What can cause my transmission to leak coolant??
Coolant leaking from a small hole where the transmission and motor meet
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2005 Dodge Magnum Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a reviewWith gas costs rising and SUV purchases dwindling, Dodge went back to an old standard and reinvented the station wagon with its 2005 Dodge Magnum. Not your father's station wagon, this "sports tourer" features the style and engines of muscle cars, with the practical interior and trunk space of a family car. It is an SUV masquerading as a classy sedan.
The 2005 Magnum stands out first and foremost for its unique look. A bullying grille adopted from Dodge's pickups, a sloped rear roof, and wheel cutouts make you think sports car. The engines perpetuate this image. The base SE features a 2.7-liter, 190-hp V6. The SXT offers the 3.5-liter, 250-hp V6, but the star of the road is the R/T's 5.7-liter, 340-hp V6 Hemi. Yes it's speedy and powerful, but this unique Hemi shuts down four of its eight cylinders when the car is cruising, to also deliver better fuel economy (up to 30 mpg highway). A departure from previous front-wheel drive sedans, the Magnum operates on rear-wheel drive. AWD is available in SXT and R/T trims.
Inside is minimalistic and gray, but roomy, fitting four very comfortably. The deceptive rear sloping window actually does not skimp on headroom, though it does limit the cargo area height somewhat. Seats fold to deliver 72 cubic feet of cargo room. The liftgate is hinged farther up on the roof, making loading easier and allowing you to open the trunk in tight spaces. The 2005 Magnum handles smoothly on the road, particularly when paired with AWD, traction control, and ABS. The rear-wheel drive gives the car a more balanced, stable feel, and the interior seats and amenities make it a comfortable ride. It handles turns tightly, and has surpisingly good visibility.
Above all, owners love the look and style of the Dodge Magnum, emphasizing how many stares and comments they recieve. They love the Magnum's solidity, space, cargo area, and the power of the V8 engine. It is a fun car to drive. Complaints range from a cheap-looking interior, to squealing tires on turns, the ugliness of the pickup-style grille, a poorly laid out and confusing cruise control function, and that the liftgate, because it opens so high, is hard to shut.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2005 Dodge Magnum
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Anonymous
Aug 31, 2024
Nothing compares to the srt 8 magnum 2005 or 2006Aug 31, 2024
by Ross H C
Sep 01, 2022
Great Car. I was very fortunate to find one with relatively low mileage that had been driven by an older lady since it was new.
I love the car!Sep 01, 2022
by Susan B
Dec 29, 2020
The car is every thing that its said to b .if u have a v 8 u have it all . Power luxury & most of all u appreciate the ride very comfortable & easy to drive.Dec 29, 2020
User rating:
by Anonymous
Aug 31, 2024
Nothing compares to the srt 8 magnum 2005 or 2006Aug 31, 2024
by Ross H C
Sep 01, 2022
Great Car. I was very fortunate to find one with relatively low mileage that had been driven by an older lady since it was new.
