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:

• 

  Wow! - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By Rick - November 14 - 11:37 pm

  The Durango is a fantastic vehicle and a great value. I bought an 05 model, got a $7K rebate and a very low interest rate. My Durango is an incredibly powerful vehicle thats very comfortable and a joy to drive. I recommend the Durango for anyone who needs a vehicle that handles like a car, can pull a large boat or trailer, seats seven, and (truly) goes off road. In the past 25 years, Ive owned a Chevy K5 Blazer, a Suburban, a Ford Explorer, and a Nissan Pathfinder, all were 4x4. I rate the Durango the clear number one with the Pathfinder second, the Ford third and the GM products last. The Durango is number one in the $25-55K price range. Definitely drive one before buying any other SUV.

• 

  Extreme fun - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By 03sxtowner - November 14 - 12:37 am

  Just bought my 03 SXT 2wd. I love it. It handles like a sports car. I own a 02 Intrepid and I have never had a problem with it as well. There are so many possibilities with this truck. I cant wait. I am a forever Dodge owner from now on. I have 4 kids and they love the comfort of the seats and the drive.

• 

  Nice Ride for a Permit Driver - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By SDC - November 8 - 9:59 am

  Weve had our Durango for 4 yrs. Its great, though the water pump was damaged by a rock causeing the engine to overheat way too much and blow. Other than that this is one damn fine truck.

• 

  Love my Durango! - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By Love it! - November 7 - 12:00 am

  I just picked this vehicle up and its a dream. The HEMI is very responsive and it drives like a dream. Kind of like driving a recliner down the highway. Got the loaded out Limited with navigation, 6 disk changer, Sirus Satellite radio and DVD player. Its Inferno Red which I guess is a new color for this year. Heated seats, love the auto climate control too. I has the tip start feature to which works pretty good. I always have a confident feeling while driving this Durango. Ive read other posts here before deciding to buy and a few listed gas mileage specs. Ive got over 1000 miles and the average economy on the highway is between 18 and 20 mpg. I supposed a heavy foot could change that

• 

  Excellent Family Vehicle - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By WillyBee - November 2 - 2:09 am

  My Silver Durango has all the amenities that a growing family requires in a vehicle. Plenty of storage space, a great sound system with DVD player. The ride is very smooth and the seating comfortable. Great styling in the body and interior design. I absolutely love my Durango.

• 

  Very pleased with 2004 Durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By BH - October 30 - 8:23 pm

  Excellant choice in a family SUV if you need space, comfort, towing capacity, and a just plain fun to drive SUV for the price.

• 

  First SUV - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Philip - October 29 - 8:43 am

  This is my first SUV but my fifteenth or so vehicle. I bought the absolute lowest end stripper model (only a trailer hitch added) and it is still quiet and well equipped. I wanted to be able to tow things and have towed a 1500 lb boat but just this weekend towed my sons Toyota (no, they dont run forever, either) 550 miles. It was very easy! with the 3.7 six, too. Mileage without Toyota: 22.3 MPG; with Toyota behind, 16.3 MPG. Lots of nice features for a trailer tower, too: a carpeted drawer in the back for hitches, balls and tools. Durango really is a bargain! and my wife loves to drive it, too.

• 

  Durango SLT HEMI - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By JOE DIRT - October 28 - 4:06 am

  I have checked all the body panels for flush fits. Over all quality looks good. The leather seats seem a little hard for my likes. With the 4x4 lock on the Durango cuts through the snow like a snowmobile. As far as gas mileage I have gotten over 18mpg on all highway and 14mpg in the city with the hemi; it depends on your driving style. I would recommend the Durango to anyone; Chrysler hit a home run on this suv.

• 

  One Buff SUV - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Ken N. - October 28 - 1:12 am

  I purchased this 2004 Dodge Durango SLT with the 4.7 and only 20000 miles on it. I wanted a nice SUV but didnt want to give one of my legs to get one. I looked at Dodge dealers for a newer Durango but the 2004 models were $22,000 and up?? I bought mine for a unreal price of $16,995. NO JOKE! Nothing wrong with it a one owner. It was at a Toyota dealer so I got it cheap. I love the BUFF style and the HUGE appearance. I was worried about the gas mileage but towing a car dolly and a 2004 Pontiac Vibe I got 16MPG. Impressed. I have owned 120 cars (seriously) in 32 years of my life and this is one of my favorites. A great deal and reliable enough to pass on to my 10 year old son.

• 

  great suv,great price - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By ASW - October 27 - 10:00 am

  The new Durango is great! I got the Hemi (5.7L not 4.7) and it will really move! The ride is quiet and handling is great. With the amount of snow we got this last winter, the this thing was unstopable. If you are looking for a great looking suv that will take you anywhere, the Durango is the best choice.