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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  Wouldnt have anything else - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By depaulcrew - February 8 - 2:00 am

  63,000 miles and the only thing that has been disappointing has been the fuel mileage.We tow a 6500lb fishing boat and pass everyone else towing a boat and most other motorist on the highway.The 4.7 engine sounds awesome and has more than enough power. The interior is great.Leather seats are soft.Kids love the rear ac and third row seat. The stereo is unmatched for being factory. We did replace the shocks with Rancho RSX9000s. We also replaced the front disc pads long before neccessay because of all the brake dust. We put Ceramix pads on the front ($79) but no more dust. Its been extremely dependable and has only been to the shop for a defective power lock.

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  Ready and Refined - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By Dappers - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This truck is ideal if you just cant decide if you want a rough and ready off roader or a polite and refined comfort car. The Durango SLT Plus is extremely comfortable with many luxury features such as heated leather seats. Comfortably seats a family of seven. Off road its strong, agile, and easy to drive. If you lift it a few inches and add larger wheels, its a great rock climber. Its quiet, smooth, and easy on the freeway.

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  Would But It Again in a Heartbeat - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Goldynluvr - January 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought it new with a 5.2L V8 and have never regretted it. Not even when the gas prices topped $2 per gallon here. It was a huge adjustment since my previous vehicle was a Saturn. But that only took a few days and shes been purring ever since. Sure it rides like a truck, but if Id wanted a car, I wouldve bought one. Some minor glitches, otherwise no trouble.

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  Great SUV! - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By robyn4323 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this SUV new in 2000 and other than a couple of warranty repairs and problems with the battery (also replaced under warranty) - I have had no problems with it and have thoroughly enjoyed driving my urban assault vehicle around Los Angeles.

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  Wont sell my Durango - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By scott r - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Durango a little over 2 years ago and have been pleased. The 5.9L is very thirsty but great power when needed. Ride is trucklike but agile. Too much wind and road noise at highway speeds. Only problems have been a tough-to-fix tranny leak that has added up to $400 and a drivers side power window motor(vehicle now has 87000 miles). Great size but would be nice to have enough for 4 x 8 sheet of plywood/sheetrock. Aesthetically appealing interior and exterior. ABS system poor on snow/ice I could stop faster without. Have been thinking of selling for less expensive payments but it is too fun to drive and too handy to get rid of.

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  My Kind of SUV - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By sdsunkel - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy my Durango. When I went to go look for an SUV I was really wanting the Ford Expedition,but the room and style of the Durango won me over.

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  I LOVE MY DURANGO!! - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By betsman - December 19 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I ordered our Durango and took delivery on new years eve 1998. I have never ever regretted that day! I absolutely would recommend this vehicle to anyone and everyone. I think they screwed up when they redesigned it for 2004! I have no plans to trade or sell my durango. I love it! No mechanical problems, albeit the normal wear and tear (brakes, tires, etc.)

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  R/T sweetness - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By dani rotcorp - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I love the power. We have traveled between Utah and Indiana 3 times with a 3 year old and it has plenty of room for all the toys with the rear seat laid flat. I have installed a K&N cone filter to improve air flow and the difference is AWESOME. We recently put Toyo Proxy S/T tires on for all season performance. What a difference, it handles so much better now.

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  MY DURANGO - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By ROTHMI - December 5 - 2:00 am

  WELL EVER SINCE I BOUGHT IT I HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH IT AND IT IS ALWAYS THERE FOR ME WHEN I NEED IT. IT HAS BEEN THE BEST THING THAT I HAVE EVER BOUGHT AND I AM HAPPY WITH IT.

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  dependability and standard accessories - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By HUBERT - November 24 - 2:00 am

  The durango is the best buy for for your money The drivetrain is excellent and the 5.9 engine has plenty of power for towing gas msileage could be better, however, it is better than a lot of competors