The Dodge Magnum name has been used on a number of different vehicles, the most recent being a large, rear-wheel-drive station wagon. The Magnum is basically a station wagon version of the Chrysler 300, with minor cosmetic changes. Even though the Dodge Magnum wagon has been on sale only for a few years, style- and performance-minded families have taken to it like bees to honey. For 2008, Magnum has been given a face lift in an attempt to avoid the stodgy wagon construction. It has a solid built, is agile in its performance, and ranks as the most distinctive-looking vehicle on the road. Available in four trims, the base SE is followed by SXT, R/T (road and track) and SRT8. Rear-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is optional on the SXT and R/T.

Dodge Magnum comes with two types of engines, the V-6 and Hemi V-8. The base SE gets 2.7-liter, DOHC V-6 producing 178 horsepower and 190 pound-feet torque. The SXT comes equipped with a 3.5-liter, high-output 24-valve, V-6 engine producing 250 horsepower. The R/T gets a 5.7-liter Hemi multi displacement V-8 engine producing 335 horsepower and 375 pound-feet torque at 4000 rpm. The fastest Magnum, the SRT8, comes with a 6.1-liter V-8 engine generating 425 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. Even as the SE comes standard with a four-speed automatic transmission, all other trims get to drive on a Mercedes-Benz-derived five-speed automatic transmission. The SE runs on regular octane while the SXT and R/T can run on mid-grade octane. The SRT8 is fuelled by premium octane. The SRT8 delivers a blistering performance at any speed. The recalibrated five-speed automatic gives the acceleration an even more explosive character. Dodge claims that SRT8 can go from zero to 60mph in just over five seconds, which puts it on par with a Porsche Boxster S. All the 2008 Magnums deliver excellent highway performance with a smooth ride and quiet cruising.

The Magnum sports Dodge's iconic crosshair grille on the front fascia. The body is sleeker than that of a sedan, with slicked-back headlights. The tailgate in the rear curves over the last section of the roof to avoid hitting the car parked behind while opening. The spacious cabin seats five passengers. There are 60/40-split seats in the rear; when folded down they provide 72 cubic feet of cargo space (otherwise cargo space is 28 cubic feet). Magnum also offers an optional cargo organizer. The steering wheel is light, though the SRT8 has a tighter steering wheel, stiffer shock absorbers, larger stabilizers bars, and performance brakes. The base SE is fitted with air conditioning, telescoping steering wheel, power controlled accessories, CD player with MP3 compatibility and auxiliary input jack. The SXT features all this plus a power driver seat and satellite radio. R/T gets additional features like firmer suspension tuning, leather upholstery, upgraded audio, and heated front seats. The big boy of the group, SRT8 is equipped will all R/T features, but also gets upgraded Brembo brakes; sport-tuned suspension and steering; unique interior and exterior detailing; leather/suede upholstery; and a power front passenger seat. In keeping with its racy aspirations, the SRT8 features sport seats for four passengers with high-grip suede inserts. SE and SXT models get 17-inch alloy wheels, R/T gets 18-inch, and the performance oriented SRT8 gets 20-inch alloy wheels. Features available include a sunroof, xenon headlights, automatic climate control, a hard drive-based navigation system, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, and rear seat entertainment system. All the options are provided based on the trim level. SRT8 owners can fit a 13-speaker Kicker audio system at an additional cost. Magnum's minor downsides are that the center controls feel like plastic and the window switches have noticeable gaps where they meet the armrests.

Standard safety features include four-wheel disc brakes; traction control; stability control; front air bags; child safety locks; and child seat anchors. Anti-lock brakes and power-adjustable pedals are optional on the Dodge Magnum SE and standard on the others. Side-curtain air bags are fitted only in the SRT8, for other trims they come at an extra cost.