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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  Yeah, its got a Hemi! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Durango Girl - May 8 - 2:42 pm

  I just got my 2004 Durango Limited, but it was love at first sight. Just a great looking SUV with tons of extras. Not sure Ill be able to afford the gas for long, but until then, its all GO!!

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  Dodge is junk and service is a SCAM! - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By jbarmywife - May 8 - 2:20 pm

  The electrical system, brakes and engine are junk. This is my third Dodge and I have had problems with all of them. My 2005 Dodge Ram kept breaking down and every time wed take it in theyd charge us $100 and say theres nothing wrong with it. Same with my Durango, even with the check engine light on they say theres nothing wrong yet my car just stopped on he road. Its still not fixed and I cant sell it the way it is. Now my husband has a 99 pickup and you can clearly tell the cylinders are missing. It jerks you back every time you drive it and he took it in today. They charge him another $100 for nothing. It shows up on my friends diagnostics machine. SCAM!

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  Great SUV - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By Nina - May 3 - 11:37 am

  This Durango has gone 134,000 miles with very little repair (mostly wear and tear). Like most Dodge cars the interior is quality material and has lasted beautifully through two kids growing up. Unlike Fords and Chevys, it is comfortable to get in and out of and easy on the back going long distances. The 4WD is great and has gotten me out of some tough construction sites. I enjoy driving this vehicle as much as my husband. Just wish they put the extra handles on the newer models and it had better gas mileage (but that is what happens when you buy a V8)

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  Love my Durango - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By paul171 - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I just traded my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee for a 2002 Durango. I took it on a 2000 mile road trip this weekend and the Durango performed flawlessly. It is not as bad on gas as I thought it would be and it is the most comfortable SUV on the market. The V8 is excellent and the interior room is fabulous

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  Classy workhorse - 2007 Dodge Durango
  By mary buie - April 30 - 5:12 pm

  I love my Durango... It has all the bells and whistles you could ask for. Its stylish and classy, but still pulls a horse trailer as well as a pickup. I haul golf clubs and horse food in the back... And it does have plenty of room back there! I had the smaller Durango which I also loved. But this one is much more versatile! I do wish the gas mileage was better. But Im not willing to give up the power and comfort to go to something smaller!

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  Just DO NOT get the Nav System - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By mouseclick - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Overall excellent performance and value. Although, dont get the nav. Web site says its an option and dealer will sell to you. Only youll find out later it is not available yet from Dodge.

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  HEMI, Need I say more? - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By DaveArend - April 23 - 10:00 am

  The Hemi is what sold me on this SUV and it has not disappointed. Great power and overall design. Much improved over the 2003. Great air conditioning and ride

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  2000 slt 4.7l - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By andy - April 23 - 12:12 am

  I hear people complaining about this truck, and I dont know why. This truck has been in the family since it was brand new, and the most expensive repair was spark plugs-$150. I pull a lot of heavy stuff. It pulls like a dream. The truck is extremely powerful. The engine problems people describe are due to poor maintenance. Tranny is very strong, and the engine oil needs to be changed every 3k! Using synthetic also helps. Love mine. Very reliable!

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  Four Years Ownership and Going Strong - 2012 Dodge Durango
  By Overland Park, Kansas - April 21 - 4:48 pm

  Owned this Durango R/T AWD for four years and have no regrets. You get what you pay for, only get the Durango R/T model. Still looks outstanding and performs exceptional everyday of the week. I owned a Lexus LX470 prior to this vehicle and this Durango R/T has been better in every way. The sheer acceleration when needed is great and the fuel economy when not needed is much better than the Lexus LX470. The handling on sharp corners like on California Route 1 is like a sports car and the long haul driving on Interstates is comfortable. I can drive many days of over 800 miles without problems even at my age of 50 years old. Best vehicle that I have ever owned!

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  How I wish car seats fit properly - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By Sheri - April 20 - 1:43 pm

  My only issue with the Dodge Durango is that i cannot get my infant car seat to fit properly when rear facing... even if I move the passenger seat all the way forward (so no one can sit in the passenger seat if this is done). Not impressed at all that I bought an SUV (family oriented vehicle) and I cannot even safely transport my child). What a waste of money.