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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  Great family vehicle - 2007 Dodge Durango
  By Mrs Young - October 13 - 12:56 am

  First and foremost, I admit that the Durango is not easy on gas. Other than the gas problem, I really like this vehicle. As a mom of two young boys, I love having a sexy mommy wagon. I have a 2007, with leather interior, mp3 multi disc player. Its a lovely maroon color with silver details. It has a roomy third row seat and plenty of storage. It handles great and has a very powerful v8 engine. Its fun to drive and its very stylish. The only other problem area is that sometimes the gas cap doesnt make a good seal which makes the service engine light come on temporarily. Hopefully, I can stop by my dealership and have that problem taken care of.

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  Good solid vehicle- 2006 Durango Limited - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By Warren - October 11 - 12:08 am

  I have had this 2006 Limited HEMI for 3 years now and no problems whatsoever. This is an excellent SUV. It will tow just about any trailer with the 5.7L HEMI. Fit and finish on the interior of the Limited model is very good overall. Plenty of off the line power with no lag. Factory Navigation system from Alpine is very good, although it isnt touchscreen and requires CD map updates periodically. Ride and comfort are exceptional. Visibility is outstanding. Perhaps a bit better final inspection as a drain pipe wasnt originally installed in the side pillar which caused water leaks in the first rain. Dealer installed at no charge. Overall, Dodge makes some very fine trucks like this one.

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  If you drive the HEMI first... - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Azulojas - October 4 - 2:00 am

  If you drive the HEMI first... You will be absolutely MISERABLE with one of the smaller engines. If you want to save money, DONT drive the HEMI! Interior is spacious and comfortable. Heated seats, DVD rear passenger entertainment system, 1 touch memory for pedal control, seat position, mirror positions, radio, and temp. control were adored by my wife. Fun to drive, good looking, TONS of features. We drove escalade, navigator, expedition, and DURANGO. Got ALL of the killer features in the Durango for about 10 to 15 THOUSAND less!! and by the way, did I tell you it has a 5.7 v8 HEMI!

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  Buy it! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By DhUNTCVS - September 23 - 10:00 am

  BUY IT WE LOVE IT THIS IS THE BEST BUT OUT THERE FOR THE MONEY DONT WASTE MONEY ON A CADILLAC THE DURANGO HAS ALL THE STYLE AND RIDES BETTER!

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  GREAT SUV IF A/C WOULD WORK - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By JAYFAV - September 23 - 10:00 am

  WHEN WE FIRST GOT THE DURANGO IT WAS GREAT EXCEPT FOR THE GAS MILEAGE. THEN A MONTH AGO THE A/C STARTED BLOWING HOT AIR WHEN WE WOULD START IT UP. WHEN WE WOULD GET WHERE WE WERE GOING IT WOULD START BLOWING COOL AIR (NOT COLD). WE WERE TOLD THAT THE HEMI AND A/C DO NOT GET ALONG AND THERE WOULD BE AN COMPUTER UPDATE SOON. WE GOT THE COMPUTER UP DATE A FEW DAYS AGO AND IT DID NOT WORK. DON BOHN DODGE HAS BEEN GREAT BUT DEALING WITH CHRYSLER IS A NIGHTMARE. I WROTE CHRYSLER SINCE THE DURANGO HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FIVE TIMES AND THEY HAVE BEEN NO HELP. THEY DONT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILTY. I SO DIGUSTED ALL I WANT IS MY MONEY BACK.

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  Awesome SUV - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By manolito31 - September 20 - 8:29 pm

  This has been the best SUV Ive ever driven (and Ive driven Land Cruisers, Montero Sport, Montero, Murano, CR-Vs, Rav4s, Ford Explorers.) Its so quiet, pretty solid, pretty good off-road, all though I havent been able to get more than 12 MPG in the city, I still recommend this vehicle for everyone looking for an spacious car for the family and pretty good on long trips.

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  03 R/T Ride - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Bleu - September 15 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 Dodge Durango R/T is a fitting departure for a class of SUV that has completely stumped the comptitors. In short, and SUV/Sports Car with an excellant engine conbination of HP (250 stock - 295 expandable @ 3800-4000 RPM) and torque (350 - 380 @ 3000RPM). No other vehicle in its class can touch its performance, comfortable ride, and looks..... and it rivals even the large SUVs in internal comfort and amentities. With a towing capacity of 7000#, theres not much I cant do. With 2003 being the final year for the R/T (welcome the 2004 5.7 Hemi Durango), this model is destine to become a classic.

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  Big Blue - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By moyeti - September 5 - 11:34 pm

  Bought when my kids were young and I couldnt drive a mini van. At 96K only a water pump has gone bad. Ive taken good care of it though, bu it has chewed thru 3 sets of tires. Otherwise it runs every time and the 360 V8 sounds and feels great. I use it to pull my motorbike around. Taking it to the state park next March with the entire family. Itll be "the car" we all remember. Tough, American, strong and heavy. Dependable and true.

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  Lemon - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Jamie - September 1 - 6:28 pm

  Like I have read in other reviews, the issues with this vehicle are tremendous. The 5.7 litter Hemi has great acceleration and I have been very please with the gas mileage. Other than that, it has been nothing but a nightmare. It stalls when stopping all the time,the dealership has no idea what is wrong since their computer tells them nothing. The interior continues to fall apart daily. Not to mention the extreme loss in value in 1.5 years is huge! I look forward to trading it in as soon as I can afford to bail out!

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  Im in love with my Durango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By grooviecita - August 28 - 11:46 pm

  I fell in love with this SUV, the way it moves (IM NOW A HEMI FAN) It has POWER! Its doesnt drag.I am a realtor so I drive this vehicle a lot of miles. The V8 engine was not a good choice for gas purposes but the fact that when I want to move out of the way of slow people, the power of this vehicle is amazing!