Vehicle Segment:
Full-size Sport Wagon / Personal Luxury Car
Unique Selling Proposition:
American interpretation of a European-style sport wagon, offering rear-wheel drive performance and spacious utility.
Primary Competitors:
Cadillac CTS, BMW 5 Series Touring, Audi A6 Avant, Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon
Design Philosophy:
Bold styling, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, American muscle car heritage.
Performance Variants:
Availability of potent 5.7L HEMI and 6.1L HEMI SRT8 engines.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides technicians and owners with the authoritative data needed for accurate diagnosis and repair, mirroring dealership-level capabilities.
Engine:
3.5L V6, 5.7L V8 HEMI, 6.1L V8 HEMI (all variants)
Transmission:
5-Speed Automatic (W5A580), 5-Speed Automatic (NAG1) for SRT8
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Brakes:
ABS, Traction Control, Stability Control, Disc Brakes (Front & Rear)
Suspension:
Front: Independent Short-Long Arm (SLA), Rear: Multi-Link Independent
Steering:
Power Rack and Pinion
Electrical:
Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Lighting, Audio, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories, Diagnosis and Testing
Body:
Exterior Panels, Doors, Glass, Interior Trim, Bumpers, Hood, Tailgate
HVAC:
Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation, Climate Control Systems
Safety:
Airbags, Seatbelts, Pre-tensioners, SRS System
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Tune-ups, Fluid Checks and Replacements
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Component Testing
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical System Diagnosis and Repair, Body Panel Repair
Diagnostics:
Detailed procedures for using diagnostic scan tools, wiring diagrams, component location charts
Wiring:
Complete Electrical Schematics and Wiring Diagrams for all systems
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, pressures, electrical resistance values
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Target Audience:
Professional Technicians and Advanced DIYers
Base Engine:
3.5L SOHC V6 (250 hp @ 6400 rpm, 250 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm)
Mid Engine:
5.7L OHV V8 HEMI (340 hp @ 5000 rpm, 390 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm)
Performance Engine:
6.1L OHV V8 HEMI SRT8 (425 hp @ 6000 rpm, 420 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm)
Acceleration 0 60 Srt8:
Approximately 4.6 seconds
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended for SRT8)
3.5L V6 Code:
EGV (2005-2007), EGQ (2008-2010)
Standard Transmission:
5-Speed Automatic (W5A580)
Optional Transmission Srt8:
5-Speed Automatic (NAG1 variant tuned for SRT8)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Driver-selectable AutoStick (manual shifting capability)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Mopar ATF+4 (or equivalent specification)
W5A580 Gear Ratios Approx:
1st: 3.58, 2nd: 2.37, 3rd: 1.51, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.83, Reverse: 3.16
Passenger Volume:
108.4 cu ft
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
20.6 cu ft
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
65.7 cu ft
Curb Weight Base:
Approx. 3,880 lbs
Curb Weight Srt8:
Approx. 4,150 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 5,100 lbs (Varies by model)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Crash Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Crash Rear Seat:
5-Star
Stability Control:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control (TCS)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Frontal, Side-Curtain, Front Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
Seatbelts:
All Seatbelt Pretensioners
Infotainment System:
Optional Uconnect Navigation System, Boston Acoustics Premium Audio System
Parking Sensors:
Optional Rear ParkSense
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Connectivity Options:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free communication (Uconnect)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
Platinum tipped spark plugs: 100,000 miles (refer to manual for specific type).
Spark Plug Replacement Hemi:
Platinum tipped spark plugs: 100,000 miles (refer to manual for specific type).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 (API Certified)
Engine Oil Capacity 3.5L:
5.0 US quarts (4.7 L) with filter change
Engine Oil Capacity 5.7L:
7.0 US quarts (6.6 L) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Orange) Antifreeze/Engine Coolant, 5-Year/100,000-Mile Formula
Common Wear Items:
Front control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, rear sway bar links due to vehicle weight and RWD dynamics.
Hemi Cylinder Head Issues:
Early HEMI models (prior to 2005 and some early LX platform) had potential for valve spring issues. While less common on later models like the 2008 Magnum, it's worth noting in advanced troubleshooting.
Transmission Shifting:
Occasional reports of rough shifting or delayed engagement may require TCM software updates or solenoid pack replacement.
Water Pump Failure:
Water pump failure can occur, leading to coolant leaks. Replacement involves accessing the front of the engine.
Dodge Heritage:
Known for performance-oriented vehicles, muscle cars, and trucks. The Magnum nameplate has historical roots in Dodge's past performance models.
Magnum Return:
Revived for the 2005 model year, it was based on the LX platform shared with Chrysler sedans (300, Charger). Positioned as a distinctive alternative to traditional SUVs and sedans.
2008 Updates:
Minor trim and feature adjustments. The SRT8 continued as the top performance model.
Production Years:
2005-2008
Assembly Location:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada
Car And Driver 10Best:
The SRT8 variant was recognized by Car and Driver in its '10Best' list for 2006, highlighting its performance and value.
Kbb Consumer Ratings:
Generally positive consumer ratings for styling, performance (especially SRT8), and comfort, though often cited for lower-than-average fuel economy.
Manual Certification:
Based on factory service information, verified for accuracy by automotive technical specialists.