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:

• 

  25 mpg with a Hemi! - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By Eddie - October 14 - 12:22 pm

  I have had this vehicle for 2 years and have taken many long trips and done quite a bit of towing. When driven conservatively, I experienced 25 mpg on a trip from NY to Vermont! It is an amazing vehicle and has been very reliable. I have had very few issues with the vehicle and the only disappointing factor is the rapid depreciation. I picked it up when it was 4 months old with 4000 miles for 20k, so Im in a better situation than most who purchased these vehicles new, but based off my ownership experience and total and complete satisfaction, I would recommend a Durango to anyone looking for the extra space and ability to tow.

• 

  Would buy again - 2007 Dodge Durango
  By Family Man - October 6 - 9:07 am

  We have had the other body style durango, & several Dodge trucks & enjoy this one. We bought the Durango about a month ago and I have put 3000 miles on it already and have not made my first payment. Fun to drive, good road view, nice sounding V8. We come from mustangs, trucks and a Dodge Mini Van. The Durango has as much room as a van but needs more oomph out of the hole and it got that in 08. We saved a ton of cash on this buying it with 20k miles on it. Also has synthetics in rear & front diffs. from factory. I will run full synthetic in the motor soon as well. I drive a lot and wanted something safe for my family and myself. Our kids love it over our mini van since they can see out better.

• 

  chrome pat. blue durango - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By 87irocZ28camaro - September 13 - 11:33 pm

  I just got a used 02 durango and this thing is great! before i had this i just bought a 99 expedition and it was ok but to bulky and like 90,000 miles so i took it back and got the durango. its been a great suv ( looks like a truck! ) and i have a chrome grill, metallic gray bumpers, and rt performance tires. its only a slt + with a 4.7 v8 magnum engine but its still has a lot of power like my 87 iroc z28 camaro. a plus with this awesome truck is that it has a hundred miles below 60,000 miles so aint to bad and the new durangos (04 - 09) arnt the best and they dont like a truck but my 02 durango has a great black, tan, and wood interior and thats cool looking. GET ONE!

• 

  Not a Bad Truck - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Ronald - September 12 - 11:09 am

  Overall this has not been a bad family vehicle. We live in western central Michigan so the environment is diverse. The four wheel drive definitely was useful. The air conditioning for the summer did just fine. Maintenance was minimal. At 178,000 miles, I intend to buy only my third set of tires.

• 

  Love mine! (HEMI) - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By VENOM - September 11 - 4:41 pm

  2006 SLT HEMI Gunmetal gray, I bought this vehicle used with around 30.000 miles on it and cant get over how fantastic it is, The original purchaser ordered many upgrades like leather etc. Its fast, has great mileage and it handles better than any SUV Ive owned and Ive owned them all, It is by far THE best bargain in the class. I do feel the interior is kind of "low- tech" but still looks good and classy.

• 

  HEMI-FIED - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By vipereyes - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I love my durango. I think it deserves a longer test to really appreciate the utility that it provides

• 

  Power, Luxury, Looks and Handling - 2008 Dodge Durango
  By Absolute Glassworks - September 3 - 4:55 pm

  I test drove the Limited model with intentions of buying a cheaper model. After the test drive I was hooked! Leather interior, Hemi power, mygig w/rear tv for the kids, are all features I decided we had to have. Laminated glass really makes it quiet inside. And the hemi power and the 18" wheels make it a awesome performance ride. The fuel saver mode on Highway really saves on the gas too. Rear camera and park assist, along with the power tailgate and sunroof were extras that I wouldnt have picked but are really nice to have. I test drove everything in its class and this vehicle wins hands down! I look for reasons to take it out for a spin, its that fun to drive!

• 

  Limited with a HEMI? Hooray! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By popologuy - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Just bought the Durango Limited with the HEMI: Hooray! I drove a Ford Explorer XLT and a Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo: neither car matches up to this SUV. The older Ford (1999) was bumpy like a truck, no third row seat, but had great storage capacity. The Jeep was so narrow that we could barely fit two full-sized people in the back seat with the child safety seat in the middle. And a tiny trunk area: two golf bags at the most and the clubs only just fit between the wheels. But this Durango? Excellent! The ride is great, the power is awesome, theres a comfortable third row and I can take my most chubby friends and relatives anywhere with the kids car seat between them! Great SUV!

• 

  Great vheicle - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Rich1 - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Rides great, no problems

• 

  2001 Durango 4x4 SLT+ - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By 2001 Durango - August 14 - 4:32 pm

  This vehicle has been a great family car, plenty of power, comfortable, and very fun to drive. My work car was a Durango which convinced us to buy one for the family. Have taken it on long trips and to the snow where the 4x4 came in handy. Have routinely serviced which Im sure is why we have never had a break down or any serious mechanical problems.