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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Lousy Reliability - 1998 Dodge Durango
By lee1340 - April 1 - 2:00 amMy 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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I like my Durango - 1998 Dodge Durango
By jazzdog - March 28 - 2:00 am15 mpg stinks, but you knew that. We tow a 19 ski boat or a loaded camper. 4X4 is great in snow or ice. Uncomfortable third seat for adults, but works for kids, folds down for cargo. Fun vehicle to drive, will buy another.
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Long Term Friend - 1998 Dodge Durango
By AGF - March 27 - 2:00 amMy wife was the driving force in buying the Durango, although as an old MOPAR fan, I didnt need much persuasion. The experience over the last 84,000+ miles has been pleasureable. Reliability, availability and maintainability has been exceptional. After 75,000 miles had a ball joint and wheel bearing go bad, both covered under extended warranty. Brake wear has been phenominal. Original rear brakes and second set of front pads will last until 100K. Gas mileage could be better, but going to all synthetic fluids (engine, differentials, tranny) brought the average mpg up by 3. Durable. Interior is flexible and durable. Great truck with great support.
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hemis are great - 2004 Dodge Durango
By wunnabfun - March 26 - 10:00 amwe bought a slt hemi 5.7 liter durango and we love it!my hats off to dodge.its roomy,comfortable,and the kids love the dvd.
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Improving with Age - 2005 Dodge Durango
By Imjamie2 - March 21 - 10:00 amThis is my 3rd Durango and I love it. The interior design is far superior to the Durangos of the past. Love the look of the vehicle from the front, but the rear leaves little to be desired. Ive always had the upgraded V8 engine and I must say the HEMI hasnt brought the power that I expected. Although the response is good its just not what Ive been accustomed to in previous models.
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Great vehicle - 2000 Dodge Durango
By cvos - March 17 - 2:00 amOwned for three years and I am deciding if I want to buy it at the end of the lease. I have had no problems or unusual maintance. Would highly recommend the vehicle from 0 to 40,000 miles we shall see on the next 40,000.
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"trouble" - 1998 Dodge Durango
By ky-fan - March 16 - 9:58 pmI 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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rev1 - 1998 Dodge Durango
By jv - March 12 - 12:31 pmMy wife just loves the truck, it is powerful and fun to drive, and it hs all the safety features she neds.
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Great Vechicle - 2001 Dodge Durango
By rcr - March 11 - 2:38 pmBest Buy for your money plus 1.9% financing for 5 years.
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dodge durango limited 5.7l hemi - 2005 Dodge Durango
By john tse - March 11 - 1:53 pmLove it, very quiet interior. Engine has very good range at any rpm. Very, very comfortable interior, excellent stere, needs more storage space, however. I have had owned Dodge vehicles for a long time, quality has improved on each vehicle.
