Segment:
The Dodge Magnum was positioned as a sporty and versatile mid-size wagon, blending American muscle car styling cues with practical wagon utility. It aimed to capture buyers seeking a more distinctive alternative to traditional sedans and SUVs.
Competitors:
Key competitors included the Chevrolet Impala, Ford Five Hundred, and various import wagons like the Subaru Outback, Audi A6 Avant, and Volvo V70, though the Magnum's rear-wheel-drive platform and V8 options set it apart.
Design:
Distinctive styling inspired by the Dodge Charger concept, long wheelbase, rear-wheel-drive biased platform, available All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
Performance:
Optional HEMI V8 engines provided potent performance, uncommon in this segment.
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Exhaust, Fuel System
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories, Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, DTC Diagnosis
Repair:
Component Removal and Installation, Overhaul Procedures, Component Adjustments
Special Instructions:
Wiring Diagrams, Diagnostic Flowcharts, Torque Specifications, Special Tool Requirements
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnosis, and body repair.
Engine 1 Type:
3.5L SOHC V6 (250 hp @ 6400 rpm, 250 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm)
Engine 2 Type:
5.7L HEMI OHV V8 (340 hp @ 5000 rpm, 390 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm) - SRT8 Model: 425 hp @ 6000 rpm, 415 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Compression Ratio V6:
9.6:1
Compression Ratio Hemi:
9.6:1 (standard), 10.3:1 (SRT8)
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Transmission V6:
4-Speed Automatic (42RLE)
Transmission Hemi:
5-Speed Automatic (W5A580)
AWD Availability:
Available on 3.5L V6 models, standard on SRT8.
Transmission Fluid Spec:
42RLE: ATF+4 (Mopar Part #05013457AA or equivalent); W5A580: ATF+4 (Mopar Part #05013457AA or equivalent)
Wheelbase:
120.0 inches (3048 mm)
Length:
199.1 inches (5057 mm)
Width:
74.1 inches (1882 mm)
Height:
58.4 inches (1483 mm)
Curb Weight V6:
~3700-3900 lbs (1678-1769 kg)
Curb Weight Hemi:
~4000-4200 lbs (1814-1905 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
~5000-5300 lbs (2268-2404 kg)
Cargo Volume:
Approx. 29.6 cu ft (rear seats up), 65.7 cu ft (rear seats folded)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star Driver, 4-Star Passenger
NHTSA Side Impact:
4-Star Front, 4-Star Rear
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control (ASR)
Electronic Stability:
Optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, available full-length side curtain airbags
Audio System:
Available premium audio systems, including Boston Acoustics, with CD player, optional navigation, and auxiliary input.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors
Remote Start:
Available factory remote start system
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, with synthetic blend oil. Check manual for severe driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Typically every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
2005 V6 (3.5L) uses Platinum Spark Plugs, interval typically 100,000 miles (160,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement Hemi:
2005 5.7L HEMI uses Platinum Spark Plugs, interval typically 100,000 miles (160,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20, API Certified (Chrysler MS-6395)
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
Approx. 6 US quarts (5.7 L) with filter
Engine Oil Capacity Hemi:
Approx. 7 US quarts (6.6 L) with filter
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, 5-year/100,000-mile formulation (Color: Orange/Yellow)
Electrical Gremlins:
Reported issues with interior electronics, power windows, and climate control systems, often related to body control module (BCM) or wiring harness problems.
Suspension Components:
Premature wear of ball joints, control arm bushings, and sway bar links can occur due to weight and performance.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
HEMI engines are known for potential exhaust manifold cracking due to heat cycles.
Transmission Slippage:
The 42RLE transmission, while robust, can develop slippage issues if not properly maintained, especially under heavy use.
Dodge Philosophy:
Dodge has a long history of building performance-oriented vehicles, often characterized by bold styling and powerful engines, a heritage the Magnum tapped into.
Lx Platform:
The 2005 Magnum was part of the LX platform revival, shared with the Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, and Chrysler Pacifica. It represented a significant shift for Dodge's wagon offerings, moving away from front-wheel-drive minivans towards a rear-wheel-drive performance wagon concept.
Production Years:
2005-2008
Manufacturing Location:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada
Car And Driver:
While not a specific award for the 2005 model, Car and Driver frequently featured the Magnum in comparisons, often praising its V8 power and distinctive styling.
Kbb Value:
Mainstream automotive valuation guides like Kelley Blue Book (KBB) would have provided fair market value assessments, reflecting its segment and features.
