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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  Very Reliable - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By amby - August 30 - 8:48 am

  I have owned my Durango since August 2001 and have had nothing but good luck with it. I use it for running around town and long trips. I have had 5 adults with 2 sets of golf clubs and all the luggage for a two week holiday in the vehicle, and there is still room to spare. It runs well and has not caused me any major repairs.

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  2004 Dodge Durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By flail - August 28 - 10:00 am

  My family and i love this vehicle. we owned an Older GMC Suburban, a 1993 Plymouth Voyager and a 2002 Dodge Intrepid. We sold them and the Durango replaces them all.

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  2004 Dodge Durango/5.7L Hemi - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By cmccfp - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I own a 1998 Durango and always enjoyed driving it. But, the 2004 5.7L Durango with Hemi and L package is driving heaven. This vehicle is responsive, comfortable, drives like a fine automobile, is loaded with features and just looks great.

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  Awesome - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By mcoon - August 27 - 9:08 pm

  I have always liked the Durango. I purchased one a week ago and just love my Durango. It has the best ride and is very quiet and smooth. The SLT model is great. I just cant say enough about the handling. Its like a hot knife going through butter, very smooth. Dodge has come along way with the Durango. Its the best ride in town.

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  The Real Durango! - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By JS - August 16 - 5:21 pm

  Absolutely the finest perfromance vehicle I have seen since the 70s. This vehicle for its size and weight just moves out. Power, comfort and reliability are excellent. If gas mileage is your issue, then you probably cant afford the vehicle to start with. If you can afford the vehicle, the gas mileage doesnt matter!

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  Durango review - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Mike DiCarlo - August 16 - 8:21 am

  Ive owned this SUV for 6 years. Reliable, safe and a powerful. Downfall is the gas consumption, but the power is worth every penny.

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  The best SUV ever - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By msnmacky - August 15 - 1:56 pm

  This is the best vehicle ive ever owned. The only problem is the fuel tank needed to be replaced and they said this is starting to be a common thing with the new model so if you have one or are getting one get it checked out. Also, when you lay the back seat down it does not go flush with the floor. Other than that it drives great and has so much room you could get lost. Its very easy to drive for being so big and the gas is very good for such a big vehicle, especially for a 4wd. Ive always been a ford girl but I think my taste has changed. This SUV is amazing and it will be hard to ever get me into anything else.

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  It was for the wife, but... - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By EMRMAN - July 26 - 1:21 pm

  Bought it for my wife as our family car in lieu of a van. I drive it more than her. I have a Crown Vic for my daily driver but the Durango is much more fun to drive. Love the power and sound. It hauls the 21 foot inboard better than my fathers new Chevy truck. I knew gas mileage would stink, but what can you expect from an SUV? We owned a V6 Chevy Blazer which did just slightly better in gas mileage, but it was the worst vehicle I have ever owned, always in the shop. Family members with TrailBlazers and Envoys love the Durangos looks and powers.

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  I love my Durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By BNJ - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I test drove many different SUVs & found the Durango to be a quality vehicle that is fun to drive. It is very responsive. It carries my wife, five children and myself in comfort and safety. I love it! Service at the dealer is also fantastic!

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  GREAT!!!! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Robert Gialloreto - July 21 - 2:00 am

  The best,Ihave driven them all;and VERY POWERFUL!!!