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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  A GREAT American Truck ! - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By nicko - January 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Duarngo as soon as it came out and after reading the excellent reviews at the time. In 1998 it was the only mid-sized SUV to have 7 seats and stadium seating. We also considered the Mercedes ML 320 which had just come out but they were dragging their heels on the 7 available seats. The Duarango has been as solid as a rock brushing aside snow and floods with no difficulty and its Mack Truck looks only add to the appeal !

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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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  Its been a great truck - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Comfortably Numb - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I have a 5.2L, 4WD, with Tow Package, 3rd seat, front and rear air. I now have 69,000 miles on it and while it is only rated for 5700 pounds, I pull my boat a couple of times a year which weighs 7200 pounds (dry) on the trailer. My only complaint with my Durango is that I have to use 89 octane, or it "pings" slightly when you accelerate quickly (could be from pulling my boat???).

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  Durango SLT plus - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By fishman1707 - December 21 - 2:00 am

  This truck is fun to drive. It is powerful and practical.

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  Completely Happy With The Durango - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Yellowlab - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1999 Durango brand new in Feb 1999 and have 80,000+ miles on it now. Ive had a few routine maintanance things done (tires, battery, and front brake pads), but NO malfunctions or problems of any kind. I havent been this happy with a vehicle in a long time, and plan on keeping it until I buy another Durango. Ive taken it on 3 trips of over 4,000 miles (Route 66 was my favorite) and it performed excellent.

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  Impressed so far - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By jbrillo - December 19 - 2:00 am

  Never considered a Dodge(bad experience with a 92 Dodge)till I did a lot of reading and decided to give them a second chance. Very comfortable and very easy to drive. Suprisingly quiet. Running boards a must.I gave fuel economy a 7 b/c my former car,a modified 99 Mustang,averaged about 17- MPG. Durango doesnt represent a big change. Only got 157mi so far, but the avg. fuel economy says 14MPG. Should get slightly better in time. I gave 10s on build quality & reliability, but these are still pending. Ratings not accurate till I get more drive time & miles behind it. For now, theyll get a 10.I plan on giving periodic updates.

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  Well Done Dodge !! - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By InSUVheaven - December 18 - 7:43 pm

  My 2nd Durango.My RT has everything, a powerful engine, full time AWD plus 4HI and 4 LO, when you need it in slick conditions or pulling your boat out of the lake. It comes standard with a high performance exhust, a upgraded suspension and rack & pinion steering so you can really feel the road, unlike some other SUVs. Dont settle for anything less than the R/T if you can afford it. My fuel mileage avgs between 10-11mpg around town and 15 on the highway

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  Intake Gasket - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By jcronin27 - December 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought it used off a Ford lot. Noticed it using oil within 2 weeks but no oil leaks. Had to go to the dealer once a week or so to have oil added so that they could "chart" the oil use. Finally had to insist that they fix it or take it back. Ended up being a bad intake gasket. I see from the other reviews (and heard from a Dodge dealer mechanic) that this is common in the 5.9 liter engines. I have an occasional rattle in the rear end on hard acceleration (like the differential is "slipping") Anyone out there had rear-end problems with the 4WD Durango? Wind noise with the window cracked is very bad at highway speeds.

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  Durango LTD - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By TIBBY - December 14 - 8:36 am

  I love the new "Hemi" Durango Ltd. The only things I would change about it would be the front fender and hood design, and on the interior, the length of seatbelts in the front. Im a big guy,but have never had a problem with the length of seatbelts in any vehicle except this one. Overall, Dodge hit a homerun with the "Hemi" Durango.

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  Love my Truck - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Busy Mom - December 13 - 2:00 am

  I love my Durango. As a busy mom working full time I dont have time for cramped quarters and minumal interior load. We all have plenty of room for the daily short trips to school and work but plenty of room for the long road trips too. We put bigger tires on it and have as much fun off road as on road. Best vehicle I ever own!