I love the car!Sep 01, 2022
by Susan B
Dec 29, 2020
The car is every thing that its said to b .if u have a v 8 u have it all . Power luxury & most of all u appreciate the ride very comfortable & easy to drive.Dec 29, 2020
by Tommy P
Apr 22, 2020
This isnt you moms station wagon. It is a modern day hotrod with plenty of interior space to haul my drum kit from gig to gig in style. Ive owned both the R/T and SRT8 versions. I believe in time this will be a sought after car years down the roadApr 22, 2020
by Anonymous
Apr 15, 2015
The car is very roomy for families and trips. It's comfortable and you can fit a lot in the hatch. It's bigger so I feel safer driving it and it handles pretty good for a longer car. Even though the back windows are tinted it is still easy to see out of themApr 15, 2015
by Anonymous
Feb 06, 2015
This car impressed me from the first day I took it home, and I always liked it. When you consider how much power it has it is hard to believe that it also gets over twenty miles per gallon of gas on the highway.Feb 06, 2015
by Aston W
May 11, 2014
I love this car, I sold my Magnum RT to get a Magnum SRT8! Car has nice power, great features, tons of space. Only issue was front end. Tie Rods and tension struts were the weak link. I was averaging about 18-19 miles per gallon. If you are looking for fuel efficiency this is not it. But still a WONDERFUL CAR!May 11, 2014
by Reggie W
Mar 20, 2014
Car is great. Acceleration is great, brakes aren't bad...My only problem really is the gas mileage. Have a V6 and I try to not push on the gas so much because it will drink the gas like water. But it gets me from point A to point B without problems thus far.Mar 20, 2014
by Anonymous
Dec 12, 2013
I liked everything about it. Absolutely fun to drive.. Very Cool Stance, Great Long Trip Vehicle .. Really liked this Magnum . The Space and Comfort are not expected, but add to that surprise the Power and Fun.. and you have a Complete Package.. Sorry they stopped building these True Sport Wagons.Dec 12, 2013
by Anonymous
Nov 08, 2013
Car is extremely powerful and the handling and brakes are amazing, the 9 to 60 time shows just how powerful and fun this car can be. But this car is also a great family car with a very elegant look with a lot of space for luggage and very spacious and confortable leather seats for long tripsNov 08, 2013
by Doug A
Aug 04, 2013
I bought this car 7 years ago used, and after my test drive I knew I was going to buy it. The car has instant foot response and crazy acceleration. The steering is tight and responsive and the brakes feel soft and grippy. I have since improved the brakes and front suspension for a much improved ride. This car is so much fun to drive, that I find myself taking the long way to my destination, but usually get there at the same time.Aug 04, 2013
by Doug A
Jun 28, 2013
The Dodge Magnum RT is the best road trip car I have ever owned! Best looking wagon on the road with its aggressive lines and Hemi V8 rumble that sounds great when you put your foot into to it. Overall high marks!Jun 28, 2013
by Courtney T
Apr 24, 2013
I don't dislike too much except for the features this model doesn't have or simply doesn't carry. I enjoy the power and possibilities the car has to offer for upgrades. I would recommend the car to friends and strangers. If they made a 2014 version, I'd buy it!! Apr 24, 2013
by daniel h
Oct 29, 2012
i hae liked this car since i have owned it she runs good drives great collects good attention because its unique and i have enjoyed every bit of this car, everything about this car works great no problems with it runs stops turns handling is one of the best cars i have drove i would rate it for anyone winter snow control handling is crazy good went in a ditch one tme came right out with the awd and performance together got me out so you should check it out and see what you thinkOct 29, 2012
by Kevin B
May 26, 2012
I love EVERYTHING about this car. It accelerated when you need it to and it stopped when you need it to! I am only giving it up because I lost my job and can't afford to keep it right now!!May 26, 2012
by Eric M
May 10, 2012
this car is by far the most reliable car ive owned. ive had it for 2 years and has run
like a champ with regular maintanence. it can really take a beating too. its beat srt4
neons up at the 1/4 with very little performance work doneMay 10, 2012
by Anonymous
Apr 18, 2012
Bought this car instead of a 2005 Mustang. More backseat room, not as many on the road, really a big comfortable sporty car with ability to haul and haul things. I couldn't get a new front door for my house into my Jeep Grand Cherokee but it slid right into the Magnum. Great stereo, I really like this car. Apr 18, 2012
by Dave N
Oct 26, 2011
Love this car - holds a ton, safe & comfy, eats rice with ease. Surprisingly reliable
