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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  Yes, it has a HEMI! - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Rnortona2 - December 22 - 7:20 pm

  I love my Durango. It gets much better fuel economy than my previous SUVs (a Tahoe and an older model Durango) The ride is great and the stereo system is awesome! You also have great acceleration and the engine even sounds cool. Everytime someone drives it they go on and on about how much they like it. I have the DVD system with headphones also and that works great!

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  Awesome first car - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By AUSTIN - December 22 - 5:44 pm

  I got this as my first car about 2 months ago... I LOVE IT. I got a WELL MAINTAINED one, which explains why it hasnt fallen apart. I live in the hills, yet still get decent gas mileage. It drives like a dream. My friends love it. My dad loves it. Even my mom who hates suvs loves it. I have been camping, off roading, and have taken a road trip already. Its perfect for all of these things.

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  Bad Choice - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Mazz - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I have had numerous problems with my durango and have found the people at the dealership unhelpful. I also have gone to different Dodge dealerships but I find they all have crap service. When it rains, I have had problems with acceleration. Sometimes when I stop and acclerate nothing happens. The first time it happened I was stuck halfway across a busy intersection. I kept trying to accelerate and when it eventually kicked in I went into a spin. I have gone to several dealers and they tell me there is nothing wrong. I have no faith in my truck and am planning to get rid of it shortly. STAY AWAY FROM DODGE!!

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  Traded it in - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By MartyandViv - December 20 - 12:10 pm

  Horrible gas mileage. After 25,000 miles made way too much noise.

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  DURANGO FEVER - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By FICA - December 18 - 10:00 am

  MY WIFE AND I TRADED A 2000 DURANGO ON A NEW 2004 DURANGO. WHAT A DIFFERENCE 4 YEARS OF ENGINEERING CAN MAKE! THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS HAVE THE BEST HEADRESTS ON THE MARKET.SECOND ROW SEATS RECLINE FOR THOSE LONG TRIPS.THIRD ROW IS STILL COMFORTABLE FOR MOST ADULTS.THE 8 SPEAKER SUROUND SOUND SYSTEM IS AWSOME! AND IF YOU HAVE KIDS YOU MUST HAVE THE OVERHEAD DVD PLAYER WITH THE WIRELESS HEADSETS.YOU WILL NEVER HERE "ARE WE THERE YET" AGAIN! YOU CAN TAKE THAT TO THE BANK!

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  2003DODGE DURANGO SXT4.7L.V8 4x4 - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By CRM - December 15 - 2:00 am

  RECENTLY PURCHASED THE 2003 DURANGO. DROVE LATE 2002 SNOW STORM AND THE TRUCK HANDLES AWESOME. IMPRESSED WITH THE POWER AND STEERING. HAS ALOT OF GREAT FEATURES BUT NOT TOO HAPPY WITH THE GAS MILEAGE.

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  2003DODGE DURANGO SXT4.7L.V8 4x4 - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By crm - December 15 - 2:00 am

  RECENTLY PURCHASED THE 2003 DURANGO. DROVE LATE 2002 SNOW STORM AND THE TRUCK HANDLES AWESOME. IMPRESSED WITH THE POWER AND STEERING. HAS ALOT OF GREAT FEATURES BUT NOT TOO HAPPY WITH THE GAS MILEAGE.

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  My 2005 Dodge Durango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By GP - December 10 - 9:15 am

  I got a great deal on this vehicle from the dealership. Within the first few months, I had to have the gas tank replaced. However, this was a recall item and the dealership was very helpful and courteous in getting it replaced. Other than that, its been a joy to own. It rides just as good, if not better, than a Honda or Toyota. Fuel efficiency is decent in the city for a vehicle this size - about 17mpg city. On the highway, I know Im getting at least 22 mpg which is very decent for a vehicle of this size. This is definitely the best vehicle Ive ever owned!

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  very disatisfied - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By tripet - December 4 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is very unreliable. When it goes into the shop it is there for at leas a day or two. One time it was in the shop for three weeks. I will never buy another dodge product.

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  Tons of Vehicle for the $$ - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Doug - November 23 - 9:41 am

  Bought the Durango used nearly 3 yrs ago and initially had several minor issues with some trim pieces. However, mechanically its been nearly perfect and very reliable. Great tow vehicle and good for family of 6. Not quite as large as Expedition or Tahoe but much less expensive, tows as much or more (Ive got the HEMI) and drives much better - especially in the city. Mileage also hasnt been bad as expected. I consistently average 15.5 to 16.0 combined and easily achieve 20- 22 on the highway cruising 80. Not the prettiest vehicle out there but one to seriously consider if buying used. NEVER buy one of these big SUVs new - youd be throwing $1000s out the window for no reason!