Overview & Reviews

Though the Dodge Durango has long been classified as a midsize sport-utility vehicle, its designers actually made it a half-size larger in order to fill the niche between the midsize and full-size SUV classes. As such, the Durango is often just the right size for those folks who need more interior room and towing capability than a typical midsize SUV can deliver, while not being as bulky and hard to park as a full-sizer.

The first two generations of the Durango were truck-based SUVs in the traditional style. A used model from this period should be a fair choice, though in the later part of the 2000s, the Durango was outclassed by newer crossover SUV competitors. The third-generation Durango, however, has joined the crossover club. It still offers V8 power and stout towing capabilities, but is a much nicer and well-rounded vehicle overall.

Current Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango is a large crossover SUV that seats seven passengers, though buyers can opt for second-row captain's chairs that lower capacity to six. Four trim levels are offered: well-equipped SXT, midlevel Limited, sporty R/T and plush Citadel.

Both V6 and V8 power are offered. The 3.6-liter V6 has respectable muscle -- 290 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Standard on the R/T and optional on the Limited and Citadel is a 5.7-liter V8 good for 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. All models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission. One may also choose among rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive (V6 only) and four-wheel drive with added low-range gearing (V8 only).

In reviews, we've found the Durango confident in terms of handling while still providing a composed and comfortable ride over bumps and ruts. Performance is adequate with the V6, while the V8 provides fairly strong acceleration and added grunt, which would be an asset for those who plan on towing.

Inside, the Durango offers an attractive and upscale design, with class-competitive quality and features, including an 8.4-inch touchscreen display (standard on all but SXT) and an available rear-seat Blu-ray player. The second and third rows offer enough room for most families (the rearmost row can even comfortably sit 6-foot adults), though its seven-passenger max falls one person short of its GM and Toyota rivals. Even so, the Durango comes highly recommended as a choice for a midsize or large crossover SUV.

Used Dodge Durango Models
Revived for 2011 after a one-year hiatus, the current-generation Dodge Durango boasts a full redesign with major improvements in several key areas. A carlike unibody (as opposed to body-on-frame) design notably improved interior space and ride/handling dynamics compared to its forebears. The exterior styling traded the former trucklike look for a more upscale persona, while the cabin followed suit with big improvements in fit and finish. Both the V6 and V8 came with a five-speed automatic. The following year brought a six-speed automatic transmission for V8 models, available second-row captain's chairs and revised trim levels.

Potential buyers should note that these Durangos lack the current version's eight-speed automatic transmission, refreshed styling and updated cabin that offers additional upscale features, including an 8.4-inch touchscreen display and a rear-seat Blu-ray player.

The second-generation Durango was produced from 2004-'09. It was first offered in ST, midgrade SLT and Limited trim levels and it came with one of three engines: a 210-hp V6, a 230-hp 4.7-liter V8 or a 330-hp 5.7-liter V8. These were offered with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive with low-range gearing. Alternatively, a single-speed transfer case could be specified on select 4WD models, which essentially meant that you could get a Durango with all-wheel drive. All Durangos came with automatic transmissions as standard -- four speeds for the V6, five for the V8s.

For 2008, the V8 engines were given a welcome nudge in power. The 4.7-liter now produced 303 hp and was more fuel efficient as well, while the Hemi produced 376 horses. In an interesting side story, the Durango Limited HEV hybrid was produced briefly for 2009. It was a so-called "two-mode" hybrid featuring a Hemi V8 (345 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque), two electric motors (87 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque) and a dual-mode transmission with variable ratios.

There were other changes during this Durango's life. Side airbags and refreshed styling arrived for 2006 and the ST trim level was renamed SXT. Two years later, new options such as a back-up camera, a CD/MP3 player, DVD-compatible audio and a MyGIG multimedia infotainment system with a hard drive to store digital music files made the Durango more competitive in an increasingly high-tech market. An Adventurer trim level also debuted, slotting between the SXT and Limited.

In our tests, we found the second-generation Durango handled adequately for a traditional body-on-frame SUV, though car-based crossover SUVs of the time were noticeably superior at providing carlike driving dynamics. Interior quality was a couple notches below what we've come to expect from family-friendly utility vehicles, and its interior space was inferior to bigger truck-based SUVs and large crossovers. Given the Durango's mass, the V8s are preferable for towing and acceleration, but fuel economy was poor no matter what engine you picked. As such, we'd suggest looking at a 2008 or later Durango and even then only if you need a big SUV that can tow and haul a lot of heavy stuff.

Launched in 1998, the first-generation Dodge Durango brought big-rig looks to a segment full of what essentially were tall station wagons. Then, as now, the Durango was larger than the typical midsize SUV but it looked and felt more like a shrunken full-size SUV. It was a sport-ute for the truck person: a vehicle that sat eight, but in pretty much every other way was the antithesis of a minivan.

