This muscular looking family sedan is a station wagon masquerading as a sports car, and a nice alternative to an SUV. It's speedier, better-looking, and packs higher fuel economy than traditional SUVs.
The 2006 Dodge Magnum made few changes to its highly stylized four-door cruiser, besides a few interior tweaks in the SXT and R/T trims in the form of silver accents. A tire pressure monitor is available in R/T, and a rear DVD system is an option in SXT and R/T trims. The biggest addition was the SRT-8, a race-car style Magnum that featured a 6.1-liter, 425-hp V8 Hemi which reached 0-60 in five seconds.
Clearly this is not your typical station wagon, and is designed to appeal to parents who harbor an inner Vin Diesel rather than an inner Ward Cleaver. Aside from its immense power and jaw-dropping acceleration, the 2006 Magnum handles smoothly, taking curves particularly well and is surprisingly quiet. An electronic stability program, and optional AWD, ABS, and traction control mean a more confident ride on poor roads and in poor weather. The longer wheelbase means an interior that is spacious with plenty of legroom front and back.
The power and handling are top scorers in the Magnum, although some drivers complain the 2.7 V6 is too sluggish and should be discontinued. The Magnum carries nearly as much as an SUV when the seats are down and the unique liftgate that is hinged far forward makes it easy to load and unload. The rear-wheel drive gives the handling a more balanced feel. Drivers dislike the plain interior, hard to shut liftgate, and wish for more supportive seats and a noisier exhaust on the Hemi models.
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These are a very good & reliable vehicles, stay away from the 2.7 V6 though. Would even have look better if a Charger front nose was used, instead of a Mercedes look. Remember, these are 15–18-year-old used cars. They will not be Barett-Jackson priced collectables for another 10-15 years from now. The prices on the R/T and SRT models should be closer to KBB, not what is being asked.Sep 21, 2023
by James M
Jul 27, 2023
Owned a 2005 RT, drove it 270,000 miles. Then bought a 2006 RT and drove it 250,000 miles before I got rid of it. Great cars, minimal repair costs, plus the 5.7 liter hemi.
Moved on to a Cadillac 2010 CTS Performance Wagon, decent car, too many bells and whistles. Systems and components breaking down left and right, repair costs $3500 so far. And only 140,000 miles. Time to send this one onto the aftermarketlife.
Looking at a 2008 SRT 8, should have stayed with Dodge to begin with.Jul 27, 2023
by Colin T
Feb 07, 2023
Lots of room, good power and drive ability, its a bigger car to drive but after driving for a little you could get used to it. Feb 07, 2023
User rating:
by john l
Sep 21, 2023
These are a very good & reliable vehicles, stay away from the 2.7 V6 though. Would even have look better if a Charger front nose was used, instead of a Mercedes look. Remember, these are 15–18-year-old used cars. They will not be Barett-Jackson priced collectables for another 10-15 years from now. The prices on the R/T and SRT models should be closer to KBB, not what is being asked.Sep 21, 2023
by James M
Jul 27, 2023
Owned a 2005 RT, drove it 270,000 miles. Then bought a 2006 RT and drove it 250,000 miles before I got rid of it. Great cars, minimal repair costs, plus the 5.7 liter hemi.
Moved on to a Cadillac 2010 CTS Performance Wagon, decent car, too many bells and whistles. Systems and components breaking down left and right, repair costs $3500 so far. And only 140,000 miles. Time to send this one onto the aftermarketlife.
