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 - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Bart19 - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I got just what I wanted. It is a bit more like a truck than say the Montero But it is powerful, roomy, Comfortable, Nice looking, etc.. I had a 96 4.0 Jeep cherokee sport 2dr and this is a big truck compared to my old jeep. Liked the new Jeep Limited but scared of the transmission problems and now that I compare this truck with the limited I love my final choice. Much bigger and better looking.

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  Great Vehicle - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By Jeff - February 23 - 10:36 am

  Every now and then you get a vehicle that you really like. This is only the second vehicle I have had that experience with. I put about 25,000 miles per year on it and it has never let me down. The amenities in the plus package make it a luxury SUV. The power makes it a real work horse. I plan on driving this one until the wheels fall off which at the rate were going will be a loooong time from now.

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  Second Time Around - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By jackie - February 20 - 2:56 am

  My first Durango was a pre-owned 99. It had 13,000 mi when I bought it over 4 yrs ago. By the time I decided to trade it in, it had over 100,000 miles on it. I didnt see anything else on the road that caught my eye, so I went back to what I know. This 2006 Durango is awesome! I even splurged for the 335hp V8 Hemi (what a rush :-) I was able to build my own Durango on line and pick it up at my local dealership. I didnt have to haggle over pricing or options. I love the smooth ride,the powerful engine, the power liftgate and 6 CD changer. My kids love the DVD and wireless headphones. Its perfect for family road trips and fits my lifestyle

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  Powerful - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By steve sherwood - February 10 - 2:44 pm

  Far and away the most powerful vehicle Ive ever owned. Fantastic in snow. Only downside is the drivers seat, it needs to be softer. Other than that its a great auto!

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  5 yr love affair with Durango - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By Wayne - February 5 - 9:08 am

  This was our second Durango. We enjoy fishing and in 96, finally bought a boat. Did a lot of research on SUV tow packages. It paid off. The 5.9 w/tow package is great. You have to remind yourself that a boat is in back of you! Were able to stay cool and tow without a worry. Looked forward to lousy back roads at remote fish camps. The 4WD is there when YOU WANT IT. Plus "the little things". Rear accessory plug. Use it for tailgate party or light up a boat ramp at night. Cup holders for American size drinks! Great tunes. Cool rims. Runs on reg gas. Seat warmers. Just the right size to give it a quick wash yourself. Just plain comfortable.

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  Best of the Best - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Dean - January 27 - 4:30 am

  This is the best SUV Ive ever had the pleasure of Driving! It rides as smooth as any luxury car. Has HEMI power and 4x4. Traction control with ESP and 4 wheel ABS will take this Car anywhere. I took it into a snow storm last year. 18" in 12 hrs. No chains. I could plow right on through where I saw Explorers, Suburbans, 4 Runners spining their wheels. I even pulled out a Suburban 4x4 who had chains on and was stuck up to his axles in snow. I pulled up behind him in the same depth of snow. Stuck it in reverse. And with a little Hemi power, out he came. He was amazed! And ready to trade in his Chevy. The Ford owners also watched in amazement. I love this car!

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  This Durango really surprises me! - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Tim in NY - January 26 - 5:18 pm

  All I can say is Wow! What a smooth, plush vehicle with an unbelievable amount of features. The Hemi is just awesome and moves the vehicle effortlessly. The 2nd and 3rd row seats are actually comfortable and easily accessible, and the DVD with the wireless headsets is a blessing for the kids as well as the parents! The Durango Limited has to be one of the best kept secrets in this segment. Im guessing the mediocre gas mileage is what kills the resale value.

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  All the bells & whistles! - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By Marci - January 24 - 4:17 pm

  Went from Expedition to Durango and love it! The price was great considering I maxed out the options! Its surprisingly quiet (kids are quiet too with wireless headphones), parks easily (size fits well & steers great), awesome power (gets up and goes when you pass someone), soooo many extras. Gas mileage is not the best but I didnt expect that it would be... actually got better after first 1000 miles! I find that I use the navigations system much more than I ever thought that I would. DVD system is easy to use for my young children and they love that they can listen to their own music. One free year of Sirius Radio a nice add-on. Felt very safe driving in snow & ice on recent trip.

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  Great! - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Angel - January 18 - 1:14 pm

  I test drove this to a Jeep Grand Cherokee, I previously owned a Grand Cherokee older model and loved it. When I got in the Durango there was no going back. I have never driven a vehicle that drives so smooth with such comfort. We took it on a trip about 1450-1500 miles round trip we paid just under $220 gas round trip. Less than expected! The only thing I regret about our purchase is that we didnt go for the glory and get the loaded version, hemi, navigation, dvd, but when we trade it in I cant see myself buying anything else. Test drive this before purchasing any other SUV! Im glad I did!

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  2004 Dodge - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By el-rivo - January 15 - 3:57 am

  Excellent choice, fun drive with plenty of room to spare. Great entertainment center for the kids on a long travel. Smooth handling and better traction with larger tire size. After market add on turns this vehicle into an eye catcher. Competitive with other luxury SUVs at a great price. Thanks Dodge.