Back in 2004, Dodge manufactured a wagon built on the Chrysler LX platform. When it comes to the LX family, people often think of the Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger coupe or Dodge Charger sedan, etc. However, there was once a fourth member in the team, probably cooler than all the three, the Dodge Magnum. It was a station wagon version of the Dodge Charger. Unfortunately, Mag could not live long to see the success of its siblings. Fun fact: Magnum as a nameplate was used by different Dodge vehicles during different times. The first generation of the Dodge Magnum was introduced in 1978 as a 2-door coupe to supplement the Dodge Charger. The 2005 wagon was a second-generation model rolled out as a revival of the nameplate. The Dodge Magnum had made a debut as a concept car in 2003 and the production model was launched in 2005 with very few modifications. Sadly, the model was killed soon enough.
Despite a failed career, the Dodge Magnum is still referred to as America’s greatest wagon by many. On 1st November 2007, right before bankruptcy, Chrysler announced that they were discontinuing Magnum, Crossfire, the PT cruiser convertible, and the Pacifica as a part of their restructuring plans. According to Chrysler, the Dodge Magnum was not earning their keep. If you ask us, it is such a shame that they put Magnum in the list of the most horrendous looking vehicles of the house. Even though Magnum was not the absolute best, it was extraordinary. Automobile Magazine calls Magnum the original swagger wagon.
Dodge Magnum was the meanest station wagon ever produced. It has become a cult classic wagon over time. Although terribly styled, badly executed, and hurriedly launched in the archetypical crowd, Magnum was way ahead of its time.
Dodge Magnum was an ordinary wagon with extraordinary power, great (side) looks, and fun features. Unfortunately, it did not hit home during its short-lived tenure. Here’s why we think the Dodge Magnum should make a comeback.
Magnum Should Be Brought Back So It Can Redeem Itself
Dodge Mag had a ton of potential but all of it went down the drain. First up, it was neither a proper muscle car nor a wagon in its true sense probably why it didn’t receive mainstream attention and popularity. Even though Magnum looked sinister (in the best possible way) from the sides and back, the majority of buyers found it too big or too aggressive for their taste. Moving on, it was a muscle car in the clothing of a station wagon, a major reason why the sales didn’t take off. Awfully styled front and interiors and a variety of mechanical issues did not help the case either. On top of all this, incorrect launch timing, and issues like low roofline, limited visibility, frequent blind spots, etc. made sure that buyers could never connect to it.
However, looking past all these minor flaws, it was powerful, fast, and menacing, a combination that makes a great recipe for a successful car. Magnum was capable, and it surely deserves a second chance. If Dodge could fix the roadblocks that hindered its success and bring it back, that would be a great chance for Mag to redeem itself. For instance, they could restyle it to attract a broader audience. Quality interiors with practical touch-ups along with modern improved drivetrain options like Hellcat, Scat, or SRT are guaranteed to get their foot in the door.
Dodge Magnum Was Unlike Any Wagon Seen Before
The Dodge Magnum was incredibly agile. It came with four engine options. The top-of-the-line high-performance version Magnum SRT was a 5-passenger, front-engine, and rear-wheel drive full-size wagon. However, unlike regular station wagons, it was exceptionally potent. The Magnum SRT-8 came loaded with a pushrod 16-valve 6.1-liter V8 iron block Hemi engine that made over 425 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and a torque of 420 pound-feet at 4,800rpm. According to Motor Trend, Dodge Magnum SRT could hit zero to 60 in just 5.1 seconds. It could touch a quarter-mile in under 13.1 seconds and boast of a top speed of 108 mph. The SRT trim also featured premium Brembo brake calipers, SRT exclusive shocks, modified spring rates, big anti-sway bars, etc. that refined the handling like nothing ever heard before from a wagon. It had loads of space too, which made it a great alternative to a minivan. Dodge Magnum was truly one of the greatest SRT cars ever made. To be honest, there are just too many things that Dodge can play with here, and this is the best time to take that shot. A brand new Magnum Hellcat sounds thrilling. It will do just right in the current market.
Magnum was a wagon by definition but packed enough punch to qualify for a sports car. Of course, in its soul, Mag was a muscle car (or a muscle wagon if that’s a thing). It has its own set of fanatics, and they love it not just for its authentic vintage-style but for its super impressive specifications too. Loaded with personality and performance, Magnum was way ahead of its time. It must be brought back to claim its fair share of recognition and success.