Looking at a 2008 SRT 8, should have stayed with Dodge to begin with.Jul 27, 2023
by Colin T
Feb 07, 2023
Lots of room, good power and drive ability, its a bigger car to drive but after driving for a little you could get used to it. Feb 07, 2023
by Tyree B
Mar 17, 2021
I thought it was roomy and very smooth ride. Very quiet. Definitely need to take care and keep up the maintenance. Easy to handle, in my opinion. Mar 17, 2021
by HEMI J
Nov 16, 2020
First of all the Dodge Magnum is a excellent buy for comfort and convenience you couldnt ask for a better all around vehicle. I would however recommend the 3.5 motor or 5.7 Hemi over the base 2.7 motor.Nov 16, 2020
by jim n
Jun 05, 2020
top of the line magnum with all features this srt is a great value that will continue to appreciate in the futureJun 05, 2020
by Magnum F
Jun 01, 2020
First, this car was engineered by Daimler Benz as an E-class wagon and it was give to Dodge to put a body and power train into. It is a solid car that is safe and comfortable with the utility of a wagon but is not a minivan or a truck. the only other models to compare to are the Mercedes Benz E class wagon, Audi A6 wagons, or Volvo V90 wagons...Jun 01, 2020
by Jose O
Mar 05, 2020
Its the.best car I had ever, specially if its an rt orsrtMar 05, 2020
by Debbie C
Sep 15, 2014
This is my 2nd Magnum, Loved the first one, doesn't disappoint even tho its a SXT .It gives me what I ask for when I want it. Looking forward to a black R/T. The sexiest car ever made. Wish they would bring it back.Sep 15, 2014
by Ross Y
Jun 21, 2014
There is nothing I do not like about this car. I bought it with 55k and am now looking for another. Would like an srt8 but price is holding me back to an rt. The performance is awesome and I feel the safest of any car I have ever owned.Jun 21, 2014
by Marty C
Jul 25, 2013
This is a fantastic car. Fun, safe, comfortable, unique and eye catching.
I liked it so much I bought another.
My second Dodge Magnum is a Hemi, AWD.
I wanted a muscle car and am willing to live with lower MPG for the extra HPJul 25, 2013
by Anonymous
Feb 19, 2013
love the power , very good throttle response , tires chirp on first and second with slap shift pretty fast, cons gas gas gas is horrible its a 5.7 hemi so it sucks up gas like crazy but all in all very fun to whip around the track and streetsFeb 19, 2013
by Greg D
Nov 11, 2012
I love driving it on trips to northern California. Very smooth ride and the sound system is excellent. It looks great! I'm always getting compliments on how clean the paint job is. The car feels safe and is. Minor blind spots. The tinted windows take some getting used to, but, they keep the car cooler in the hotter weather!!Nov 11, 2012
by tralon h
Dec 08, 2010
Very good mpg. Very easy to find dealer and aftermarket parts. Tranny is
reliable very smooth shifting has somewhat good acce. Can haul alot of
stuff dont need a truck. Very stylish Very reliable no troubles. Is very
spacious But needs more speed.Dec 08, 2010
by Anonymous
Aug 19, 2010
Great curb appeal, good ride, nice acoustics for larger sound system. Performance of 2.7 DOHC is adequate; top end is surprising. Interior rattles on rough roads. Had headlight service (polishing) done twice - original light lenses micro-crack and yellow. Added 18" 2009 Charger mags and 245/55 18 tires and it REALLY improved ride and cornering. Bolted up no issue. Gets 26 MPG on road; more fun to drive with larger wheels. Aug 19, 2010
by Seth N
Jan 15, 2010
Performance: The SE has the lower end engine so there is not a lot of pull, but it can keep up. It's a heavy beast, so turning is not it's favorite place to be, however it turns better than expected.
Build Quality: This is an "American car" so I've already seen the types of build issues I'd expect. E-Brake handle fell off, one door stopped opening. Otherwise it's been great, however I've only put 30,000 miles on it.
Appearance: Like any car, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I happen to love the look, its one of the best looking station wagons I've ever seen. The interior is big and simple, and I prefer it to it's cousin, the 300c.
Cost of Ownership: For what you're getting, this car is incredibly cheap. I purchased mine for 20k, for the size, the 18gal gas tank, the performance (6cyl engine), it's a good price. I still can't factor in repair costs because I've yet to have a problem since my warranty expired, but being an American car, I expect it.
