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 SUV - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By vic - June 5 - 2:30 am

  This SUV rides better then any luxury car Ive ever driven. I have the Hemi and it does not disappoint. This is a whole different SUV from the old style Durango. We love it.

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Gatorphin - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Just bought a 2004 Dodge Durango 5.7 L Hemi limited model in a graphite color w/ leather. Very nice. Handles raod well. Boy does it have power! 335HP. Sucks down gas. About 11 mpg in city. DVD player is a must with small kids, I never hear them anymore. Incredible turning radius for a big SUV. Sits very high. 4 inches higher tham old Durango & 11 inches longer. Great SUV!

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  Nice Ride and Powerful - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Durango04 - May 29 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I looked at nine different SUVs before we discovered the new Durango. We would never have considered the earlier design of the Durango as it was too small but when we test drove this one, we fell in love with it. It handles very well, the transmission is smooth and the suspension gives a comfortable ride. We chose the SLT and upgraded to leather with the hot sound system and of course the HEMI. If you are going to buy this vehicle dont waste your time on the 4.7l or the 6 cylinder...youll be happy that you went with the HEMI.

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  hemified - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By um... - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Had 99 model ...sure can see mercedes influence!!!

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  From Chevy to Dodge ... Yes its a HEMI - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By FG - May 22 - 10:50 pm

  With the 5.7 HEMI you will have plenty of power.We get an average of 16-18 MPG city and 19-22mpg highway (cruising). This is one of the safest cars feeling cars Ive driven in a long time.Still feel that this was a very smart purchase.

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  NOTHING BUT GOOD THINGS - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By astewfam - May 20 - 6:36 pm

  After reading all the other review I had to say how great my dodge has been to me!!!!! I got my 02 durango in 03, i still have it but Im looking to trade it in. I have only had a few minor problems. Something pertaining to the module that controls all the lights in the truck went out but it was still under warrenty. The certain part wasnt covered but I fussed and the dealership paid for it. I was surprised to read so many reviews were people have had bad experiences with their durangos.

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  Great Value - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Ced - May 18 - 7:20 am

  Great ride and handling for a large truck , I got the 4.7 not HEMI. Lots of room for your stuff. Love the stereo sound and DVD player.

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  Been a Good Truck - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Craig - May 17 - 2:53 pm

  Bought my Durango new and have put 118,000 miles on it. I tow a bass boat, drive across dove fields, take trips and drove it to work. One constant problem is the front rotors are good for 16 months and 21,000 miles. Then they have to be replaced. Looking for a rotor solution. The truck otherwise has performed well. My wife and I enjoy driving it on a trip as the ride is comfortable, solid, quiet and I can pass anybody any time. I dont get those who complain about the gas mileage ? All Fords, Chevys etc get 14 mpg or less. I get 14 mpg in town and 21 mpg on the road. I plan to drive it till the wheels fall off

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  Good for 50k miles - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Bob - May 8 - 10:49 pm

  This vehicle is a maintenance nightmare. Go ahead and pull out the maintenance schedule and you will see what I mean. For example, plugs every 30k miles, axle flush ever 15k miles, transmission fluid every 30k miles, etc, etc, etc. This was a nice SUV for about 50k miles, but it has had problems with the steering and irritating clunking noise coming from the front suspension. The fuel tank has problems so it like to shoot fuel all over the place if you fill it up and allow the pump to automatically shut off. The transmission has started to slip and there is an idle problem that causes it to die. Has had this problem since about 30k miles. Just poor quality overall. We have the 4.7L Magnum.

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  Awesome, except... - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By Seely - May 5 - 3:14 pm

  ... for the predictably dismal fuel economy. If you get one, USE PREMIUM GAS! Interior is clean, but a little cheap looking. I love the exterior styling, and the engine noise is addicting when revving, yet quiet when crusing at low engine speeds. The only notable problem weve had is a malfunctioning transmission speed sensor. The AWD is a lifesaver in Iowan winters, and, with its ride height, has proven a useful vehicle when hunting. Lots of cargo room! And a fair tow rating (approx 5,000 lbs) increases versatility. And despite weighing 3 tons, doesnt feel too ponderous.