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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My second set of wheels. - 2004 Dodge Durango
By Virgel - June 15 - 6:36 pmI have owned this vehicle for 6 years. It now has high miles and is showing rust. It is a big full size SUV that is very comfortable and all wheel drive has great traction in Wisconsin winters.
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No Problems - 1998 Dodge Durango
By soFarSoGood - June 2 - 2:00 amI bought by 98 Durango used in 2000 with 46,000 miles. Its now at 90,000 and I have had no problems with it at all (besides getting it stolen, then returned). Nothing has fallen off, nothing is loose, and I keep it looking like new. The only thing negative I can say is that the gas mileage is starting to hurt. But, who knew 4 years ago that gas would be so expensive. I must say, though, Ive not had the terrible gas mileage Im reading about on here. Ive been able to get 19 mpg on the highway with 92 octane, and about 15 in the city. Must be different driving habits. Oh, and change your air filter and keep your plugs clean... it works wonders.
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great except the gas - 2003 Dodge Durango
By Monti-man - June 1 - 2:00 amThe 5.9 V-8 is awesome! All the power you need and then some. But remember, each time the pedal hits the floor, thatll cost you a few bucks on gas for that split second. 3rd row seat is easy to fold and for adults under 6 feet tall, not THAT bad.
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If its hot where you live dont buy one - 2002 Dodge Durango
By A/C Doesnt work! - May 29 - 2:00 amI have a 2002 SLT Plus with 4.7L. I havent had any major problems mechanically, but the A/C doesnt even begin to cool the car. If you run it on high all the time (You have too) then you develop a mildew smell. The dealer actually said, "dont run it on high then" They actually admit a design flaw - but no fix. Im selling my $33,00 two year old durango now and Edmunds says its worth about $16K - wonderful!
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Awesome truck, horrible gas mileage - 2000 Dodge Durango
By ej55555 - May 24 - 10:00 amI thought this truck was going to be the ultimate ride on and off road. And I was right! Handling like a sports car as I fly off the road into a field at 60mph and not even blink an eye, or even spill my coffee. Now thats excitement! Eat that Tahoe! If the gas mileage wasnt so horrible, it would be the ultimate SUV.
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dodge durang - 2001 Dodge Durango
By ig0tp00pies - May 24 - 2:00 amthe dodge durango is quit fast....it beats all other SUV competition, its realy fun to drive and you can pass a car up pretty fast for the top speed is a whopping 132 mph!
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Mothers Day present? - 2000 Dodge Durango
By Cowgirl - May 24 - 2:00 amI love the sound (motorand speakers), color (chili pepper red pearl coat), handling, and design. But, we bought the vehicle used with 38,000 miles. Within the first week it was on a roll back headed for the dealership (freeze plugs failed). The brakes have always been "touchy" and no one can find a problem. Gas mileage is worse than my husbands 5.7L. Z71 and Ive got the 5.2L. But, its never stranded us anywhere.
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Pretty good - 2002 Dodge Durango
By michaelt - May 16 - 2:00 amFor the most part, Im happy with the vehicle. Fun to drive, has enough power, looks nice, easy to maneuver, controls are all accessible, sound system is fine. A few problems -- AC is abyssmal (I live in PHX and on a hot day it literally cannot get the car cool, even after an hour drive), sometimes the car slips out of gear, struggles a bit to wake up on a cold morning (and cold is relative in PHX).
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durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
By david carroll - May 15 - 10:00 amI love it.It is a very dependable vehicle. The milage is not that bad concidering the truck your driving.
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Love it, but... - 2004 Dodge Durango
By Roses Mom - May 15 - 10:00 amThis is my third Durango. Love it for comfort, but it does not have enough storage for stuff you need to keep in the vehicle. Glove box is tiny. Storage hole is tiny. Only one behind seat pocket and it does not expand. In the door pockets are much smaller than older models, can barely get your hand in it much less stuff. Gas mileage is poor.