Fun Factor: This is not a vehicle you whip around in, it's for cruising. But it has lots of style, it's just a wagon version of the 300c, which most wouldn't consider a vehicle that lacks style. Also, ROOMY, I've not had anything I couldn't fit in this vehicle yet (within reason). I don't want a minivan or a giant SUV, so to be able to have 4 kids in the car and fill the car up with junk from Costco and the grocery store is great.Jan 15, 2010
by Anonymous
Jan 11, 2010
the performance of this car is great, very fast for the amount that it weights. the car is very fun to drive i have absolutely no complaints about it except for the amount of gas it burns. overall good car.Jan 11, 2010
by Jay B
Sep 05, 2009
This car is very fun to drive. I do admit to being unused to the RWD part, but that didn't take me too long. I got this car in 2007 when it had 11K miles on it for under $20K. As good as it is quick, it seems to still be very responsive at faster speeds.
If I have any dislike, it would be the traction control and ABS, which I have grown up driving without, and know what to do in bad situations.Sep 05, 2009
by Laura W
Sep 01, 2009
Its Fast has Amazing handling!! GREAT
fun to drive. Sleek Body design, mean looking exterior,
it totally turns heads. Everyone that I have talked to
who owns a magnum Loves there car and swears that
they will never drive a different car again.Sep 01, 2009
by Jennifer O
Mar 11, 2009
Acceleration is awesome. Quick, precise braking and handling. Does not need repairs. Add an air filter by Mopar and waiting to get the exhaust redone for a more throaty sound. Exterior is pimping. Black pearl paint finish with leather interior. Pimped out with Hemi decals and custom interior decor. Gas milage isn't bad for this beast. I love to drive this car. Summer is best. Nothing like detailing it on a warm sunny day, popping the sun roof, turning up the toons and letting it roar. Hemi's rock! Mar 11, 2009
by Norm D
Mar 06, 2009
I looked for a gray Magnum for about 3 months. This one showed up on cars.com in 2008, listed as having 140 miles (!???). I called the dealer, he said it must be a type bbut the car was pretty clean. I went to look at it, and it did indeed have 140 miles on it! Still had the tags on the seats and the build stickers under the hood. It had been a dealer's demo just before he lost his dealership. So I got a new car at a used car price, with full warranty.
Performance: The Hemi has a great sound and pulls hard in all 4 gears. Antilock brakes are harsh and take getting used too. In spite of the size, this car handles better than my Mustang.
Build Quality: Not the greatest, but the dealer has been great taking care of some minor squeaks, getting the sunroof to stock creaking.
Appearance: This is a love it or hate it car. People think it's a huge long wagon but it's an optical illusion. It's just 8 inches longer than my wife's Maxima, and I can U-turn easily in local streets.
Cost: So far, it's been cheap to run. It gets 24 mpg on the highway, sometimes more on long trips. The variable displacement engine really works if you keep a light foot on the pedal. That's hard to do, it's a lot more fun to blow people off the road.
Fun to Drive:? Hell yeah. Mar 06, 2009
by Jonathan W
Jan 25, 2009
Driving a regular Dodge Magnum is a disappointing experience. It actually looks quite good giving the image that its a powerful beastly car with some presence. Trouble is...unless you get the one with the Hemi V8...its rubbish.
To drive a SE version you're basically driving one of the slowest cars ever made in the 21st century. Despite having the 2.7L V6 it just can't hit 0-100 km/h without taking about 12 seconds because the car is so heavy. The weight also has more consequences, the car is terrible at handling despite being RWD. For something that isn't as cheap as a econobox or even a mid sized car, this is embarrassing. Why Chrysler even allowed a V6 option for a car that is too heavy to make good use of them is confusing. The Magnum is the slowest car I've ever driven.
