The Best Dodge Station Wagons

Dodge stopped manufacturing station wagons in 2008, but you can still buy a used Magnum, Caliber, or Coronet.
Written by Max Werner
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
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Dodge stopped manufacturing station wagons in 2008, but you can still find beautiful, Michigan-made options in the Magnum and Caliber. 
The Dodge name isn’t known for the comfort, versatility, and cargo space associated with modern station wagons. However, the Chrysler-owned automaker did take a stab at wagon design in the mid-2000s resulting in the Magnum and Caliber, two muscle-fueled takes on the classic family road-tripper.
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is here to break down everything you need to know about Dodge’s short-lived wagons. And if you find one of these fun rides, we'll even show you how to save on your
Dodge insurance costs
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Does Dodge still make a station wagon?

Dodge stopped manufacturing station wagons in 2008. The Magnum was the last Dodge hatchback sold in the United States. Nicknamed Dodge’s muscle wagon, the Magnum performed well during its 3-year run but was no match for the 2008 financial crisis.

What’s the difference between a station wagon and a hatchback?

Here are the basic elements that set station wagons apart:
  • An elongated body (compared to hatchbacks or sedans)
  • Extended cargo space
  • Usually includes a D-pillar, a roof support structure on the very back of the vehicle
Sedans use a three-box design—one area for the engine, one for the passenger, and one for storage. Hatchbacks and station wagons, on the other hand, combine the storage and passenger compartments of the vehicle to make a two-box design.
Hatchbacks prioritize style and speed over cargo space. While station wagons use an elongated design to ensure a roomy trunk, hatchbacks have a gentler rear slope. This gives hatchbacks a more stylish look than station wagons at the expense of space. 
MORE:The top 10 best station wagons

The best Dodge stations wagons of all time

Whether you’re lugging around gear for work or prepping for a
family road trip
, these are the station wagons for you:

Dodge Magnum SRT8

Production years: 2003-2007
Price range: N/A
Cargo volume: 71.6 cubic ft. (the second row folded)
Worst year: 2006
This low-slung, modernized vehicle was first conceived in 2003 as a concept car. The design found its footing a year later, becoming Dodge’s first station wagon in over 30 years. It’s difficult to describe the Magnum SRT8 without some pre-existing knowledge of Dodge design. 
The front-end bumper was highly reminiscent of a
Dodge Challenger
. The car as a whole resembled a Challenger that had been inflated like a balloon, taller and with 3 feet of additional trunk space. 
In the Magnum’s twilight years, Dodge unveiled an R/T trim featuring a 340 horsepower Hemi V-8 engine. The base model Magnum showcased a 190-hp, 2.7-liter V-6 engine. No small feat for a vehicle intended for golf bags and driving to sports practices.
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Dodge Caliber 

Production years: 2007-2012
Price range: $6,187-$9,021
Cargo volume: 47.4 cubic ft (with rear-seat folded)
Worst year: 2007
Beginning as a concept car, the Caliber was unveiled first at the 2006 North American International Auto show. It sold over 400,000 units over six years of production.
If the Magnum was just a longer muscle car, the Caliber applied gave a similar treatment to hatchbacks. It featured a muscular hood, 5-door body style, and compact design. A vital feature of the caliber was its continuously variable transmission—allowing the engine to shift gears without going through a fixed order.
The best part? All calibers came with AC-powered cup holders and an illuminated “Chill-Zone”—a built-in cooler capable of holding four 20-ounce bottles under the glovebox.
The base model, SE Caliber, came with front-wheel drive, a 1.8 L 148-hp engine, and a 5-speed manual option. Since its discontinuation, many have compared the Dodge Caliber to the
Volkswagon GTI
and
Mazda 3
.
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Are Dodge station wagons reliable?

From 2005 to 2008, the Dodge Magnum underwent 22 official recalls. The Caliber saw a comparatively light eight.
Dodge may have an overall
3.5 reliability rating
, but you should expect to pay plenty of repair costs down the line for choosing a Dodge Station wagon, especially considering that the newest one you’ll find now is already 10 years old. Dodge owners spend an average annual maintenance cost of $634 for new vehicles.

How to save money on Dodge insurance

A station wagon might be the perfect option to carry a heavy load, but only
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If you find a lower quote in the app, Jerry’s team of experts will help you switch in record time so you can start saving as soon as possible—with no unwanted phone calls or endless paperwork! On average, Jerry users save over $800 a year on car insurance. 
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