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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  Durango blues - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By Durango dud - August 6 - 2:00 am

  Things that go wrong in less than 50,000 Front tie rods replacead at 44,000 miles transmission speed sensor replaces at 42000miles fuel sensor replced at 39,000 now rear bearing is going and needs replced at 53,000miles

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  Fun to drive if it holds up... - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By amysue32 - July 30 - 2:00 am

  I have loved looking at and driving Dodge Durango since they came out. I purchased a 2001 model and have had it in the shop constantly for warranty work.

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  Be Careful - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By Tigger - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Durango in February 2001 and traded it in September 2001. I got a horrible vehicle that was in the shop from June until August 2001 with A/C problems and then was not fixed correctly still! I dont know if it was the dealership or the vehicle, but my advice for $30,000 sticker price go buy a Tahoe or an Explorer and you will get better gas mileage and the insurance will not be as high! Good luck if you have one!

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  Nice truck - if its built right - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By ipatrick - June 5 - 10:00 am

  THe 5.9L v-8 is powerful, and the truck moves fast even with 6 passengers and luggage. 3rd row seat is fairly comfortable although legroom is lacking, and theres room behind the third seat which is nice. However, we have needed to replace virtually the entire drive train and continue to have problems. Fortunately, the work was covered by warranty, but the continual problems just arent worth it.

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  OK Vehicle, but there are better - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By okvehicle - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Bought Durango in 98 and loved it. Hated the gas mileage from the start though. The interior is poor at best. The middle seat will not support a rear- facing child seat safely. Not comfortable at all. After a 3 hour trip I feel like I am beat. Decent reliablility. Spark plugs only lasted 30K miles, replace O2 sensor @ 30K, Been through 3 batteries. Brake wear is great and have not had a "major" problem yet.

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  Not so bad - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By nextdoor - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Tires wear quickly....Drives like a truck. If you need storage space buy something else. Is fun to drive.

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  Should have bought a Chevy - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By scott281 - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought my truck new in 󈨦. Thought it was great! That feeling is long gone. The mpg is awful! I average about 10.5 mpg. My highest mileage recorded was only 13.9 driving from SF to LA @ 70mph. I only have 31K on the truck and about 6 months ago the transmission started to go bad. And now just spent $1700 to have the whole thing rebuilt. The shop said it was the 6th Durango transmission they had rebuilt in the last eight months! Overall, I’m really disappointed with the truck. Should have listened to my friends and bought a Chevy!

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  Lousy Reliability - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By lee1340 - April 1 - 2:00 am

  My wife loved the car at first. Delightful to drive off-road however, we rarely used the 4 wheel drive system. When it was needed, it failed immediately. On the way back from Reno, Dec. 2001, the 4X went out and it had to be towed into Roseville, Ca. In Jan. 2002, we experienced the same repeated problem. In Sept. 2001, I had the 4X system gone over by the dealer to avoid such a problem. Then I discovered they dont put gaskets in this car. They use RTV only. Maintenance problems are rediculous for a 4-year old vehicle.

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  "trouble" - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By ky-fan - March 16 - 9:58 pm

  I was initially attracted to the Durango for its body style and size. Since buying it i have experienced considerable trouble with it. In the last year I have replaced the wheel bearings, brakes,and rotors. Weve also had wiring trouble and are currently experiencing oil pump failure. although i love the body style i would not recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  So disappointed... - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By nocallady - March 8 - 4:58 pm

  I am sad to say I am selling my Durango. When I bought it, it was love at first sight, but that has now faded after a series of problems. Brakes & tires needed replacing after 30K,the rear differential at 50K, and now, due to a slovenly oil change shop,just replaced the transfer case because they left the plug off. After a month,the chain had overheated and was rattling around loose tearing up everything inside. For a vehicle that had such a butch appearance, it really is a sickly 90lb weakling.