The interior is just as disappointing as any modern Chrysler. Ergonomically its still the industry's worst, for someone as short as I am, the turn stalk is so low my knee blocks it from performing left turn signals. Like any current Chrysler the plastics are very cheap and disgusting to look at. The good news is the amount of space it provides.
The amount of money you save from paying for a V8 Magnum you'll waste in straining every ounce of power the weak V6 tries to make push a vehicle too heavy for it. The car has also been canceled, its unlikely resale value is good at all. Its actually a better idea to get a 300 instead, that car is much of the same as this car but slightly better touches and much less weight.
If you were wondering how this car drives, it might be better if you just didn't.Jan 25, 2009
by Greg O
Jul 09, 2008
LOVE IT!!! Nothing negative to say. I will never get rid of this car. It is amazing. Gets great mileage, repairs are easy. It handles like a sports car.Jul 09, 2008
by Greg O
Jun 30, 2008
Nothing negative to say. Love everything about my Magnum!Jun 30, 2008
by Thomas K
Jun 26, 2008
Versatile with good looks and excellent performance, I'm loving not having to worry about the front-end issues that plagued our FWD cars (talkin' about you, Volvo).Jun 26, 2008
by Paul W
Jun 24, 2008
versatile, roomy, fast and sure-footed in snowJun 24, 2008
by Matt G
Jun 20, 2008
huge and comfy, spacious, fast, loud, safeJun 20, 2008
by Mike M
May 28, 2008
Yeah, it's a hemi. A 426, no little 5.7 liter. This thing goesm handles, and stops. Good build qualityMay 28, 2008
by Dan M
Apr 28, 2008
An AWESOME CAR!! Dodge power and styling on a Merc chassis, WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE?Apr 28, 2008
by Kristopher W
Mar 06, 2008
I love the Wagon and awesome stereo and nav system.Mar 06, 2008
by Anonymous
Feb 20, 2008
plenty of room and a great all around rideFeb 20, 2008
by James A
Jan 23, 2008
425 HP, Brembo brakes, Benz designed components, what's there not to like?Jan 23, 2008
by Gregory W
Jan 06, 2008
Muscle car for the modern age. Brute good looks with Hemi power to back it up. Lots of support in the aftermarket for those who like to mod.
Sturdy platform. Solid feel. A great long distance cruiser, great at the stop lights as well. Not your moms station wagon!Jan 06, 2008
Hello i have a 06 dodge magnum 2.7 and the lighting bolt is flashing in my car and its slow down my car and i have to park my car,turn it off for a min and its back to normal.. I chance the throttle body and the ecm and its still doing it so wat can it be please help me
2006 Dodge Magnum Immobilizer Receiver Module Part Number 56038665AX was discontinued. This part can’t be found anywhere, and all dealerships are saying they are back-ordered until at least August. My car is at the dealership and i need this part in order to have my car driving again. What other option do i have, or what can i do now? Am I stuck with out a car, but still have to pay $1200 for a vehicle that they still could not fix? What can i do? Someone please help!!!
My horn on my 06 dodge magnum is going off when I'm in gear? I started my car accidentally hit the arm button as I started put it in gear and started driving horn started going off and the only way to stop it was to put in park.
The etc light and cel are on. The car won't start or turn over at all. It doesn't make any sound when you try to start it. When you try to start it, you hear the fuel pump and throttle body make noise and nothing else. Have tried 2 different code readers and nothing comes up. Already replaced battery with a brand new one. Any ideas on what is wrong or what it could be?
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: cellular phone · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.87
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: cellular phone · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: cargo net
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.07
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: cellular phone · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Boston Acoustics premium brand · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo net
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.82
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone: cellular phone · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: polished aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Boston Acoustics premium brand · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo net
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.07
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone: cellular phone · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation
Audio System
MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Boston Acoustics premium brand · AM/FM radio
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo net
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.06
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather · Upholstery accents: faux suede
Suspension
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front