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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  60K mil Report - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By lhowie17 - September 25 - 10:00 am

  We had the water pump go out about 56,000 miles. The tires on the car wear down very fast. Seems like every quarter we are buying a new tire. The air controls dont blow when putting the button on air at the top and feet for some reason. Same problem was happening on our 99 Dakota. Dealer ordered the part but never called again to say in and then it was out of warrenty. The truck drinks gas like crazy!

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  Love it!! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Tress - September 11 - 10:00 am

  This is the first Chrysler product Ive ever owned, thought long and hard prior to purchasing and there just isnt anything out there that comes close to the Durango. I got the Hemi and for this size of an SUV the performance is amazing. I did encounter the small problems that come with a first year run vehicle but they were easily rectified and Im glad I went with the Durango.

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  Love/Hate Relationship - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Diverdown - September 7 - 8:29 pm

  I bought this car to replace my aging Dodge Caravan and for the purpose of towing a recently aquired boat. Little did I know what I was in for. I love the fact that it is big, but not a monster. It can hold the family or carry lots of stuff and still fit in a parking space. Both the interior and exterior design are nice on the eye, but it drinks gas like it has a hole in the gas tank and has a lot of quirks that require attention. I have almost 97,000 miles and the leather has held up very well. The problems I have had which I have seen in other reviews is the speedo went dead, found out it was the rear a/c sensor. Eats oil with no idea where it goes, window regulators are sparatic.

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  Bad engine - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By larry - August 8 - 4:47 pm

  I have 90,000 miles and 2 pistons broke. Rebuilt engine and repairs are $7,200. I had been having problems with the engine for 6 months. The 4.7 litter engine costs as much as a racing engine. Until the problems and the price I really enjoyed my Durango. The front suspension makes noise sometimes. I’ve had it checked and they said everything was tight, but it doesn’t sound like it. I want to lift it but 99 was the last year I can find a decent lift kit for.2000 can only be lifted 3 inches and that’s not worth the cost of the lift.

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  Not Sure if I will buy a Dodge again - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By My Red Durango - August 1 - 8:26 am

  I had a 2000 Durango and I traded it in due to mechanical problems. I purchased my 2004 Durango. The check engine light has come on 3 times in the past two years and each time it comes on, it costs me more than $200 to fix it. I drove a Ford Expedition for 5 years and never had a single problem with it. I think I am switching back to Ford for reliability

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  Great Value - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Greg Richter - July 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Durango, after putting 75,000 on my 2000 traded it for a 2003. Great performance no problems. Ourisman Dodge and outstanding dearlership for both sales and service. First time I have ever traded a car in for the same one.

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  Useful SUV with a few shortcomings - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By tf77 - July 19 - 12:24 am

  Weve had this car for almost 3 years. It has been very reliable and functional. We cross-shopped it against full-size GMs, and have been reasonably happy with our choice, although weve regretted it at times as well. Not as smooth as a Tahoe, and not nearly as roomy (the Durango is very narrow for an SUV), but much cheaper and has all the capability of a full-size (can tow as much and haul as many people). While we havent loved it, and at times have wished we spent extra on a full-size GM, our Durango has served its purpose very well.

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  Solid SUV - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Dodge Fan - July 10 - 12:09 pm

  Just hit 75K miles and extremely pleased. Bought new in 2000. I read a few ugly reviews here and I wonder if thats because they dont have the 4.7 - solid engine. Or it could be that they drive hard (ie floor it regularly, take corners hard, etc). I also laugh at those who complain about gas mileage - Hello, this is a full- size SUV! Did they think you were buying a hybrid? Ive only had a few minor bugs. Ill keep driving the Durango hopefully for another 75K.

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  Towing Machine - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Jeff - July 8 - 7:30 am

  It does have some rattles and pops but with 105,000 miles, not too bad. Great towing SUV. Pulls our camper with no problems with the 5.9, 360 engine. Have had to replace some motor components but nothing real costly.

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  Durango - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By Jay - July 1 - 4:25 pm

  This vehicle has performed outstanding service as a daily driver to/from work, a family hauler for me, wife and four children, and long distance road cruiser. We take use the Durango on three to five road trips per year of 500-900 miles one way. When pulling a 12 foot U-Haul trailer full of luggage, bikes, water sports gear over the Appalachians to Virginia the 5.9L V8 barely notices the load. The car is comfortable on highway even when loaded with 6 people. The safety and confidence associated with the full time 4WD with its full time four wheel torque split has proven itself in midwest thunder downpours, Appalachain rain/fog/sleet, and Wisconsin snow.