Market Segment:
Full-size station wagon/hatchback with RWD/AWD platform, targeting a niche market for performance-oriented utility vehicles.
Competitors:
Chevrolet Impala, Buick LaCrosse, Ford Five Hundred/Taurus (based on platform sharing), and import alternatives like certain Volvo wagons or larger sedans with AWD.
Platform Advantage:
Shared LX platform with Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger, providing a robust rear-wheel-drive architecture and potential for performance tuning.
Design Philosophy:
Aggressive styling, muscular proportions, and a focus on cargo utility combined with a powerful driving experience.
Diy Repairs:
Empowers owners to perform a wide range of repairs and maintenance, reducing reliance on expensive dealership services and extending vehicle lifespan.
Diagnostic Tool:
Essential tool for diagnosing complex issues, understanding system operations, and verifying repairs performed by others.
Engine Coverage:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures for all gasoline engines offered. Includes specifications, timing, cooling, lubrication, fuel, and emission systems.
Transmission Coverage:
Comprehensive coverage of automatic transmission (e.g., W5A580) for RWD and AWD models, including diagnosis, removal, overhaul, and fluid specifications.
Drivetrain Coverage:
Front and rear axle assembly, driveshafts, CV joints, differentials (limited-slip where applicable), and AWD system components.
Suspension Coverage:
Front and rear suspension systems (multi-link rear), shock absorbers, struts, control arms, springs, bushings, and alignment specifications.
Steering Coverage:
Power steering system diagnosis, repair, steering gear, tie rods, and steering column.
Brakes Coverage:
Front and rear brake system components (disc brakes), ABS, ESP, brake fluid specifications, rotor and pad replacement, and bleeding procedures.
HVAC Coverage:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, compressor, condenser, evaporator, and climate control module.
Electrical Coverage:
Extensive wiring diagrams, fuse locations, relay assignments, battery, charging system, starter, lighting, power windows, locks, seats, and body control modules (BCM).
Body Chassis Coverage:
Body panel removal/installation, frame straightening (where applicable), doors, latches, hinges, bumpers, and underbody components.
Interior Coverage:
Instrument panel, dashboard, seats, trim panels, airbags, seatbelts, and interior electronics.
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs, tire rotations, and brake inspections.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component repair and replacement, including engine teardown, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, and electrical system repairs.
Troubleshooting Guidelines:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting for common and uncommon issues, error code interpretation, and electrical diagnostic guides.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic procedures including OBD-II diagnostics, sensor testing, actuator testing, and module programming requirements.
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed procedures for rebuilding major components such as engines and transmissions, including torque specifications, clearances, and assembly sequences.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive and clearly labeled electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, crucial for electrical troubleshooting and repair.
Engine Options:
2.7L V6 (EER), 3.5L V6 (EGG), 5.7L HEMI V8 (EWS)
2.7L V6 Horsepower:
190 hp @ 5200 rpm
2.7L V6 Torque:
260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
3.5L V6 Horsepower:
250 hp @ 6400 rpm
3.5L V6 Torque:
250 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
5.7L Hemi Horsepower:
340 hp @ 5000 rpm
5.7L Hemi Torque:
390 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Displacement Range:
2.7L (2736 cc) to 5.7L (5654 cc)
Valvetrain:
SOHC (2.7L, 3.5L) and OHV (5.7L HEMI)
Compression Ratio 2.7L:
9.6:1
Compression Ratio 3.5L:
9.6:1
Compression Ratio 5.7L:
9.6:1
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended, 91+ for optimal HEMI performance)
Emission Control:
Catalytic converters, EGR system, Oxygen sensors
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star (2006)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star (2006)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset:
Good (2006-2009)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (2006-2009)
Active Safety Systems:
Traction Control (TCS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA)
Passive Safety Features:
Multi-stage front airbags, front side-impact airbags, available side-curtain airbags, active head restraints, pretensioning seat belts
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement 2.7L 3.5L:
Every 100,000 miles (Platinum or Iridium recommended)
Spark Plug Replacement 5.7L Hemi:
Every 100,000 miles (Multi-displacement System compatible)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles or 48 months (severe service may require sooner)
Engine Oil Type 2.7L 3.5L:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic
Engine Oil Type 5.7L Hemi:
SAE 5W-20 Synthetic (check owner's manual for specifics)
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-9769) - Orange
Common Issues List:
Rattles/buzzes from dashboard, potential for EGR valve issues on V6 engines, fuel pump failures, front suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rods), water pump leaks, interior trim fitment issues, HEMI lifter tick (early models).
Troubleshooting Resources:
The manual provides detailed diagnostic steps for these and other common problems.
Brand Focus:
Dodge's heritage includes muscle cars and performance-oriented vehicles, a theme somewhat echoed in the Magnum's potent HEMI option.
Predecessor:
No direct predecessor, but filled a niche for a performance wagon not seen since models like the Dodge Colt wagon or earlier performance sedans.
Successor:
The Dodge Avenger sedan (though a different segment) and the Dodge Journey crossover could be seen as market successors in broadening Dodge's family vehicle offerings.
Production Years:
2004 (model year 2005) - 2008 (model year 2009)
Manufacturing Location:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada
Trim Levels:
SE, SXT, R/T, SRT8