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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  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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  Never a Problem - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By JLM - October 28 - 2:00 am

  There doesnt seem to be much middle ground on the Durango, love it or hate it. I love it, never had one problem and it has been a great family car. Terriffic styling, solid feel, and very versatile with 3 rows but shorter than a minivan. Highly recommend it to anyone.

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  I Love this truck - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By chipollajewelers - October 26 - 10:00 am

  This is the smoothest riding truck you will ever drive. Feels like you are floating. Excellent cargo space, drivers seat is high up so you can see everything. Love the new design (Which I did not like at first, you grow to love it quick). Strong V8 engine. Fuel effeciency seems a little low. Its a beast of a truck.

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  Way to go Dodge - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By First Dodge - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Great Suv I have had this truck for 3 years and have only spent 600.00 in repairs, including tires. The only two problems i have had in the 3 years I have owned it are An expensive front end alignment and a crank shaft sensor.

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  GOOD EXTERIOR!!! - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By DURANGO - October 17 - 2:00 am

  VERY NICE TO DRIVE ON THE FREEWAY. SUPERVE EXTERIOR DESIGN-NOT TOO BULKY AND OR SQUARE. EASY MAINTENANCE ACCESS ON THE ENGINE. LOVE THE V8 POWER....

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  2001 Durango - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By rockymtndurango - October 9 - 2:00 am

  30,000 miles and its like new. The interior is very comfortable and luxurous. The leather 8 way heated, adjustable seats are very nice, and for long drives - very comfy. Its attractive and well insulated from outside sounds. The sound system is excellent. On the downside - gas mileage is low (although the tank is good size). The back liftgate is too hard to bring down, and for as large as it is, a van would have more room for the family. The dealer experience sucked - worst I ever had.

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  Durango - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By loganschert - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Spend more time under the car than in it!

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  05 Durango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By vanessa - September 26 - 9:00 pm

  Ii have to say im quiet impressed considering how picky I am when it comes to a vehicle.I was pretty amazed at how easy it was for me to conform from a smaller SUV to a larger one. The handling is great and I feel very safe towing my family around in this vehicle. I also love the fact that the ride is very smooth compared to many other SUVs where its very bumpy. Overall Im happy with the purchase

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  Poor Rookies. - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Norman Holmes Jr. - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Weve owned a 2000, & 2002. We have a 2003 & 2004. The difference between the 2003 & 2004 is night & day. The 2004 not only is beautifully designed, it rides great. We take my softball to indoor off season practice every Saturday. The experienced players ride in the 2004 and someone always has a DVD to watch. Poor rookies, they have to ride in the 2003.

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  the perfect fit - 2017 Dodge Durango
  By James K - September 19 - 10:17 am

  great vehicle ,great value. My last SUV was a 2014 Honda Pilot . I was in the market for a new good size SUV ,with great towing features and capacity. Dodge Durango was the perfect fit. I use this vehicle to transport cargo and family . This vehicle covers all aspects of my busy lifestyle from camping,towing my boat ,bringing stuff home for my lawn and garden . I couldnt find a better fit for my lifestyle. I am impressed with the design and performance from this vehicle . If you are looking for a vehicle thats not going to put you to sleep The Durango is what you are looking for . I am very satisfied in my choice . I smile every time I get in and start this SUV.