The Durango was offered with several engine choices, including a wimpy V6, a couple of V8s and even a rare performance-oriented Shelby model with a high-powered V8, a lowered suspension, big wheels and racing stripes. None of the Durango's engines were particularly sophisticated, nor were they very fuel-efficient. Generally, we suggest looking for a used Durango equipped with a 4.7-liter V8 (offered from 2000-'03) or the 5.9-liter V8: The 4.7-liter delivered the best mileage out of the lot, while the 5.9-liter offered the most torque. Despite its rugged underpinnings, the first-gen Dodge Durango had better road manners than most truck-based SUVs of this era thanks to its long wheelbase, wide track and carefully tuned suspension.

If image projection and midsize-plus packaging were the first-generation Durango's strengths, its chief weakness was quality -- both real and perceived. Gaps between body panels were sizable and inconsistent, while interior fit and finish was lacking compared to the competition. Furthermore, ergonomics revealed the utilitarian pickup underneath, and the third-row seat was uncomfortable for all but children. Still, among families who needed a real workhorse, the original Dodge Durango made many friends.

User Reviews:

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  Dodge and The Durango -Losers - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Conned - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought 99SLT new from Glen Thomas Dodge in Long Beach.Liked the looks of the car and the V8 engines power.Routinely maintained the car. Control arms bent & the bushings were shot at 36,100 miles.Took it back to dealership as it was only 100 miles over warranty. They wouldnt fix it. Called Dodge corporate but they refered me back to the GM at Glen Thomas. He did nothing.Ended up paying for something that should have been covered.51,000 miles head gaskets blew and freeze plugs failed,cost me $1200.00 to repair.Just sold the car. GT Dodge are rip offs and Dodge Corps no better. Will never purchase a Dodge product again.

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  dodge durango battle weary beast - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By clayton english - June 17 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV, great driving performance, however, rough ride, definite truck feel. compared to the GMC Yukon Denali or Toyota Land Cruiser, this vehicle shapes up as brute force vehicle (better/similar to Yukon Denali) without subtle comforts (Land Cruiser).

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  Love it! Hate it! - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By vonblue - March 22 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love this vehicle for its style and usability, and absolutely hate it for gas mileage and reliabilty. Folom Lake Dodge has got to be the worst dealership I have ever delt with. The 5.2L V-8 engine has a terrible pinging or spark knocking sound when accelerating. The dealership told us that this is a common problem with the Durango, and that the engine system had to be "FLASHED", and that the extended warranty we paid $2,000 for would not cover the work. We had the service and a complete tune-up done and it still pings. At 22,000 miles three of the four electric window switches went out on it. It is slowly becoming a frustrating vehicle.

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  Nice vehicle Poor engine - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By 025433 - February 11 - 2:00 am

  A good vehicle. I have had several engine problems the last 14 months. I will not be able to keep this vehicle after the warrenty runs out. I would go broke fixing it. Very disapointing!!

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  I will never purchase a Dodge again - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By jlohn - January 17 - 2:00 am

  I have never had a vehicle that required so many trips to the dealer. Its only a 98, but Im on my third battery, the lower ball joints have been replaced, the air conditioner has been replaced, the rear wiper motor, all 4 power window motors (drivers side twice), transmission sensor. Several wheel studs have needed replacement. Luckily most of the repairs were covered under warrenty. Currently, I have the rocking chair problem with the drivers seat that most other Durango owners have noticed.

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  Annoyance - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By MHPeach - January 2 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Durango in April,1999 because I loved the look of the vehicle. I had problems from the get go - AC leaked on the passengers floor, Rear CLANKED when put in reverse, Rear door wouldnt unlock with remote control open, interior trim panel was not placed back on properly, etc... Stay away from F.Beans, Doylestown, PA. They were very not helpful and made me feel like I was not important. They are far from a 5 star dealership!

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  bad rear end - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By oc dd - December 10 - 2:00 am

  Does this sound familar. Great looker, nice features, had to have it when I saw it. 58K miles later I get 10.2 gallons per mile, the AC evaporator replaced twice under warranty and once by me. Now it needs a new rear end! My mechanic says it is quite common! It still looks good (other than rust on bottom of window frames).

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  not too happy - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By goldman - October 31 - 2:00 am

  My dodge ran fine for 40,000 miles but have had to put a rear end on at 54,000.Cost $2,500. Other problems are tie rods and lower ball joints. Would not buy another one due to problems, poor resale value and poor gas mileage. If your rear pinion bearing acts up make sure your mechanic looks it over pretty closely.

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  They have ruined the Durango! - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By The Big dawg - August 21 - 2:00 am

  WE own a 1999 durango and test drove a 2002. The 1999 is far better. It has a bigger engine 5.2 vs 4.7. Most of all, the AC in our 99 is far better to the 2002. In places like Phoenix AZ, Dallas Texas, Atlanta GA, ETC, the superior AC is very important!!!!!!!

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  dodge still with transmission problems - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By ace - August 16 - 10:00 am

  transmission will spend more time on the floor of the shop than in the vehicle