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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  Since I bought this nothing but problems - 2012 Dodge Durango
  By Hobbob - July 27 - 3:57 pm

  When I first got this I was so excited it was so nice I could not say that now. I have already fixed 6/9 recalls on this big poop of a vehicle some where repeats because the fix they had available didn’t fix the problem after all or caused more problems. Computer had at least 3 updates at $20 a piece. Some are simple recalls others are break failure accerator fire hazards etc. During one of the times it was at the dealer they took over a week to fix and no replacement vehicle offered. I finally went in to demand I have my car back since they didn’t seem to be doing anything and I was getting the run around every day was oh it will be ready tomorrow or later today. They informed me that the mechanic went home and had taken my keys with him. Went back a few hours later they had the keys but misplaced the truck waited 30mins for them to finally inform me that I could not have my car back because the power steering was not working and I would have to pay to fix it since it was like that when I dropped it off. Mind you it was not and I was on the phone with the managers or whatever several times since he kept informing me on when it would be done and increasing cost with updates etc. eventually they said it was their fault that they had unplugged it while it was in service and of course it wasn’t like that when I dropped it off. Okay You may be thinking that’s a problem with the dealership no worries. A day after receiving my car back I got a notice of yet another recall. Currently not even 6 months after receiving my car back I have two more recalls. My key will not read half the time it has a brand new battery and just today I am having acceleration problems. This is a 2012 car that’s 5 years old and already have 11 recalls 3 updates and cannot use my car at this moment as it is unsafe to drive. One of the current recalls is the alternator which may catch fire or cause it to stall out etc but they have no fix for this issue so I need to continue checking back with them Incase they figure it out. So if you decide you want a truck to only work part time to spend money on fixing problems left and right I would highly recommend this. If however you want reliable transportation that won’t catch fire, breaks, fail or have acceleration problems I would recommend anything even a tricycle before this. In addition small parts keep popping off like covers for screws etc which is annoying every time you vaccuum your car you have to continue popping them back in. Lift gate won’t stay up anymore and easy exit not longer works. I am not per say a dodge hater I am just tired of being screwed by this truck so much money wasted in purchasing since this is my first dodge I probably will not be buying another however my husband does have a ram 1500 we purchased after purchasing mine that is working fine. Other details are I average 10 mpg in city, back row is non existent as it is small and hard to get in and out of with back row up space is really limited. Car seats are a squeeze to fit expecally when rear facing not impossible though just not all seats will fit. Blind spots are not so bad until you have a car seat blocking the way. Ac seems to be running good both front and back. Remote start no longer works.

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  Off Road - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By AWL - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I was in an accident which totaled my previous Durango but I bought another one because of hoe well I was protected from major injuries.

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  Luvit!!! - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By jimbo-d-man - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Looked at (and drove) the "big three" mid-size SUVs, and the Durango won out hands down. Didnt like the feel of the Explorer, and the T-Blazer looked pretty cheap inside. Plus, I REALLY liked the V8 power on the low-end. Tysingers was a dream to work with.

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  40000 and still going - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By mlrobertson - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Durango new in 2000. No problems at all. Lots of room, lots of vroom. My whole family loves this suv.

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  What a Ride!!!!! - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By dodgelady - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Anyone who complains of the gas mileage should have researched their purchase first! I have the 98 model durango (SLT) with the V-8 engine. It gets 15mpg on average. I purchased it to pull my sailboat 5000 lbs. It does a wonderful job. The leather seats are easy to care for. I have not had any repairs other than routine maintenance. It is also wonderful off road. I would definitely buy a new one. If you want a luxury vehicle buy a cadillac. This SUV was definitely made as a tough truck.

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  Why I like Durango - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By McInnes - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Looks solid, but rides too bouncy.

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  Believe it or Not - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By BIGBAIR67 - July 15 - 2:00 am

  In 11 months I put 40,000 km on this vehicle. It has performed well however there have been and are certain issues I believe need to be aired. First after only 3 months of ownership the computer chip for the fuel pump died. There were no chips in Canada so I had to wait for a whole week. The light switch broke off after 10 months.( The one you pull to engage the fog lamps.) Now Im trying to get Dodge to look at the breaks. When the breaks are applied with consistant and sudden pressure the brakes release after a fews seconds. This is especially noticable when you hit a bump and apply the breaks.

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  Switched from a Chevy - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By merrifla - July 10 - 2:00 am

  Overall great truck but I feel like Im married to the gas pump. Love the sturdiness - doesnt feel like a tin can. Great for towing my boat and camper. Suprised that I got better gas mileage in the mountains than I do in the flatlands of Florida. I didnt realize how sturdy this truck was until a VW Rabbit rear-ended me at 45 m.p.h. while I was at a dead stop. My bumper was smashed but the Rabbit was totalled. I decided the poor gas mileage was worth the price of having a truck that stood up in an accident. Now I wouldnt trade it!

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  I Love This R/T - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By DodgeMan - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I Just traded in my 98 SLT for the R/T. I can not believe the difference between the two. If i didnt know any better i would think I was driving a sports car. It seems that this bad boy soved all the problems of the old SLT. I no longer have the constant problems with my rear breaks. I dont squeal around corners or break the rear end loose on turns. Well done.!!

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  Great SUV - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By durango999 - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I have owned four SUVs, and three trucks and by far this is the best.