Market Position:
Positioned as a distinctive American-styled sport wagon or 'cross-utility vehicle', offering a blend of performance and practicality, targeting buyers seeking a more stylish and powerful alternative to traditional sedans and SUVs.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against vehicles like the Audi A6 Avant, Volvo V70, Subaru Outback, and even some crossover SUVs, distinguished by its rear-wheel-drive bias (optional all-wheel drive) and potent V8 engine options in higher trims.
Key Features:
Unique wagon/hatchback styling, rear-wheel-drive platform, available powerful V6 and V8 engines, optional all-wheel-drive, comfortable and spacious interior, distinctive exterior design language inherited from the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300.
Coverage Areas:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories
Page Count:
Estimated 200-300 pages (typical for factory owner's manuals of this era)
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Systems Covered:
Vehicle operation, dashboard indicators, audio systems, HVAC, exterior and interior lighting, power windows, mirrors, locks, keyless entry, airbags, seat belts, driving techniques, basic vehicle cleaning, engine bay components, fluid checks and refills, battery maintenance, fuel system, air filtration, accessory operation.
Procedures Included:
How to start and operate the vehicle, understanding dashboard warning lights and indicators, adjusting climate control settings, operating headlights and interior lights, using power accessories, checking engine oil level and condition, checking other fluid levels (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), battery care and jump-starting, proper fuel filling procedures, air filter inspection, tire pressure checks, basic cleaning recommendations.
Technical Depth:
Covers essential owner-level information for safe and proper operation and basic maintenance. Does not include detailed repair procedures, diagnostic codes, or component-level troubleshooting typically found in a service manual.
Primary Engine:
3.5L V6 (250 hp @ 6400 rpm, 250 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm)
Performance Engine Options:
Optional: 5.7L V8 HEMI (340 hp @ 5000 rpm, 390 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm) - RWD only; Optional: 2.7L V6 (190 hp @ 5800 rpm, 190 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm) - base model.
Fuel System:
Multi-port fuel injection (MPI) for V6 engines; Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) with Multi-Displacement System (MDS) for 5.7L V8 HEMI.
Engine Block Material:
Aluminum (3.5L V6), Cast Iron (5.7L V8 HEMI)
Cooling System:
Pressurized liquid cooling system with thermostat-controlled fan.
Transmission Standard:
4-speed automatic (42RLE) for 2.7L V6 and 3.5L V6 RWD; 5-speed automatic (NAG1) for 3.5L V6 AWD and 5.7L V8 HEMI.
Transmission Optional:
5-speed automatic (NAG1) was optional/standard on higher trims/engines.
Transmission Features:
Electronic control, automatic shifting with overdrive. The 5-speed transmission featured AutoStick manual shifting capability.
Exterior Length:
195.1 inches
Exterior Width:
74.1 inches
Exterior Height:
58.7 inches
Exterior Wheelbase:
116.0 inches
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
20.2 cubic feet
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
67.6 cubic feet
Curb Weight Min:
Approximately 3,777 lbs (for 2.7L V6)
Curb Weight Max:
Approximately 4,190 lbs (for 5.7L V8 HEMI AWD)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
5 Stars
IIHS Front Crashworthiness:
Good
IIHS Side Impact Crashworthiness:
Good
IIHS Rear Impact Crashworthiness:
Good
Active Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) (often standard or available).
Passive Features:
Advanced multistage front airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, active head restraints, crumple zones.
Infotainment System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, optional Navigation system, optional Boston Acoustics premium audio system.
Connectivity:
Auxiliary audio input jack (on some models), optional Bluetooth hands-free communication (Uconnect system).
Driver Assistance Features:
ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera (optional on some trims), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Lighting Features:
Halogen projector beam headlights, fog lights (optional), automatic headlamps (optional).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions (refer to manual for severe conditions).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles.
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended inspection every 15,000 miles, replacement as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine; typically around 100,000 miles for iridium-tipped plugs in the 5.7L HEMI, and 75,000-100,000 miles for V6 engines.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-20 (for 3.5L V6 and 2.7L V6), SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (for 5.7L V8 HEMI with MDS - consult manual for specific conditions. Often Chrysler spec MS-6395).
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.5L V6: 5 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter; 5.7L V8 HEMI: 7 quarts (6.6 liters) with filter.
Coolant Specification:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) coolant, typically a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Specification:
ATF+4 (for 42RLE), ATF+4 or equivalent (for NAG1 - consult manual for exact specification and quantity).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3.
Common Issues:
Water pump leaks (especially on 5.7L HEMI), power steering pump failure, EGR valve issues, camshaft position sensor failures, and occasional issues with interior electronics or climate control actuators. Some early models had reports of headliner sagging. Fuel pump failures can occur over time. RWD models may experience more frequent rear suspension component wear.
Oil Filter Part Number:
Example: Mopar 04681577AD (verify for specific engine/VIN)
Engine Air Filter Part Number:
Example: Mopar 04861691AA (verify for specific engine/VIN)
Cabin Air Filter Part Number:
Example: Mopar 04806012AA (verify for specific trim/VIN)
Brand Heritage:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler, has a long history of producing performance-oriented vehicles and unique body styles, aiming to offer American muscle and distinctive designs.
Model Evolution:
The Magnum was reintroduced for the 2005 model year after a hiatus, based on the LX platform. It served as a sportier, more practical alternative to the Charger sedan and Chrysler 300, drawing inspiration from the successful Dodge Magnum station wagons of the 1970s and 1980s.
Production Years:
2005-2008
Manufacturing Location:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada