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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  Very Good vehicle - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Dan - July 28 - 10:33 am

  This is my first Dodge vehicle, and I can say I really like it. I found the Durango to have a funny look to it at first, however I have become accustom to it and now think it has a cool look. Coming form a Ford Explorer, I found the Durango handles and rides much better. I found the room inside to be very spacious and quite. I have the HEMI engine and it gives me unlimited power on the road ( I tow a trailer about 5,000lbs.) It is a gas hog, however that’s what you get for having the power. All in all, I have to say that I am very pleased with the Durango and would most likely buy it again.

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  dango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By melissa fox - July 27 - 8:01 pm

  I like the room,and design. I love the way it rides higher, and performance in the V6 is good. The bad side is the gas mileage, and its a little rough on the ride, but I expected that.

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  Too much gas! - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By itsmine59 - July 21 - 5:35 pm

  This thing is a sight to behold. Its interior and exterior styling is awesome. The flame red color is the best red color on the road. Nice exhaust sound. This thing needs its own gas station! I get an average fuel economy of 9.9 MPG. It has power, but it is a bit sluggish. It is a little slow and does not get off the line that great, but once you get going look out! An awesome car for the money. It is perfect just being plain ol factory stock. 17" wheels, beefy tires, nice exhaust. It turns heads.

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  Love the Durango - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By flipper - July 20 - 12:45 pm

  Although I have low mileage on this truck, I think it is one of the best vehicles I have owned. Absolutely no initial defects, no trips to the dealer except for the ball joint recall. I tow a 3000 pound boat with the small V8 and have no problems. My only gripe is that I wish the rear glass opened. Its also hard to back up or turn sharply in 4wd on dry solid pavement. I hate the 2005 re-design. They killed the looks.

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  My 2004 Durango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Loridedham - July 19 - 12:54 pm

  I like the room this Durango has, compared to the old style, which I owned before this one. I have three children, so the comfort, room, and safety factors are very important to me. I have been really satisfied with my Durango, and will probably purchase another one in the future.

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  GREAT TRUCK !!! - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By darlstar001 - July 19 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2000 Durango. I have just turned 83,000 miles. The only problem I have had is to replace the fan clutch. Thats it. Great highway driver. Good performance from the 4.7 liter engine. It is unstoppable in the snow (if you get rid of the stock tires). No complaints about the reliability at all. Check out the new 2004s. Ill buy another.

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  If you like to bounce - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By JudaStar - June 24 - 3:36 pm

  Ive had my Durango for 2 years. It is fully loaded and beautiful inside and out, metallic emerald green with dark gray leather interior. The sound system is great. I do have some complaints though. The ride is not so smooth but maybe its because of the big knobby Wrangler tires that I think are standard...and mine still has. I love the way the tires make the vehicle look but am thinking about replacing them with a tire that might make the ride smoother. The electric windows stick (Ive had them unstuck several times) and the brakes are sometimes scary. I have read other reviews complaining about the windows sticking and scary brakes.

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  My Durango - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By Keith - June 14 - 6:53 pm

  My favorite of all midsize SUVs. Beautiful design. Its much more stylish than any of those boxes on wheels rolling around out there. It has great interior space for cargo and passengers. Best of all it has an incredibly strong and powerful engine. I have done everything from get out of 4 foot snow drifts to pushing disabled cars and towing large boats. Not as quiet as a luxury vehicle but definitely more affordable and practical. By far one of the best car selections that I ever made.

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  Great car, but bad cooling system - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By hudsonblog - May 14 - 3:08 pm

  My Durango has been a love-hate situation. I love the looks, love the power and the safety feel is great. The gas mileage is not good, but thats the price for a bigger car. I have had terrible luck with the cooling. This car has often gone past 210 degrees. Smells hot! The radiator had to be replaced due to leaks twice. The front cooling housing had to be replaced because a leak formed in the middle of the metal housing due to heat! Cylinder 7 began miss-firing and cause the left cylinder head to be replaced. Heat also cause an anoying squeak due to leaks in engine block seal. Ive been so careful with this car and has gotten me nowhere. I do like the 04 Durango!

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  Great SUV - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By orca - May 13 - 10:00 am

  The truck is a solid 10. It has a great ride and you feel like you are in a lux truck with lots of room. highly recommended