for a Dodge. Has nice, solid feel. I always get picked to drive the "gang"; back
seat room is excellent. Interior is bland but functional. Gas mileage is all dependent on how heavy your foot is.Oct 26, 2011
by Amberly E
Oct 06, 2011
We purchased this car when we found out we were having a second baby. The Magnum was perfect for us because we could haul our kids, a double stroller, plus groceries with no problems! We went with the RT because of the Hemi =) If we had to have a family car, it was going to be a powerful one. The gas mileage wasn't as good as most cars, but it's a Hemi V8! It does have variable valve timing, so when we were on the highway, setting the cruise control really lowered the gas consumption. It's also great for long trips. It easily carried all 4 of us, luggage, large birthday presents, and a 70lb Boxer. Oct 06, 2011
by Susan I
Sep 25, 2010
Excellant high speed performance, great acceleration, fine handling, sporty appearance and a quality vehicle. Love the back that turns into extra storage, and back seats fold down for more room. Sporty candy apple red color. Love the chopped and channeled apprearance. Fun to drive. Sep 25, 2010
by Anonymous
Sep 05, 2010
Love our Magnum, will be buying an SRT8 Magnum next. This car is a head-turner and I love the speed, and control. The AutoStick is nice and convenient =) Drag racing from the stop light is always fun because they think you'll lose since it's a wagon. WRONG!!! Lots of space, comfortable on long trips, 30mpg on long trips as well. Love it, will buy another. Have changed nothing but the tires & oil. Soon to install the Predator tuner for even more power & fun.Sep 05, 2010
by Adam K
Jun 24, 2010
The performance is awesome. Estimated 1/4 mile time with performance add- ons is 13.9 sec. Now weighs 4060 lbs after an exhaust swap, estimated 357 hp and 410 tq. Despiite the power, it has functional room capacity, fit for traveling.
It would be better to be a manual. No problems with the car except every so often I get a cylinder stall where it's not running on all eight cylinders.
Appearance is awesome, the interior could be way better. Gas mileage is brilliant with the size of the engine and car. It is extremely fun to drive despite being an automatic.Jun 24, 2010
by James D
May 31, 2010
Amazing performing car, reliability mechanically is great, 110,000 miles with only a thermostat and bushing go bad, still on originalk brakes, have had the car o n the track 1/4mile in 14.9 off the showroom floor , trim is horrible, plastic breaks May 31, 2010
by Dennis C
Apr 30, 2010
love this fast wagon! This thing with pipes and an intake is faster than a lot of cars out there and the sound system is terrific. My favorite thing about it is its sweet looks and killer ride. Keep it clean and going to shows soonApr 30, 2010
by Tina S
Aug 14, 2009
I Love EVERYTHING about this car! It is a definite head-turner. It has plenty of room inside, plenty of power under the hood, and it's fun to mod! I only wish Dodge had not decided to stop producing them. Well I guess discontinuing them makes them that much more special.Aug 14, 2009
by Gary K
Aug 04, 2009
As for overall performance the car is great. Great acceleration, great exhaust note, keeps climbing past 100 with no problems!! The styling is personal opinion, but I think that it is very muscular and very functional!! How many cars can you haul 2 x 10 boards with all doors closed!! All in all...how can you beat a Mercedes Benz parts bin car with HEMI muscle???Aug 04, 2009
by Michael R
Jul 01, 2009
over 130,000 miles in 4 years ... still running strong and well. Now having some issues with steering rack - needed replacing as well as shocks and struts. Nice design and SXT model gets 22 miles / gallon. Interior is basic - leather OK. Could be nicer. I like the gauges ... accurate.Jul 01, 2009
by Andrew R
Apr 25, 2009
This car is a built to thrill machine. The engine is a 3.5L HO 250 hp stock engine. Aftet a stage two fuel injection kit and a fuel chip, you end up with 263 hp. The car handles well, in fact, too well. My Brother in law got a ticket for goin 90 in a 65 because he didn't realize how fast he was going.
The car can out perform most 4 and 6 cyl on the road, although the magnum struggles with matching v-8's.
It's a very "loud" car and most people will either hate it or love it. There is no in between with this baby.
If I did it all over again? RT- Hemi would be the only thing I did different.Apr 25, 2009
by Chad C
Dec 12, 2008
I love my car! You definitly get looks when you rev that HEMI up! Plenty of room, can haul quite abit for the size with or without the rear seats down. I would highly recommed the Magnum. I just hate they quit making them!Dec 12, 2008
by Randy D
Nov 27, 2008
Distinctive looks, particularly in black;
looks like a hearse (in a good way).
