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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  problems to be expected - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By chickie - June 11 - 2:00 am

  At 58,000 miles, I spent $2500 on getting the whole rear end replaced. All rear axle bearings,differential, trac lock assembly, etc. had to be replaced. The ABS light was diagnosed 3xs (at my expence)as incorrect programming. Until finally the diagnosis was a 560.00$ anti lock brake controller which is on national back order. Think they will do a recall? Ha. Strange thing is that our 97 Dakota has the same problem. Hmmm. Another consistency with our 2 Dodge vehicles is the evaporator pads for the A/C went (only 24K miles on the Dakota). Cost to replace, only an additional $900.00.

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  ? - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By Ihatedurango - June 10 - 2:00 am

  You feel every bump in the road. This vehicle for some reason came with front disc brake, no rear brakes. Terrible if you drive in stop and go traffic. I feel Ive been taking ripped off when I traded in my 97 Durango thinking I would get a more luxurious model with leather seats, Infinity surround speakers. But instead, I got this vehicle for 2 and a half more years.

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  That thing got a Hemi? - 2017 Dodge Durango
  By Jim - June 7 - 1:26 pm

  The 2011-2017 Dodge Durango was designed by Daimler-Chrysler and is built on the same chassis as the current Mercedes M-Class sport utility vehicle. Being heavily German by design it rides and handles well but doesnt have the Swiss-Army like interior of a Honda or Chrysler mini-van. The seats are very comfy but the way they fold and stow is just average (we have second row captains chairs). The front seats are heated and cooled. The Uconnect infotainment system is very intuitive and works better than any infotainment system Ive ever seen, having a combination of touch screen, knobs, buttons and voice activation. The system also allows i-phone users to access Siri. The Beats speakers are adequate but not astounding. The RT sits lower than standard Durangos, the suspension is a little firmer and the brakes bigger making this 5000 lb+ vehicle handle extremely well for its size. Its weight makes for a great ride on the road and the vehicle is bank-vault tight with no squeaks, rattles or excessive wind noise. The hemi is just plain cool-its been a long time since Ive owned a V-8 and the sound and performance are worth the so so gas mileage. Around town mileage stinks, averaging about 15 mpg if I dont lead foot it but on the highway Ive gotten 22mpg thanks to the imperceptible selective cylinder management. The 8 speed ZF trans. is spectacular. The rear shocks are self-leveling and included with the tow package I got (its rated to tow up to 7200 lbs.). Havent towed with it yet but plan to. I feel as though I purchased a Mercedes M-Class for Dodge money. In my opinion this SUV is an exceptional value.

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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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  Best SUV ever - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Alex Henning - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This has to be the best ever and I would like to have all of the different style.

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  Big&Beautiful - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By chris huffman - May 22 - 2:00 am

  since I ve bought it in December 2001, I have enjoyed every mile in it. Ive only had to replace the water pump on it, but I am still waiting for other problems to occur. It rides very well for a 4 wheel drive. The drivers seat is really comfortable especially if you have back trouble. It is very spacious and is awesome and practical for kids and even to haul friends around. The option to put up or down the third seat is great. The cargo area could use more head room for bikes and such and is not really meant to move big furniture as we have found out. Rear air could blow out harder than what it does and could have more versital air vents.

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  Buying a Toyota - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By Buying a toyota - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1998 Durango in Jan. 2001...I have driven it about 50000 miles and have had pretty good luck with it up to now but I think my luck is beginning to run out. The drivers side passenger window wont goup and down all the time unless yo slam the door, the transmission wont shift gears when you first start it and the suspension is getting really loose. This truck is not good for alot of highway driving. And forget about the mountains...you have to turn off the overdrive and just watch the gas gauge go down at the speed of sound....

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  2001 Dodge Durange Review - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By cathiek - May 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Dodge Durange 11 months ago, and have been extremely happy with its performance. The ride is quite smooth, and it is has lots of power. The power and heated front seats are very comfortable, and the sound system is outstanding. We have pulled a boat and trailer with six people and had no problem towing. We have also found it to get better gas mileage than expected -- traveling down a highway at 65 mph it will get between 18 and 22 mph.

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  used but new to us - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By kelleyb - May 5 - 2:10 am

  We just brought 04 Durango limited with all bells and whistles for under 7000. with 137000. In my 30 yrs of marriage to a ford guy,I stuck to my guns when buying this sweetie. LUXURY ABSOLUTELY !!! you name it, she has it.. Hubby argued wanted a another Ford, since Ford Explore engine seized. Nope I told my hubby my money my pick. car dealership had all the recall fixed by dodge technician before it came home with it. Most importantly I just brought a small used ero lite camping trailer and we needed SUV to pull it. The former owner took real good care of it. She did put some over sized tires on it, which make you think climbing into truck. love height and underneath clearance. safety for everyone riding in it. With grandkids and elderly parent that goes long way with me. We have had Nissan, Ford, Eagle, Chevy, Miata(still have) GMC all driven into the ground. But this is dream come true for this old woman. Cant wait to take to w/ trailer to Yellowstone next spring for our 30 anniversary .