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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  Love my Dodge - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Dan S. - May 5 - 8:16 pm

  We purchased the Durango after looking around at many other models. I loved the looks and power. We tow a very large camper as well as a farm tractor, and use it for other work around the farm. Have had no problems until now. Transmission is starting to give trouble. Everything still works great and we have the SLT plus. Still use it when we need to carry 7 people. nNver been stuck yet, thanks to 4WD.

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  Test Driving Potential Replacements for My Envoy - 2016 Dodge Durango
  By Zoo Dawg - May 2 - 2:55 am

  The Durango would probably be at the top of my list if the EcoDiesel V-6 was an engine option. I need something that can pull a trailer. Right now Im leaning toward the Jeep Grand Cherokee for that reason. Wont decide for a few more months.

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  Versatile - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By RCV718 - April 4 - 10:48 am

  I love everything about this car EXCEPT the gas mileage (Im averaging 12 in a mix of city and highway). Starts right up in freezing temperatures, the 4wd plows right through the snow, and the car is very comfortable for long commutes. At about 90k now, and it has an exhaust leak, needs new shocks and brakes, and seems to have some sort of electrical problem with the lighting system. As it is a higher mileage vehicle, I am not surprised. The 318 is a tough engine, you cant kill it - no problems with the tranny yet.

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  02 SLT - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By sylvia - March 30 - 2:55 am

  The Durango is a truck and performs as such! I love mine, have had no major problems at 56,000 miles. It isnt perfect, but for the money it beats anything else!

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  A little bit about my durango - 2012 Dodge Durango
  By Steven Jimenez - March 9 - 6:35 am

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  Solid - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Austin Powers - February 22 - 1:50 am

  I love it! Few quirks, overall good SUV.

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  Been in the shop a few times... - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Warren - January 4 - 3:32 pm

  Bought my SLT 4WD in Nov 03. I hated the way the 04s looked + got a steal on the 03 anyway. At about 5000 miles, all the AC leaked out. Took 2 trips in, and they ended up ripping out the entire dash to replace the leaking parts. They did provide me a free loaner car on trip #2. At about 7000 miles, the driver seat had a pin fall out and the back of the driver seat jammed reclined. Now at almost 12000 miles, recalls for wiper motor, and now the ball joint failure. Plus the heater motor has gone out (died in ice storm last week). Also, gas mileage sucks! EPA rating is bull. I average 12.5MPG with 80% of it highway. I doubt I would buy another one, especially the ugly new models.

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  Satisifed - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By T - December 31 - 2:18 pm

  I have had my 99 Durango for 6 years now. I am satisfied with it although not ecstatic about it. I would recommend getting an extended warranty after the manufacturers runs out. I bought one for $1300 that covers everything with no deductible for 4 years and I have used about $1200 in warranty so far after 2 years. Not a lot of problems, however, SUVs are not as reliable as cars, and have more expensive repairs. I have never had another SUV to compare. The serpentine belt is definitely an issue with mine. I have 67k miles and need to replace the belt for a second time. 4WD light was broke twice. Rear ended a car from behind doing about 5MPH and not a scratch on my vehicle.

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  Great - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By neile - December 24 - 2:17 pm

  I have had this 02 Durango since Mar 03, and have put an average of 40000 miles a year on it. I currently have 100000 miles on it. I had one electrical problem with it, no other. It tows great, I am comfortable, but it is a little tight for my big frame. Overall, I love it. I get 17 mpg on avg, but only 9 when towing, which it does a great job of. I put a heavier duty susspension on the rear, which now it rides quite rough (rear hop), but it wasnt bad before I made the change

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  Very Nice - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By clc - December 16 - 2:30 am

  I purchased this vehicle based on its appearance and previous reviews about towing capacity and frame design. It has nice, aggressive lines. It handles well whether on or off road. Previous vehicle was Ford Explorer and wanted something with a larger engine for towing. Plenty of space for cargo inside as well.