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 Value - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Deb M - March 17 - 7:13 pm

  We looked at all the SUVs and this is by far the best value. Dont let the sticker scare you, expect $8000 off with the rebates, etc. The vehicle is very comfortable for 6, its quiet, good manners, the DVD/sound system is awesome, the climate contol (front and rear) is flawless and the Hemi makes the thing go like a sports car. I bought a pimped out Limited for $32K and its under warranty for 70K miles. I think the fit and finish is superb, especially among american brands. Fold the seats down and there is tons of room, fits 4x8 sheets of plywood flat on floor, tows like 12,000 lbs. I am very happy with our choice.

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  Tested and Proven - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Alex - March 8 - 9:56 am

  I bought my Durango new and have owned it for over 6 years now. I had to do nothing more than routine maintenance since ownership. This vehicle is very sound and dependable. I have over 69,000 miles on it and just replaced the tires for the first time and only because a road hazzard trashed one of my tires beyond repair. I had enough tread left for at least another 10,000 miles. I wish I got better than the 15 mpg but it is a heavy suv. The interior has held up well along with the exterior paint. I plan to keep it for another 5 years and hope it takes as good care of me as it already has.

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  DONT BUY ONE! - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By joe - March 7 - 4:23 pm

  I bought this truck new in 2000. I had to put a new engine in at 80,000 miles and just put in a new transmission at 102,000. Now its leaking fluid...probably the radiator needs repair. Water pump also just went out... expensive, but solid truck feel. Im selling it to buy a toyota or lexus... or honda... or... anything but a DODGE!

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  Moms taxi - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By m. bouchard - March 5 - 12:46 am

  I really do enjoy driving the Durango. A couple of things that might have deterred me knowing what I know now- The cloth seats are easily snagged-must invest in seat covers or they will be shot! Secondly- It has proven to be very car seat unfriendly. Safest position is in the middle of the back seat, and this becomes a real problem with seatbelts, proper installment of the carseat, and anyone else who may be in the back as well, needing a seatbelt that cant be latched. Also, for the Durango with no 3rd row seating, there should be an option to move the 2nd row back further. No room for ANYONE to sit in back seats Including 3yr old in carseat! Totally out for an infant! Sleek appearance

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  Great Quality - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Cliff - February 27 - 12:46 am

  With regular maintenance and upkeep the 2000 Dodge Durango Sport will run till you wreck it! We had just around out 130k on it and had covered from the west coast, the south, and the heart of the midwest. The only problem we had was with the passenger side actuator ($10), drivers side windows (both required no new parts)and heater took a while to heat up and that was only after having Firestone work on it.... I dont blame Dodge. If your looking for a sturdy vehicle DO this Dodge! It will run until somebody smashes into you and totals it....p.s. the wife drove it away after it was hit...STURDY STURDY STURDY

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  Great SUV! - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By Bentgang - February 26 - 12:22 pm

  We purchased this Durango as second owners, vehicle off lease. Had 14000 miles on it up to 36000 now. A couple of waranty items, the dash module had to be replaced, other than that is has been excellent vehicle. Averages 19-23 mpg on highway. Very solid nice ride, does great in the snow/ice. We enjoy the versatile seating/stereo/dvd/comfort of the durango. Heated seats a must for leather

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  Nagging issues, but good SUV - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By CraigInTexas - February 25 - 10:00 am

  When I noticed the tires wearing unusaully fast, I had the front end alligned. The guy said he had never seen a vehicle so badly alligned, and that it was obviously that way from the factory. The window issues will probably result in a recall. The brake/speedometer sensor in the rear axle housing will most likely go bad at around 44,000 miles. This causes any combination of the following: ABS and/or emergency brake warning light comes on, speedometer stops working, or will only work beyond certain speeds. The sensor is cheap and easy to replace, so dont let them charge a fortune to replace it.

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  #1 SUV - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By JoeDodge - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Beats the competition, best value for the money- the whole family will LOVE the 2004 Durango!

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  Not for the long of back! - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Nick1011 - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I went and tried to sit in one of these today, and noticed a not-so-nice feature. They have the rear a/c ducts in the cieling, so if you are long in the torso, you probably wont fit! Other than that, I would have bought one today.

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  New technology fun drive - 2009 Dodge Durango
  By old mariner - February 18 - 9:51 am

  This was a trade up from the old style Durango for me. The ride is much smoother and it has a lot more room. Driving the hybrid takes a little getting used to but that seems to be some of the fun driving experience.