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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  Good Truck - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Elaine Boidi - June 23 - 9:39 am

  Truck has been very sound. No problems mechanically, just normal wear and tear. Other than the gas mileage I love it.

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  Solid ride for the money - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By s-works - June 12 - 5:43 am

  I bought this Durango with just under 100K on the clock. Had the tranny serviced when I did, and shes run fairly well since for a $10K car. Ive had problems with the weak AC (tried everything, nothing seems to work), and poor cooling (had overheated twice, both times on hot summer days, on the highway). 4X4 is amazing, with low setting in the transfer case, able to extract itself from frame-rail deep mud. Mileage OK, 15 while commuting to work, 18 on the highway. Interior perfect for growing family and dogs. Seats 7, but can be parallel parked by anyone. Ride is somewhat trucklike, but expected from a body-on-frame design like this. A best fit for comfort, convenience + capability.

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  2006 Durango...an awesome vehicle - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Soxman - June 2 - 6:57 pm

  This SUV was purchased with 38600 miles, but runs like a new vehicle. It is far superior to my previous Pathfinder in ride and performance. The interior is spacious and well designed. My next vehicle will be a Durango as well.

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  2005 Dodge Durango Adventurer 4wd - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By jkh - May 31 - 12:43 am

  Love the Hemi, powerfull yet quiet. Great for coastal roads and long hauls. Gets better mileage with speed, so I suggest investing in a radar detector.

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  Its been good to me so far - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Durango Driver - May 29 - 5:01 pm

  Though not perfect in any single category, this is a very good SUV. I have not had one single mechanical issue with this vehicle. I do all service work myself according to the book, which I am hoping will save money in the long haul. Performance with the 4.7L V8 is good, I occasionally tow a utility trailer with various loads and it still performs admirably. Long grades at 70 MPH fully loaded are no problem. Braking is excellent for a large SUV both in feel and in braking distance. The bumpers fore and aft are thin plastic, not adequate. They are painted on the SLT and higher trim levels, which leads to very visible road rash from debris.

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  Very Disappointed - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Scotsman - May 26 - 6:58 am

  Love the looks, interior build quality is great, 3rd row of seats is big enough for 2 adults and with those folded down we can store a ton of stuff. Been on a few very long journeys and it has driven well. Smooth, DVD player in the back has kept the kids happy. But after 18,000 the transmission completely siezed on my wife and we had to get a whole new one. Now lost confidence in the car and then had a product recall (# G07). Thankfully just leasing so will return the SUV next summer and run like mad from the dealership. Its a real shame as I loved it for the first 18 months.

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  not exactly perfect - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By vaguy - May 23 - 5:36 am

  I have owned my Durango for about 2 years now. It is a nice vehicle to drive and travel in. The ride is also pretty smooth. However, there are some small problems. When you get some speed going there is a wind sound comming in the vehicle through the wind shield. I have had a problem with the power windows. Every now and then there is a winding noise comming from the engine compartment. The front passenger seats dont recline to a comfortable position which would be nice on long trips.

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  Happy, but not completely satisfied. - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Charles Carson - April 28 - 8:50 pm

  For its cost, I think this is a very good vehicle. I have the Hemi engine and it has plenty of power for towing, etc., and the ride is exceptional for a AWD SUV. I love the "bluetooth" U- Connect phone option and the "Sirius" satelite radio. However, there are some things that bother me about it. The interior plastics look a little cheap and too dark. The leg room in the 2nd row is tight, especially in the center position, and I wish the the floor over the 3rd row would fold flat. I also miss the interior room of my old Yukon and having "Onstar" and daytime headlights. Ive noticed the front door hinges appear to be loose, but they arent, the atachment points are flexing for some reason.

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  2003 DURANGO SXT - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By WAYNE RHODES - April 27 - 10:00 am

  REAR DIFF. HOWEL BETWEEN 50-55 MPH. RATTLES. NOT MUCH HELP FROM DEALER

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  My Durango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By jack - April 10 - 12:21 pm

  I love my Durango and my wife says its the only kind of vehicle that Im ever allowed to purchase her. Be warned though, gas mileage stinks!