Dodge Magnum SRT8 Stands The Test Of Time, Says Throttle House

Photo: Dodge

The Dodge Magnum was a badass yet short-lived full-size wagon based on the Charger, Challenger, and Chrysler 300 chassis that was sold from 2005 to 2008. As with its other three platform-mates, the Magnum was offered in SRT8 spec – the top performance trim available before the Hellcat era – and I’ve always wanted one.

Is the Dodge Magnum the Last Cool Wagon?

The Throttle House team recently took their friend’s 2008 Magnum SRT8 for a canyon blast, and their love for the car makes me want one infinitely more than I already did. My only experience with a Dodge Magnum was when my mom’s 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan needed an automatic sliding door motor replaced, because that was a monthly issue, and we got a Magnum loaner from the dealer. I was stoked, but as soon as my mom sat in the driver’s seat she decided to exchange it for a Jeep Liberty because the Magnum’s visibility was so poor. (This was prehistoric times, before cars had reverse cameras.)

Dodge Magnum SRT8 Quick Review

The first thing you notice about the Magnum SRT8, aside from its handsome looks, is the sonorous exhaust note. The car in the video has a few modifications including a Borla exhaust, cold air intake, and AMG solenoids in the five-speed automatic transmission. Despite Thomas’ note that the transmission feels its age, the smile rarely leaves his face once he stomps on the throttle, and most impressively he stays smiling as he pushes it through the corners.

These guys drive a lot of cars, including modern Chargers, Challengers, and 300s, and Thomas said the Magnum’s steering and front-end response is comparable to the feel of a modern Charger Hellcat Redeye. That either means that the Magnum’s chassis was well-engineered, or not much progress has been made – or most likely a bit of both. They cite the car’s 5.1-second 0-to-60-mph time and say it still feels that quick after 155,000 miles, but its brakes and suspension are more on the cushy side of things despite still feeling better than a new 300C.

Seeing Thomas genuinely surprised by the performance of this 15-year-old wagon is so much fun. Unfortunately, used Magnum SRT8s range from about $20,000 to $50,000 on the used car market, so I won’t be buying anytime soon.