Plenty of pickup even in SE trim. Solid
construction. Great legroom front and
rear. Plenty of storage/hauling space
behind the rear seats. Black interior
looks sharp. Great driver's adjustable
lumbar support. Chopped retro look. Too
bad they are discontinuing the Magnum
wagon.Nov 27, 2008
by Amanda T
Nov 12, 2008
This was definately the car for me. Even though it is a station wagon, when driving this car it feels like a lugsery car. I love the smooth quiet ride,and the telescopic steering. It handles very well and turns on a dime, although it is not the hemi engine it powers quit well and gets great gas milage for the size of car. About the only thing I dont like is the automatic door lock does not disengage when the car is stopped and put into park.Nov 12, 2008
by Preston S
Jul 27, 2008
This car is amazing. I got mine used with 45,000 miles and have only needed to change the tires. It came with the 5.7L HEMI, a Borla exhaust, K&N intake, and a superchip, and this thing goes like a bat out of hell. I got some grief for buying it, until I showed my friends its tire smoking performance, which made a couple of my friends want to buy one. I would definitely recommend this for anybody looking to have some fun, while also having the room to haul stuff.Jul 27, 2008
by David E
Apr 01, 2008
good fit and finish, excellent interior, beautiful suspension. hangs on to corners extremly well. brakes are more than enough to send contents of the car and unbuckled occupants to the front of the car. we'll see how the engine holds up. feels like a mercedes benz trans. tiny 2.7 liter engine is peppy for it's size, not for the size of the car though. plenty sufficient to move the car, with resonable mileage. Apr 01, 2008
by Joyce K
Mar 27, 2008
great car, a real head turner, my teenage sons actually will be seen it and even ask to borrow it. No it does not have the hemi (my truck does). Good on gas, and a smooth ride. Handles great in winter.Mar 27, 2008
by Carsten C
Jan 23, 2008
This is my first muscle car, and I love it.
Like any North American car, it has it problems, but overall I love the look and ride.
Not great on gas, but what do you expect with a 5.7 litreJan 23, 2008
by Steve H
Jan 22, 2008
With the MDS system, gas bills aren't as bad as you think. Jan 22, 2008
by Nathan D
Dec 31, 2007
Awsome car all around...a blast to drive..plenty of acceleration and can handel turns at highspeeds very well. Dec 31, 2007
by Anonymous
Aug 17, 2007
interior could of been dressed up a little more but overall the car is awesome Aug 17, 2007
What users have asked
2005 Magnum AWD RT throttle won't return.
Can pull it up with toe (scary to say the least). Is the Accelerator pedal unit bad or is it the throttle body. How do I replace and reprogram it? Any suggestions and leads appreciated.
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Transmission cooling
I have a 05 Magnum 3.5 with 42RLE trans. It shifts hard at times and shudders a lot now. I am looking for insight on it. The fluid had water in it looks like strawberry milk. i read somewhere that there was a problem with the radiator getting a hole in between the water wall and trans cooler wall causing water to get in. I am trying to find out if its true. If that's the case I been looking for a radiator to replace it and the ones I see don't have trans cooler on them. Can anyone keep a hand?
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2005 Dodge Magnum A/C won't blow thru vents
On my 2005 Dodge Magnum, a penny fell into the cigarette lighter area and now ac blower wont work, nor will cigarette lighter
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2005 Dodge Magnum?Compare this car
2005 Dodge Magnum Pricing
Original MSRP
$22,695 to $32,745Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brake width: 0.4
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.90
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Telematics
Phone: cellular phone
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brake width: 0.4
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.90
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Telematics
Phone: cellular phone
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brake width: 0.87
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.07
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Telematics
Phone: cellular phone
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brake width: 0.87
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.82
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Telematics
Phone: cellular phone
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brake width: 0.87
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.07
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Telematics
Phone: cellular phone
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent