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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  Save your money and buy a decent car - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Engine oil pressure problems from early on. At 23,000 dealer claimed engine sludge problems caused by my failure to perfrom appropriate maintenance. Been in shop at least four times for the same problem and Dodge refuses to repair under warranty saying problem caused by "shody" maintenance. Will probably have to resort to "sueing" to get repaired so I can sell. "Stay away from Durango and Dodge unless you are a masochist." No dealer or manufacturer support.

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  HEMI Power !!!! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By BTDurango - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I have had it for less then 60days and have 9,300 miles on it.I love the ride and so does my wife and three kids.My first business trip was 2800 miles and I averaged 18.3MPG.Using high test gas I can get 20+MPG on the HWY. I get 14-16 around town.The 6 Disc changer is great for long drives.I read a lot about the Durango before my purchase and they all stated that the HEMI was worth the extra money and I must agree!The split 3rd row seat is also a must, it is much larger then the bench.

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  Lovin my Durango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Roff - August 15 - 8:06 pm

  So far? This Dodge is great. I have had fun, feel safe and can only complain that the radio on/off switch is too easy to turn off with my hand on accident. Great truck!

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  All of us - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By ArkAngel7376 - August 11 - 2:00 am

  This is a great SUV,lots of room for my large family,comfortable to drive and looks good!

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  Love this truck - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By menohavaname - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I love my Durango. I have a 99 SLT w/ the 5.9 . The ride is smooth and comfortable. The power always seems to be on tap, especially when your crusing around 55mph. The only problem Ive had was an oil leak problem with it at 25k miles (which has been fixed), but havent had any other problems beyond that.

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  Dreamy Durango - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By vtzeta - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the Durango because of its body styling, power, and roominess. It offers tons of room for 5 adults and 1 car seat when the optional 3rd row is in position. Me and 6 of my friends took a road trip from VA to FL. It drove like a dream through mountainous terrain, rain, and snow for approx 2k miles. The only thing I dislike about the Durango is the "half" bench on the 3rd row of seats. Its not the most comfortable seat for 2k miles but for short distances it fills its purpose. With a full sized 3rd row, this would be the absolute best vehicle anyone could buy This is the best vehicle! Bravo Dodge!

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  Beware of Oil Gelling - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Big Mistake - July 11 - 10:00 am

  No problems with vehicle, except it is a gas guzzler. At 44,000 miles engine threw a rod and blew due to oil sludge buildup. There are over 182+ people with the same malfunction ranging from 3000 miles new to 60000 miles. Very common problem in the 5.2L. Research before you buy.

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  Hats off to Dodge for the 05 Durango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By GeneF - June 11 - 5:03 am

  After driving a 2003 Explorer for the past two years, the Durango is a dream vehicle. There is no comparison in the engine power, the Hemi is unsurpassed, and the quality and comfort of the interior is absolutly superior to Explorer. Im averaging 17.4 mi per gallon which is the same as the lesser engine in the Explorer. I took a real hit on the trade for the Explorer, but it was well worth it. You must test drive the 05 Durango with 5.7L Hemi.

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  Great Ride - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By bjones - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Nice physical design inside and out. Dodge is leading the pack once again. It is the only company that made significant changes to the 04 SUVs. Its larger than the older Durnago model, but smaller than the larger Tahoes and Denalis. Not to mention about 5-10k less... with leather and a 6 CD/MP3 changer.

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  Best Durango ever - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By JBJinc - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Hemi is great; interior layed out great much roomier than previous model. Video Ent. Sys well worth it and performs great. New chasis improves ride, handling and comfort over previous model 100%.