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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  Best Large SUV on the market today - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By bluespruce - July 12 - 10:00 am

  After thorough research, I ended up purchasing a fully loaded Durango 4X4 Limited listing at over $41,000 and paying under $32,400 excluding taxes. The vehicle looks great, rides better than my Lexus car, accelerates well and the 335 hp Hemi engine cannot be beat. Interior styling and ride are better than any GM vehicle today including the Tahoe and Surburban. The Ford Expedition is dated and too big. GMCs Denali interior is cheap looking and the Toyota 4Runner was an additional $5,000 for only a 5 passenger vehicle. Mercedes Benz has done wonders to the ride comfort and quality of the Dodge line of trucks. My hat is off to them, a former Ford man from Dallas.....

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  Love of my life - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By maxposner - July 9 - 9:59 am

  When I bought this truck, I needed a backup truck for my business, and a car to haul my children around. I was asked many times how I liked it, and always replied that I needed to put more miles on it. Well It has been over 10 years, and 193k original exhaust, 4 sets of tires, and very little maintenance. The tranny finally gave up(plugged cooler line),and I need to replace the blower motor.This truck has pulled everything, hauled everything(Ive bent the springs), driven hundreds of miles in 4wd through blizzards and drifts, it could quit and I wouldnt fault it, I dont baby anything, this one has been used and abused, it will last forever. 22 mpg, 65 MPH lightly loaded. 13 MPG, 75 mph, heavy load.

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  SLT Plus Is a Winner - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By BrentTX - July 6 - 9:00 pm

  I have had my Durango for a year, and I have really enjoyed. The 5.9 V8 is quite powerful, and great in passing situations and off-the-line. Styling and room are great. Ride quality is smooth for a truck-based SUV, and much better than previous Explorer. The flat-folding third row sear is a big plus.

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  Best of Breed - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Hos - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Plenty of room inside , loads of cargo space and comfortable for longer trips. Power is more than acceptable for our needs and driving is responsive. Road noise is audiable, but not a factor. Milage is acceptable for this class of vehicle, giving us the sticker rated 14mpg/City and 15.9/combined. We havent yet made a long trip to determine true hwy. Cockpit is nice, controls easy to see and reach for the driver. The A/C seems a touch underated for city driving at slow speeds, but is great on the highway. The back seat (2 row arrangement) is comfortable for adult passengers. For the price, 21k financed, 2k down, it is the Best of Breed!

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  Its the best vehicle - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Christopher Harringt - June 24 - 7:32 pm

  and a pleasure driving. The performance and power are great. However it uses too much fuel.

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  Closing In On 200,000 Miles - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Jallen - June 24 - 3:43 pm

  I am closing in on 200,000 miles and wanted to convey my satisfaction with this vehicle. Other than routine maintenance, the only significant repair expenditure was to replace 3 of the 4 power window motors. I average around 18 mpg and only notice diminished power when towing. It has been and is a great car.

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  Amazing vehicle! - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By devoe6xo - June 22 - 11:37 am

  I bought mine in December of 2008 with 107,000 miles on it, and for the money I paid it was a great deal! This thing runs like a champ. I take it everywhere that my friends take there more expensive 4x4 trucks and get through everything with ease. Mine had the 5.9 L V-8 in it so it had plenty of power, with some to spare. I absolutely loved this s.u.v and would have never gotten rid of it if gas hadnt gotten to 4 bucks a gallon.

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  Peppy - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By billy - June 22 - 10:56 am

  Makes getting on a crowded highway feel safe. Great acceleration, but as you might expect, you can watch the fuel gage go down. Also, as a city resident, this mid size, narrow SUV is great for squeezing down narrow streets and parking. Spent about $300 over 2 years above routine maintenance which is not bad. Bought truck with 30,000 and now have 50,000. Overall like the dodge (this is my 3rd) and I think dodge gets a bad rap most prof. reviewers (consumer ratings are always higher).

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  hate it - 2007 Dodge Durango
  By sid - June 14 - 2:04 am

  Dont ever buy one. I have 14,500 miles on it and the four wheel drive binds up when turning. Not sharp at any time. Transmission slips a lot. Sways on freeway. leather seats hard

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  Move from Jeep to Durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By pcc122 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I had a Jeep 2001 Grand Cherokee, and i did love it expect it was to small in lodging. I was always lowering the seats to get more storage inside. I deciueded to trade it in for something bigger. I did check all the other suv on the market and thats the one i decieded to get. I have now 40 miles on it and i realy love the way it handles the road and espacialy in cornering. Now i have a seven seatter compare to 5 i had before. Now all my grandkids can fit in and no one is left behind.