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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  Ex-Suburban Owner - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Gruntly - January 9 - 9:59 pm

  Traded our 93 Suburban for this 04 Hemi Durango. We love this truck. Its a fight about who gets to drive. Power gallore and better mileage. 16 mpg vs 11 mpg from the Suburban. Much easier in the parking lots as well. Interior is so functional as well. Needed the extra room of the Suburban for the 5 kids and there is no-way we would have a minivan. Now they are getting older and only a couple travel with us, we dont need as much room as the Suburban. But the available seats are nice just in case.

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  Best SUV around for less $$ - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Mike Swan - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I dont know where to start I have seen other SUV that offer some of the same features but they are all more money... for the size and options on this car I think its the best bang for the buck... things like the MP3 player makes me take my hat off to Dodge for their efforts to listen to the consumer. And i love the room.

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  Awesome SUV!!!! - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By CyberFly - January 9 - 10:00 am

  The best car Ive ever owned......

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  Love that Hemi - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Buddy Rowles - January 5 - 1:10 pm

  My Wife was hit head on by a drunk driver in our 05 Caravan, air bags saved her life, good design by the Chrysler team. We purchased a 04 Durango and absolutely love it, the performance from the Hemi, the interior and exterior and the safe feeling my wife has based on the overall size and how high the Durango sits. We were well aware in advance we would not get the gas mileage We were getting in our last 3 Dodge caravans but we do get a lot of positive comments on the look of the Durango, waiting for spring to trade into an 06/07.

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  Even better than the last one - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By postman - January 1 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2000 Durango with 73000 miles and thought this would be a good time to trade it for a new vehicle because of all the insentives and low interest rates. I test drove the Jeep Grand Cherokee and was disappointed with it. The lack of room and power were the main dissapointments. I went back to my Dodge dealer and drove the 2003 Durango and fell in love with it. Dont get me wrong, I loved my 2000 Durango but the 2003 have been refined to perfection. The ride is so much smoother and the handling is much better. The comfort level is amazing, I feel like Im driving a Lexus from the inside. I plan on keeping this baby for a long time.

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  NH Durango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By peter - December 27 - 6:03 pm

  I purchased my Durango in May 2005. This is the first Dodge product I have ever owned I sold and drove Ford products for ten years and never would dream of owning a Dodge product. Well I can honestly say Im sold on this product. The vehicle is so much nicer than any Explorer or Expedition I have owned or driven. Fit and finish are very good and it is quieter than my wifes 06 Honda Accord. It is the perfect size and goes down the highway like a Caddy. I have 6000 miles on it only maintanence is oil changes and tire rotations. No rattles or squeaks feels like it is molded from a piece of granite. Only regret is the 4.7 it has decent power but i wish I had a Hemi. Hats off to Dodge, great SUV

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  Great SUV - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Oliver - December 25 - 10:18 pm

  We went from a Mid Size SUV to yhr Durango and it was the best choice ever. Its fun to drive, the interior is well designed and its very reliable. Fuel mileage is what you can expect from a V8. It was a great buy, seating for 8 easily, comfortable and a very smooth ride. Love It.

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  Great 4x4 - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By beecuzz - December 20 - 6:17 pm

  Well I have had quite a few vehicles in my time 56 to be exact --- most of them Chrysler products and my current aquisition is a great one. Comfort, power, room ---- what else can some one ask for?

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By rango2004 - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I recently bought a new Durango from Manhattan Dodge and the second I took it for a test drive i knew that this car was something special. Handling is extremely crisp and accurate, while the braking is also responsive and quick which makes this the perfect city SUV. After getting a chance to drive it on an open highway I was equally impressed with the performance and power. The suspension is the best I have ever seen in an SUV and the combination of power and handling makes it feel like I am driving a car. The cargo room is also extensive. I am looking forward to a lifetime of happiness with my new Dodge.

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  Love my Durango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Reesie - December 19 - 6:08 pm

  My Durango has EVERY available option, and I absolutely love this car, its a good family car without looking like a family car. The HEMI does use a lot of gas and the gas mileage could be better but I think its worth the little extra it costs to get the powerful engine.