger V8 good for 425 hp. An automatic transmission is standard with all four engines.

Most Magnums on the dealer lot will be rear-wheel drive, but Dodge offers 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 is really meant for towing, however.

In our reviews of the Dodge Magnum, our editors have 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.

We expect that the Magnum's simple and straightforward approach will win many buyers over. True, it's not as refined or as prestigious as some other wagons, but that's not what Dodge had in mind. The Magnum doesn't pretend to be anything other than just a powerful and relatively affordable wagon with a dose of attitude. It's a wagon that the old station wagons of yore would have been proud to be.

Shoppers searching for pre-owned Magnums should be aware that for 2008 the Magnum received an interior update, which included higher-quality materials and a more upscale appearance.

SELECT A SPECIFIC DODGE MAGNUM MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.