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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Start earning nowDoes 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)
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
Cargo volume: 71.6 cubic ft. (the second row folded)
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.
Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.
Start earning nowDodge Caliber
Production years: 2007-2012
Price range: $6,187-$9,021
Cargo volume: 47.4 cubic ft (with rear-seat folded)
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
. 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
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