What years did Dodge make the 5.9 Magnum?
The Dodge 5.9 Magnum refers to the 360-cubic-inch V8 that Dodge branded as a Magnum engine in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It was produced primarily for Dodge’s Ram trucks and related models from model year 1998 through 2003, with limited carryover into the 2004 model year in some configurations before the lineup shifted to newer engines.
What the 5.9 Magnum is and when it appeared
The 5.9 Magnum is part of Dodge’s Magnum engine family, a revised version of the older LA engines designed to deliver improved performance for pickups and sport/utility applications. It was widely offered across Dodge Ram pickups (and some Dakota/Durango variants) in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Across its run, the 5.9 Magnum provided a robust V8 option that complemented the growing demand for higher-tower torque in light trucks, before the lineup gradually moved toward newer powertrains in the mid-2000s.
Production years
Below is a year-by-year overview of when the 5.9 Magnum was generally available in Dodge applications. The engine was the standard gasoline V8 option for many Ram trucks and related vehicles during these years, with availability varying by trim and configuration. A handful of late-model-year trucks carried the engine into 2004 in limited cases before the transition to newer engines was completed.
- 1998 model year
- 1999 model year
- 2000 model year
- 2001 model year
- 2002 model year
- 2003 model year
- 2004 model year (limited carryover in some configurations)
In summary, the 5.9 Magnum was the standard gasoline V8 option for most Dodge light-truck applications from 1998 through 2003, with only limited usage extending into 2004 in select trucks before full deployment of newer powertrains.
Primary Dodge applications for the 5.9 Magnum
These are the Dodge-based platforms most commonly equipped with the 5.9 Magnum during its production window. Availability depended on the year, trim, and options chosen, as Dodge offered multiple engine choices across its pickup and SUV lineup.
- Ram 1500 pickup (1998–2003)
- Ram 2500/3500 pickups (1998–2003)
- Dodge Dakota (late 1990s–2003, in select configurations)
- Dodge Durango (late 1990s–2003, in select configurations)
Note: Not every trim level or option package included the 5.9 Magnum; some models shifted to the 4.7L or later the 5.7L Hemi during the same period. Availability depended on the specific vehicle and market.
Legacy and transition
As Dodge migrated toward newer powertrains, the 5.9 Magnum gradually gave way to updated gasoline V8s and, eventually, the Hemi family. The 5.7L Hemi began to dominate the full-size truck lineup in the mid-2000s, with the 4.7L engines filling in other spots. The 5.9 Magnum remains a historical note in Dodge’s engine lineage, remembered for delivering solid torque in an era before the hydrogen of modern variable-valve timing and advanced technologies arrived in the brand’s lineup.
Summary
The Dodge 5.9 Magnum was produced primarily for model years 1998 through 2003, with limited carryover into 2004 in some configurations. It powered Ram pickups and certain Dakota and Durango variants, offering a robust V8 option before Dodge consolidated its lineup around newer engines such as the 5.7 Hemi. For collectors and enthusiasts, the 5.9 Magnum represents a peak period of Dodge’s traditional V8 architecture in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
How much horsepower does a 5.9 V8 Magnum have?
245 horsepower
A key feature of the Dodge 5.9 liter Magnum engine was its power and torque. It produced up to 245 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful engines of its time. The engine was also very reliable, with many owners reporting high mileage without any major problems.
Is the Dodge 5.9 Magnum a good engine?
Yes, the Dodge 5.9 Magnum is generally considered a good, reliable engine, known for its durability and torque, especially when properly maintained. While it has a few common issues, such as potential plenum gasket leaks and cracked cylinder heads, these can often be addressed with proactive repairs, and many owners report engines exceeding 300,000 miles.
Pros
- Reliability: The engine is robust and has a reputation for being able to last for a very long time with proper care.
- Torque: It produces good low-end and mid-range torque, making it suitable for towing and daily driving.
- Availability: As a popular engine used in many trucks, vans, and SUVs from 1992-2003, parts are widely available and affordable.
- Easy to work on: Its design is relatively simple, and parts are inexpensive.
Common issues
- Plenum gasket leaks: A two-piece intake manifold can lead to leaks, which can be fixed by replacing the gasket or upgrading to a one-piece manifold.
- Cylinder head cracks: The factory heads can be prone to cracking, a known Achilles' heel for the engine. This can be addressed with aftermarket heads.
- Broken exhaust manifold bolts: These can rust and snap, causing a noticeable exhaust leak.
- Oil consumption: Higher-mileage engines may develop oil leaks from valve seals or piston rings.
- Transmission: It's important to note that the transmissions often paired with the 5.9 Magnum (especially the 46RE automatic) are not as reliable as the engine itself.
How much horsepower does a 1998 5.9 Magnum have?
The 1998 5.9-liter Magnum engine produced around 230 to 245 horsepower, depending on the vehicle, with higher-performance models like the Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited and Dodge Ram 1500 SS/T reaching 245 hp. The torque was also substantial, typically ranging from 335 to 345 lb-ft.
You can watch this video to learn more about the reliability and common issues of the 5.9 Magnum engine: 1m8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Sep 5, 2024
- Horsepower: 230-245 hp, with 245 hp being a common rating for high-output versions.
- Torque: 335-345 lb-ft.
- Vehicle Examples:
- 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited: 245 hp and 345 lb-ft of torque.
- 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 SS/T: 245 hp at 4,000 rpm and 335 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm.
- 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab (Short Bed): 245 hp.
- 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab (Long Bed): 230 hp.
- 1998 Dodge Dakota (2WD): 250 hp and 345 lb-ft of torque (for certain models).
What years are the 5.9 Magnum engines made?
The 5.9 L came factory-installed in 1998–2001 Dodge Dakota R/T pickups and 2000–2003 Dodge Durango R/T SUVs. It was also installed in the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 5.9, only available in 1998. The 5.9 L Magnum was available until the 2003 model year, when it was replaced with the 5.7 L Hemi V8 engine.
