Segment:
Mid-size/Full-size Sport Wagon/Hatchback
Target Audience:
Drivers seeking a blend of performance, utility, and distinctive styling, with an emphasis on American muscle car heritage.
Key Competitors:
Pontiac GTO, Ford Five Hundred, Chevrolet Impala, Audi A6, BMW 5 Series (in terms of performance and luxury positioning, though price points differed).
Design:
Hemi-inspired styling cues, rear-wheel-drive biased platform, spacious interior for a wagon-like vehicle.
Performance Focus:
Available V8 engines, including the potent 5.7L HEMI and the 6.1L HEMI in the SRT8 variant, offering significant power.
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, emission control system, engine diagnostics, component replacement (e.g., timing belt/chain, head gasket, oil pan)
Transmission:
Automatic transmission service, fluid changes, component repair/replacement, electronic controls, removal and installation
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) system, driveshafts, CV joints, differential service
Brakes:
Brake system hydraulics, brake pads, rotors, calipers, parking brake, ABS system diagnostics and repair, brake fluid specifications
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, ball joints, tie rods, steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting systems, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, instrument cluster, body control module (BCM), power windows/locks/mirrors, audio system, climate control electronics
HVAC:
Air conditioning system service, refrigerant handling, heater core, blower motor, climate control module, diagnostics
Body Exterior:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, bumpers, trim, paint and rust prevention
Body Interior:
Seat removal/installation, dashboard, trim panels, headliner, carpeting, interior lighting
Safety Restraints:
Airbag system diagnostics and service, seat belt mechanisms, SRS module
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, brake inspections, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical system troubleshooting, engine performance issues
Repair:
Component removal, overhaul, and installation procedures for all major systems; engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, body repair techniques
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, scan tool usage, sensor testing, actuator testing, module programming procedures
Wiring:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, component location charts, connector pinouts
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics, and electronic system repairs.
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star (Front and Rear Passenger)
Traction Control:
Standard on most models, optional on some
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard on most models, optional on some
Antilock Braking System:
Standard
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), front side-impact airbags, available side-curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seat belts, pretensioners, load limiters
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles (depending on oil type and driving conditions, consult manual for specific recommendations)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed
Spark Plug Replacement:
V6: ~100,000 miles (if using platinum/iridium), V8 HEMI: ~100,000 miles (if using platinum/iridium)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on driving conditions and fluid type, consult manual)
Engine Oil Type 2.7L:
SAE 5W-30 (Check manual for specific API service rating)
Engine Oil Type 3.5L:
SAE 5W-30 (Check manual for specific API service rating)
Engine Oil Type 5.7L Hemi:
SAE 5W-20 (Meeting Chrysler MS-6395 specification)
Engine Oil Type 6.1L Hemi Srt:
SAE 0W-40 (Meeting Chrysler MS-10700 specification)
Transmission Fluid Type 42Rle:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Transmission Fluid Type Nag1:
ATF 4 HP 24 (Mercedes-Benz specification, equivalent to Mopar ATF+4 in some cases, consult manual)
Transmission Fluid Type 545Rfe:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Coolant Type:
Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Engine Coolant, orange color
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Check manual for specific recommendation)
Power Steering:
Potential for leaks from pump or rack, whining noise
Suspension:
Wear on ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings; premature strut/shock wear
Electrical:
Issues with window regulators, door lock actuators, BCM problems, and CAN bus communication errors
Exhaust:
Rattling heat shields, catalytic converter issues, especially on higher mileage vehicles
Hemi Mds:
Multi-Displacement System (MDS) lifter issues can cause ticking or knocking noises when cylinders are deactivated
Car And Driver Best 10:
The 2005 Dodge Magnum R/T with the 5.7L HEMI was named to Car and Driver's 10Best Trucks/SUVs list for 2005.
Consumers Reports Ratings:
Varied over the years; early models generally received average to below-average reliability ratings, particularly for the V6 engines and transmissions. Later models showed some improvement.
Epa Fuel Economy 2.7L V6 Rwd:
Approx. 18 MPG City / 24 MPG Highway
Epa Fuel Economy 5.7L Hemi Rwd:
Approx. 15 MPG City / 22 MPG Highway
Epa Fuel Economy 6.1L Hemi Srt8:
Approx. 14 MPG City / 20 MPG Highway