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 Vehicle - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Carl Scott - December 5 - 10:38 pm

  I had a dream that I was driving a silver Durango and thats what I purchased I have the 2005 SLT 2WD 5.7 liter HEMI engine. It has plenty of power but it gets thirsty for fuel but that was expected I wish I would have known Dodge was going to be offering 2years worth of free gas maybe I would have waited.I previously owned a 99 Durango slt 4x4 I traded it for the 05 because the transmission was starting to hesitate.

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  Durango Review - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Theresa - December 1 - 9:02 pm

  Even with the low gas mileage I have been very happy with my Durango. Not only is it a comfortable ride, it is also very capable in bad weather. The interior has a lot of room for extra passengers and with the 3rd row of seats folded down there is a lot of cargo space. Going on vacation with 2 adults and 2 children we had plenty of room for everything we packed along with a couple coolers. When extra space is needed to haul bigger items, the 2nd row also folds down. With both the 2nd and 3rd rows folded down we have even slept in the back when weather got bad while camping. Would highly recommend the Durango.

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  Weather king - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By mmmggg - December 1 - 7:03 pm

  There is almost nothing not to like about this vehicle-performance is outstanding with the 5.7 hemi. In bad weather, this car is a dream: heat is excellent, including the seats, handling is stable, snow drifts are no problem. The controls are simple, including the steering wheel radio buttons. Visibility is excellent. A month after purchase I had a head-on collision with a huge deer at seventy mph, the front end got crushed, but I simply braked and got out.

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  New car for the Used car guy - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Bob - November 29 - 9:31 pm

  I have always bought used cars because of the instant huge depreciation when it is driven off the dealers lot, but with the insentives and rebates offered to make way for the 06 models, this was an excellent deal. I am very impressed with the smooth ride and agile handling of this large, heavy SUV - this thing is rock solid, not a squeak anywhere. The 4.7L V8 engine has more than enough power to get out of its own way and haul an average size boat or trailer. The 4WD and antilock brakes make driving in snow effortless. I still prefer the more rugged styling of the older models and the dashboard seems a bit bland, but it dosent have overdone flair and glitz like other "luxury" models.

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  Better than expected - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By tba - November 28 - 10:00 am

  The ride is much better than I expected. Love the towing capacity and cargo room. Long trips are very comfortable. HEMI is smooth and powerful, helpful for passing and towing.

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  Great Ride - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By 20 Car Fan - November 26 - 1:16 am

  The 5.9 ate up the a recent cruise through the mountains. Brakes were strong and precise. Plus, the clean lines and classic look make it a great vehicle to cruise in.

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  2003 Dodge Durango SXT 4x4 4.7L - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By wizz - November 25 - 8:33 pm

  I have a SXT model with the small 4.7 v8 and was getting around 18-19mpg hwy, till I installed a magnaflow powerpack muffler and a cold air intake. Now Im getting around 380-400 miles to a tank full of 24 gals. Thats strictly highway though. But when you kick down into passing gear you can feel a huge difference in power and almost watch the fuel needle go down. 0-60/6.1sec--1/4mile/15.42. 3.55axle 265/70x16 tires. Cant wait to see what happens when I put headers on and tune it. Love that 4.7!

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  What an SUV should be! - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By MIGY - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Powerful, fun to drive really roomy and has everything you should expect from an SUV. Wish gas mileage was better but you have to pay the price for power.

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  Great Vehicle, Great Price - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Joe in Tucson - November 19 - 10:00 am

  We looked around and considered a new Dakota to replace the 92; then my wife saw the Durango and drove it. It was love at first site; she says this is the most delightful vehicle shes ever owned. Plenty of power and room, comfortable to drive. Very smooth shifting, enough creature comforts, appears to be well built. The $4500 incentive doesnt hurt either! Overall a great SUV ended up being too close in price to the Dakota to NOT go with the Durango.

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  I traded my Dodge Ram for a Durango SXT - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Randall Hill - November 15 - 5:09 pm

  I decided to trade my Dodge Ram for a Durango after I heard about the great deal I could get on one. It all started when I decided to stop at the dealer to take a look at one and test drive it. 2 hours later I was taking it home.