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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  Switched from a Chevy - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By merrifla - July 10 - 2:00 am

  Overall great truck but I feel like Im married to the gas pump. Love the sturdiness - doesnt feel like a tin can. Great for towing my boat and camper. Suprised that I got better gas mileage in the mountains than I do in the flatlands of Florida. I didnt realize how sturdy this truck was until a VW Rabbit rear-ended me at 45 m.p.h. while I was at a dead stop. My bumper was smashed but the Rabbit was totalled. I decided the poor gas mileage was worth the price of having a truck that stood up in an accident. Now I wouldnt trade it!

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  Darn dependable Durango - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By walterplankaert - June 28 - 2:00 am

  The Durango is the first American made vehicle I have ever owned. I bought it mainly for long road trips in both summer and winter and I commuet to work in it daily. It has been bullet proof. I have never had this vehicle in for any repairs other than scheduled maintenance. I have 88,000 miles on it in 4 years. I bought the Durango fully loaded with the 5.9 V8. It is an extremely comfortable, fast, dependable ride and is an excellent touring vehicle. One of the best cars I have ever owned. Great stereo to boot. I upgraded shocks and tires and both made a big difference.

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  Best SUV ever - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Alex Henning - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This has to be the best ever and I would like to have all of the different style.

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  Big&Beautiful - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By chris huffman - May 22 - 2:00 am

  since I ve bought it in December 2001, I have enjoyed every mile in it. Ive only had to replace the water pump on it, but I am still waiting for other problems to occur. It rides very well for a 4 wheel drive. The drivers seat is really comfortable especially if you have back trouble. It is very spacious and is awesome and practical for kids and even to haul friends around. The option to put up or down the third seat is great. The cargo area could use more head room for bikes and such and is not really meant to move big furniture as we have found out. Rear air could blow out harder than what it does and could have more versital air vents.

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  i love mopar - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By mr.thompson - May 5 - 2:00 am

  nothing much no major problems the engine burns a lil oil no smoke no leaks and no knocking

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  Great so far - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By sfitz - May 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive had mine for just over a year now. 22k miles without any problems. Took it offroad in the snow and had a blast! Moved last year and loaded this thing down quite a bit, but it performed great. I love it and am looking forward to many more years of service from it.

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  Lived up to expectations - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By Vegas - April 3 - 2:00 am

  My truck has been outstanding with everything that I have asked it to do. I have worked it very hard and occasionally have towed at capacity+. It has always performed well. Mechanically, I take very good care of it, full synthetic in the crankcase, rear diff and tranny. I installed a tranny cooler because I tow heavy loads. I am approaching 60K miles and I have replaced the front brake pads and rear bearings. Nothing out of the ordinary. Mileage is acceptable 13-14 in. A 4X4 with a V-8 and 20+mpg dont go together and anyone who bought one of these and then complains about the gas mileage didnt do their homework and shouldnt have bought it in the first place.

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  Long Term Friend - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By AGF - March 27 - 2:00 am

  My wife was the driving force in buying the Durango, although as an old MOPAR fan, I didnt need much persuasion. The experience over the last 84,000+ miles has been pleasureable. Reliability, availability and maintainability has been exceptional. After 75,000 miles had a ball joint and wheel bearing go bad, both covered under extended warranty. Brake wear has been phenominal. Original rear brakes and second set of front pads will last until 100K. Gas mileage could be better, but going to all synthetic fluids (engine, differentials, tranny) brought the average mpg up by 3. Durable. Interior is flexible and durable. Great truck with great support.

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  dodge durango limited 5.7l hemi - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By john tse - March 11 - 1:53 pm

  Love it, very quiet interior. Engine has very good range at any rpm. Very, very comfortable interior, excellent stere, needs more storage space, however. I have had owned Dodge vehicles for a long time, quality has improved on each vehicle.

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  My 4 year old is just fine. . - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By taass - March 3 - 11:21 pm

  When you buy a 4X4 V8 SUV, dont complain at the pump.I use my Durango, but dont abuse it - and pamper it with regular service.Ball joints were my fault.Lesson learned: GREASE JOBS ARE IMPORTANT!!!56,000 miles and running strong. No problems at all. Runs great, looks great.Take care of your car (any car) and itll last you forever.Theres always the occasionaly lemon (yes, even Toyotas and Honas), so dont let one review deter you.Its a great car.