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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  What am I gonna get now??? - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By SUVman - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned a 99 SLT+ for close to four years now. The only real gripe that I have is that the Durango rides a little too close to the pavement, and its ride with the factory shocks was below par. Its breaks also feel somewhat squishy in harsh braking conditions. Other than that, its been a great vehicle. The 5.9 is extremely powerful for a vehicle of this size, and a lead foot on the gas pedal will burn a quick hole through your wallet. After sitting in a plethora of comparably equipped SUVs, the interior fit and finish of my truck appeals to me now more than ever. Not one squeek or rattle after 60K+ miles. Based on my experience with three other 4x4 SUVs, this is VERY unusual.

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  What am I gonna get now??? - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By SUVMAN - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned a 99 SLT+ for close to four years now. The only real gripe that I have is that the Durango rides a little too close to the pavement, and its ride with the factory shocks was below par. Its breaks also feel somewhat squishy in harsh braking conditions. Other than that, its been a great vehicle. The 5.9 is extremely powerful for a vehicle of this size, and a lead foot on the gas pedal will burn a quick hole through your wallet. After sitting in a plethora of comparably equipped SUVs, the interior fit and finish of my truck appeals to me now more than ever. Not one squeek or rattle after 60K+ miles. Based on my experience with three other 4x4 SUVs, this is VERY unusual.

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  Reliable Durango without hemi - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By M1a1commander - December 13 - 12:49 pm

  I purchased this Durango the week before 9-11-01. I put 24,000 miles the first 2 years. The vehicle did not have any issues the first 3 years. I did get 17-19 MPG on the highway. The cloth interior is better and longer lasting than the leather. The price of the Durango Sport was the best deal compared to the Ford Explorer Sport. I paid $21,000 for it new. Now, in Dec, 2005 The only issue I had was replacing the front wheel bearings. The clunking I heard was not the ball-joint issue I had received as a possible recall item. The Durango continues to have great overall reliability. I like the style better than the fatter Durango. Why get a hemi if it weighs 500 lbs more?

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  Funner than a rodeo - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Joeb612 - December 12 - 2:23 pm

  This is my first 4wd vehicle and I have to say that the ride is different than the Lexus RX300 I was driving. It is far better suited to the climate I live in. I have not suffered from the dreaded stopping on a hill and not being able to creep forward due to tire slipage. The 11.7 mpg city hurts a little, but overall a far more usfull vehicle. The third row seating w fold up second row makes for great movie watching for the kids on long drives. gives them lots of play room and still gives you room for a couple suitcases behind the third row.

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  Dodge DUrango lover - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Sue - December 1 - 5:43 pm

  Love my Durango, Its hemi makes it feel like a sporty vehicle gas mileage is bad..... 14 mpg per highway. Tows like a champ. Overall a great vehicle without the SUV feel.

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  What a SUV - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By tkymasters - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Great on Performance and Control. What a big difference from the 2002 models. Stiffer frame makes the handling amazing. This D. rides more like a minivan than a truck. The HEMI is the best feature Dodge ever thought of, A+++. Overall.. the Durango Limited is a great buy. I cant seem to slow down!!

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  I love my Dango!!!! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Moms Dango - November 24 - 9:49 pm

  First, let me tell you that I have test driven over 10 different vehicles within 2 yrs time and our Durango was hands down the best! When you have a family you need a vehicle that offers versatility- speed, comfort, handling and safety.That is what the Durango gives you, I have the Hemi(of course)and its the Ltd. We also own a 99 Mercedes CLK430, so we know plush and you can definitely see where Mercedes have their input on making a Dodge. There is plenty of leg room, we have the DVD system and my kids love that, all of the controls are easy to use. Let me put it this way-If youre lucky enough to own a Durango then youre lucky enough!! If you get one, you wont be dissapointed.

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  Love it - but major repairs - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By prospering - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Threw a rod at 47,000 miles and adjuster stated it was due to a faulty gasket that caused the oil to burn up, however neither Chrysler nor our extended warranty would cover it. Had to replace the engine at a cost of over $4,000. Weve had to take the vehicle in a few times to repair the electric windows and door locks. The back rear AC makes loud clacking noises in hot weather.

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  Winter HEMI - 2017 Dodge Durango
  By John silano - November 23 - 6:42 pm

  Just bought it have a challenger r/t love the Durango for winter fun!!!

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  Horrific Brakes / Cheap Interior - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Steveman - November 19 - 3:52 pm

  The truck has been back to the dealer 5 times for the brakes. They have replaced the front rotors twice, but re-surfaced (worthless) them the other 3 times. Every time they treat me like Ive been abusing the brakes, and theyre doing me a favor by fixing them again. Ive called DCs 800 number, and theyre worthless, referring me back to the dealer. For the record, Ive never even made a panic stop with the truck. I try to "baby" the brakes at all times. For the record, Im a Kenworth owner/operator, pulling very heavy loads daily, and know more than the average driver about "saving brakes". Ill never own another Chrysler product. This is the 2nd time Ive been burned by them.