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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  Best truck i ever had - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By BADLEG75 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I had a 1998 Dodge Durango and it was the best truck I ever had. It was a very tough reliable truck that took the worst of abuse and recently due to inclimate weather I ended up sliding off the road into a drainage ditch.It was a very shocking depressing day. As for your new 2004 Durango I think that Dodge should be ashamed to call this vehicle a Durango. You went and changed the body style completly which you now have a so called Durango that looks just like a Caravan. I am very upset to see my best friend twisted like that.

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  My 3rd Durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By bgffl - November 5 - 10:00 am

  Having owned a 00 SLT and a 02 SLT Plus I was anxious to try out the newly designed 04 Durango. I purchased a Deep Molten Red Limited with the 4.7 and although I just passed the 1000 mile mark, I am very happy with the ride, handling and overall performance. The interior seems like it could use a little more trim to dress it up. I really like the design and function of the dash air vents but there is an over abundance of uninterupted gray plastic.

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  Sweet!! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Corman - November 5 - 10:00 am

  Excellent ride for such a big vehicle. Driver sits up high and is very comfortable. Nice sound system. HEMI rocks!! Pulled my 3 horse trailer without any trouble. Still got 13 mpg with the horse trailer. That is not too bad!

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  This is a great car - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Blade - November 2 - 2:00 am

  We just baught a new durango sxt yesterday and it is great. Our Cousin is the person who told us about his durango, and he has had his for 4 years with no problems. My dad works at the new jeep plant in toledo and only likes non-foriegn cars(expecially Dodge). We love our new durango. Hopefuly from reading this you will think of buying a Durango too. Thanks! Blade Buchholz

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  Yeehaaaa - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By JAT - October 27 - 10:37 pm

  Yes it is hard on gas, show me a SUV full size able to tow 8500 lbs that is not. Still better than my pops 85 two door chev. Stay away from Dodge service if possible, lots of local mechanics have the computer diagnostic available. No issue as of yet, just loving it. Kids love the whole dvd thing, wife loves being high up and safe thing, I love knowing I can pass at anytime.

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  Excellent Rig - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By I Love My Durango - October 22 - 4:47 am

  Fine, the mpg isnt great but what it lacks in that dept. it makes up for in every other category. Had I known how great Durangos are when they were introduced I wouldnt have waited until 07 to buy my 03. Its great! Plenty of power from the 4.7 (enough to tow my 68 Charger project on a flat bed), excellent turning radius, very reliable and just plain fun to drive. From deep snow to dry pavement the Durango handles it all. A dead battery and window moulding are the only issues Ive had in more than 2.5 years of ownership. I can haul 8 people with the front buddy seat up and even managed to get a large dining table, six chairs and four people in it once. I just love it. Its a 4x4 muscle car.

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  Big suprise - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Mike - October 19 - 11:09 am

  Well, I must say that I have been pleasantley suprised with this vehicle. I have owned an Explorer and this Durango beats it hands down in every way! People are always quick to bad mouth Dodge but it has been my experience that vehicles take care of you when you take care of them...regular maintenance is key. This Durango is very comfortable and driving it around is fun. Great for long trips and also around town. Feels very solid and heavy. After driving this I could never go back to an Explorer, too small, too boring, and I had way too many problems with my FORD. If you are considering buying this vehicle, dont hesitate....trust me!!!

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  If you drive the HEMI first... - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Azulojas - October 4 - 2:00 am

  If you drive the HEMI first... You will be absolutely MISERABLE with one of the smaller engines. If you want to save money, DONT drive the HEMI! Interior is spacious and comfortable. Heated seats, DVD rear passenger entertainment system, 1 touch memory for pedal control, seat position, mirror positions, radio, and temp. control were adored by my wife. Fun to drive, good looking, TONS of features. We drove escalade, navigator, expedition, and DURANGO. Got ALL of the killer features in the Durango for about 10 to 15 THOUSAND less!! and by the way, did I tell you it has a 5.7 v8 HEMI!

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  Buy it! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By DhUNTCVS - September 23 - 10:00 am

  BUY IT WE LOVE IT THIS IS THE BEST BUT OUT THERE FOR THE MONEY DONT WASTE MONEY ON A CADILLAC THE DURANGO HAS ALL THE STYLE AND RIDES BETTER!

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  Awesome SUV - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By manolito31 - September 20 - 8:29 pm

  This has been the best SUV Ive ever driven (and Ive driven Land Cruisers, Montero Sport, Montero, Murano, CR-Vs, Rav4s, Ford Explorers.) Its so quiet, pretty solid, pretty good off-road, all though I havent been able to get more than 12 MPG in the city, I still recommend this vehicle for everyone looking for an spacious car for the family and pretty good on long trips.