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 family suv - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By cajun rrick - September 17 - 10:00 am

  bought it with 24000 miles. the barrey died the first month. dealer replaced it. Then the driver side window would not work, motor cable was stuck.The speed sensor went out,easy to fix part cost very little.Of course this happen after the warrenty went out.A year latter the barrety died again, had to buy another one.beside this its a great suv.good power,plenty of room. gas mileage not bad on trips(5.2engin) abit noisey when first starting. wife loves her durango.O the goodyear tires are crap,donot wear will.

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  Love It All Except The A/C - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By GeorgeN - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I have driven my Durango 4X4 SLT Plus for several months now and love it with one exception. The A/C system does not perform well at all. I have tried having the dealer look at it twice and each time they say it is performing to specs. Well they need to improve on their specs if that is the case. The main system takes too long to cool down and the rear fans do not blow hard enough. The rest is great.

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  2002 DURANGO - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By johnnyb32 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  The buying experience was not so good. The truck is real nice and has better pick-up and speed than my older 4- runner. Im not too comfortable in the drivers seat I have a hard time getting comfortable. the glove box is small, ignition needs to be moved hits my legs.

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  01 Durango 5.9L R/T 4 WD - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By IveBeenDodged - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 01 4WD 5.9L R/T for about 16 months so far. Anyway except for a few cheesy interior bits that have broken under warranty . Also last week the tilt wheel hand switch that you push down to tilt the steering wheel broke off in my hand while I was tilting the wheel. Another first. It was a cheesy plastic thing internally which should have ben made out of metal if you use your tilt wheel more than twice a day which I do. Taking it back under warranty tomorrow to fix, even though I shouldnt have to for these small things.

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  Hyundai or Dodge? - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By Crash Test Dummy - August 13 - 2:00 am

  I have been looking to get a SUV for a few years now. I am soon to be getting my permit in a few months and am dying to get a car. I love the dodges cute pudgy looks but my friend owns one and says shes had nothng but trouble and also that the fuel economy is horrible. I am looking at a Hyundai Santa Fe too. But sadly it doesnt have half the things that the base durango has (Like leather seating, opt side air bags, 8 speakers..infact the speakers are quite poor on the Santa Fe). Would the Dodge SLT be a good car for a first time driver?

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  Larry Smith - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Larry/Charlene Smith - August 12 - 2:00 am

  We purchased the "Hemi" with all the features except the "navigator" system installed. And, so far, have not been able to purchase. That is really our only complaint; and we were told by the dealer it would be several more months before it would be available, and since our reason for the purchase was for travel, we would like to hear when it is available.

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  What a deal! - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By Trux - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I have had nothing but a positive experience with this vehicle over the last 50K miles (since new). Mechanically it has run like a top except for a slight (and I mean SLIGHT) oil leak that has never caused problems. It easily has enough space to take the family (kids and dog) on long trips and enough room so that people arent all over each other

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  Looking Forward - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By Lapd006 - July 30 - 2:00 am

  Im 14 now i the only thing ive been looking at to drive is the Durango. Ive looking at it on every site i could find and Durango SLT looks like the perfect car.

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  Why I like Durango - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By McInnes - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Looks solid, but rides too bouncy.

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  Believe it or Not - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By BIGBAIR67 - July 15 - 2:00 am

  In 11 months I put 40,000 km on this vehicle. It has performed well however there have been and are certain issues I believe need to be aired. First after only 3 months of ownership the computer chip for the fuel pump died. There were no chips in Canada so I had to wait for a whole week. The light switch broke off after 10 months.( The one you pull to engage the fog lamps.) Now Im trying to get Dodge to look at the breaks. When the breaks are applied with consistant and sudden pressure the brakes release after a fews seconds. This is especially noticable when you hit a bump and apply the breaks.