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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  We love this truck - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By Matt - September 21 - 12:40 am

  Weve taken 2 long trips with this truck and have no complaints. Its comfortable, quiet, and we get 20 mpg on the freeway (running semi-syn 5w-30 oil and a K&N air filter). Plenty of power, excellent handling, excellect 4WD capabilities, comfortable 3rd seat (more comfortable than my parents Yukon! and you dont have to pull it out!) We highly recommend this vehicle to all our friends with kids-- and without. I have no idea why anyone would get the Hemi, it has plenty of power for the frame size. A/C works very well, even when its 110 out. Dodge really thought this one out. Weve had 1 repair the whole time we owned it, it was not critical it just bugged me.

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  Bye bye Liberty....Hello Durango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By WmnMilisa - September 20 - 11:23 pm

  I traded my Liberty 2 weeks ago for the Durango because we needed more room. We opted for all the bells and whistles, including the DVD and leather and are not sorry at all. This SUV handles very much like my much smaller Liberty did, the room is amazing..I could rave on and on. I have to admit, one of the biggest "perks" is indeed the Hemi. Picks up and not only goes, but flies down the freeway effortlessly. It was well worth it in the end to choose the available options.

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  Excellant Vehicle - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By Barbara - September 15 - 6:18 pm

  I found the Dodge Durango to be a very reliable vehicle. I enjoy its comfortable interior design. Its also alot of fun to drive.

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  Durango SLT Hemi - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By blane - September 15 - 4:25 pm

  Analyzed the difference in mileage between the Durango Hemi 2WD vs. the Tribute 2WD we owned. Based on our actual experience, over a 2000 mile trip at $3.00 per gallon, we would pay approximately $35.00 more to drive the Durango. More room, more power, improved interior services such as third row seating and rear heat/ac controls. Bang for buck, the Durango is larger, quieter, stronger, more powerful. Only a slight increase in insurance coverage ($5.00/mo.) over the Tribute. $390 more for fuel on an annual basis. I think its worth the price for the increased safety, comfort and carrying capacity. Point of clarification, we own the 2005 Durango SLT 2WD with the Hemi engine. Thanks.

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  Very Happy with Redesign - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By PWOLF - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2000 Durango prior to this ans I am very pleased with the changes. The ride is very quiet and comfortable. A lot of the features make it very convenient. Split seating in the third row is a great option, car is much roomier than the previous model. I looked at a lot of different SUVs for about a year, the feature to price ratio is by far the best in the Durango. Got the Big engine as well. Yeah, its got a HEMI. Be careful, youll be going 85 before you know it and it feels like 50, engine feels like it is idling at that speed. Very Quiet. I think Dodge has a winner, by far the biggest bang for your buck in the new SUV market.

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  Excellent SUV - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Swimbuddy - September 8 - 10:00 am

  After lots of research, just bought LTD w/Hemi engine. Great styling, the ride is better than I expected (even my wife is impressed)and I do catch people looking at it. We traded an Exped. and considered an Explorer, but the Durango is definitely the better choice. I think the resale will be good once it becomes established in the market.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By krd - September 7 - 3:33 pm

  I had owned a 2000 Durango and liked it very much. The only thing that I felt it needed was a smoother ride. Well all I needed to do was drive a new Durango and I was sold. What a sweet ride this truck has...more like a car then a truck. Great handling and it feels very nimble and quick. Didn’t get the hemi engine but am very satisfied with the 4.7... it is a mighty fine engine! Plenty of get up and go for me and since I don’t tow it is all the engine I need. Yes, like my other Durango the gas mileage could be better but I knew that buying an SUV. The interior is comfortable with excellent instrumentation. Love the way the gauges light at night; easy on the eyes! Wonderful vehicle!

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  Best All Around SUV - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By MCH - September 1 - 12:53 am

  After 3 years of research, watching the market trends, evaluating every manufacturer and feature, I finally found the right price/performance ratio to make me part with my cash. Dodge only makes 1 SUV, and you can tell a lot of thought went into making this work for a wide range of buyers and needs.

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  02 Durango 4X4 - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Duane P - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Awesome vehicle... Absolutely no rattles and problems. Very solid vehicle.

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  Worth the money - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By thabear - August 20 - 12:47 pm

  This vehicle is full of comfort and style. It is far more luxurious than the 1999 Durango I traded for it. It also gets fair gas mileage for an SUV. So far mine has gotten about 16.5 miles to the gallon. The Hemi engine will fly, so you will need to pay close attention to your speed when you get on the open road. I opted for the DVD which, if you have children is a great choice. I also got a year of Sirius. The leather seats are very comfortable for short or long trips. I would definitely recommend this vehicle, as I have been very happy with mine.