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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  what a beautiful detroit made vehicle! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By big walt - November 26 - 2:00 am

  this suv is a terrific vehicle. it is a vastly improved design over the old durango. the handling, the engineering, the interior are all extraordinary. i could not be more pleased with my purchase.

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  Great Investment - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By hoggness285 - November 15 - 10:00 am

  So far the durango has been an excellent buy. It was bigger than anything we looked at, and we received $5000 in rebates. The 4.7 is plenty of engine and the ride is smooth and quiet.

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  LOVE LOVE LOVE - 2016 Dodge Durango
  By 16DurangoBlacktop - November 15 - 12:09 am

  I have the 2016 SXT PLUS Blacktop Edition. Love the look. Drives smooth, hugs the road, great gas mileage ( 24.5 mpg average) The entertainment system/ controls ( touchscreen) is VERY user friendly. No problems at all with the Bluetooth. My favorites include the heated seats, heated steering wheel, the exterior and interior look. And you really feel like you are driving a SUV. The ONLY con I have is the acceleration (particularly uphill- ( but I have the V6.) Not complaining too much since it is a larger SUV and weighs more than the average counterparts so it is expected . The acceleration during driving on flat roads is fine. I had a Jeep before this and a Jetta before that. I will NEVER not own a Durango again

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  Durango R/T - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By Ryan - November 13 - 7:34 pm

  No breakdowns except for standard service calls. One emission sensor failed during warranty.

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  Durango Love - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By BigMar - October 19 - 9:48 pm

  The 2005 Durango SLT is my third Durango in a row. It is awesome. I am 65" and love the head room in this vehicle. The Hemi lets me power my way through highways. I never feel like I need more power. I like its tough rugged looks while at the same time giving my family a comfortable and roomy interior for long trips. We took it to the Mall of America packed with 5 adults and one child in child seat and still had plenty of room for the shopping on the way home. One of the great things about this vehicle is the 90 degrees of range to the passanger doors. That is really useful. Not to mention the 4x4 capability. All kinds of storms and you are cozy inside! Thank you Durango!

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  Best SUV - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By DEPAULCREW - October 19 - 8:36 pm

  Most incredible ride I have ever had from an SUV. Rides like a Cadillac. Handles great. Hemi has plenty of power, and fuel mileage is what you should expect. In general we get 16.5 mpg. But just highway driving at 70 mph with cruise we get 21 mpg. Thats pretty darn good. Also, it tows our 8800 lb boat fine as far as power is concerned, but we had to add air bags inside the coil springs to get more weight to the front axle for better handling. Dodge should offer an airbag suspension leveling system like some other manufacturers. With 23,000 miles now we have had no problems and no complaints.

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  01 Durango - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By Tara - October 12 - 2:59 am

  I own a 2001 Dodge Durango and it is the best vehicle that I have ever owned to date. I had previously owned Ford 150s. With the birth of my son, we needed a larger vehicle. The Durango is execlent in both reliability and in comfort. More than enough room for a family of 4. I would recomend this vehicle for purchase to anyone with a family

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  2003 Dodge Durango SXT 4X4 - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Dodge Man - October 9 - 10:03 am

  This truck is the best on ive owned. The truck before this was a Ford exporer and I cant believe the difference. Dodge has done a wonderful job with their SUV and Im a buyer forever

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  Would buy it again - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By milos janovsky - September 23 - 9:29 am

  Comfort and easy towing at an incredible price for its value. Highly undervalued by rating companies who are still confused by its previous model.

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  Third Dodge SLT Hemi 2WD - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By dodge owner - September 9 - 10:30 am

  This is my third Dodge product. This 2006 Durango is the best vehicle so far. Love the Hemi, and mileage is actually better than the Ram 1500. Currently close to 3000 miles and 300 mile highway trip rated 20.9. Wife also likes better than truck, easier to drive and ride is fantastic. For the money, 8 seats and Hemi, no other choice.