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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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Shawn - April 10 - 11:47 pm

  Bought The Durango With 19,000 Miles On It, Paid 17,500. We have taken it on a few long trips and have managed to get better than 25 mpg, which isnt that bad.Plenty of room for our family of 5, 3rd row seat is roomy and much easier to use than the ones on Expeditons or Tahoes. Love the interior, very quiet and the gauges are great. We were going to get a Tahoe, but drove this and felt we were getting better bang for our buck. If the price of gas is a worry, I wouldnt recommend it, but if you are looking for something w/ tons of room and a great 4 wheel drive system, I dont think you could go wrong with one of these.

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  Love that Dingo - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By mk - April 6 - 3:38 pm

  I just love my Durango, hubby wants me to get a new one but I want to keep this one. The gas is another issue - yes it sucks. Great for hauling kids - lots of them. Wonderful in the snow. Have had to replace the ball joints in both front wheels twice. But still runs good with 135,000. miles.

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  Dodge Durango Limited - 2007 Dodge Durango
  By C. LOEBER - April 6 - 12:36 pm

  Drove 4000 miles to Florida and back to home. Comfort and drivability was great. GPS system was excellent. Carried luggage with room to spare for 2 month stay which included golf clubs and coolers. Service at Scotia Motors has been excellent. This is 3rd new dodge vehicle that we have purchased from this dealership.

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  Jury is still out - 2007 Dodge Durango
  By pinejacs - April 6 - 12:19 pm

  Jury is still out on our 07 Durango purchase. Wife has complained about poor gas mileage, lack of power, windshield cracking for no apparent reason and steering column falling apart. We still have the wifes old 98 Durango that has 220,000 miles on it. It has the 5.9 liter engine where the 07 has the 4.7 liter. That could be the reason for power complaint. The 98 has had minimal repairs done to it (ball joints and some suspension repairs. However we do live in the mountains of Colorado on some rough roads.) So hopefully this 07 does as well as the 98

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  Overall, great Experience - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Matt B - April 5 - 1:30 am

  I was raised with practicality in mind when it comes to vehicles- ignore brand loyalty, just buy the best option available. The Dodge is very reasonably priced for the vehicle you get. Make sure your dealership has great customer service ratings though- our engine made a ticking noise before warming up after 2 years. Dealership told us all Durangos do that. It took us threatening to tell media of problem for them to agree to look into issue again. Exhaust manifold had warped because of impurities in metal. Fixed that problem- after another service, was making rattling noise- dealership hadnt completely tightened part. The vehicles has been perfect, its the cust service w/ problem.

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  Nice Family car. - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Mike - March 26 - 3:54 pm

  Engine and power train are excellent. 4.7 liter delivers good power. Average 16.5 MPG in mixed driving. Not great but delivers what is advertised. Overall ride is very good. Nice sturdy feel. Very smooth on flat roads very truck like on bumpy roads. Very nice family vehicle. Seats 7. Plenty of room for storage with 3rd row seats folded down. Overall this has been a great purchase.

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  I wanted to like the Durango... - 2007 Dodge Durango
  By IntelManager - March 26 - 1:07 pm

  As the title says, I wanted to like the Durango. It truly saddens me to see what has happened to the American auto manufactures and I will always buy from the big three, but this Durango was the bottom of the barrel. First let me say that I have owned several fullsize SUVs and trucks: 2000 Ford Expedition, 02 Chevy Tahoe, 04 Chevy Avalanche, 05 Dodge Ram 1500, and now this 07 Durango. This truck drives and rides like a horse drawn wagon. It is hands down the worst handling vehicle I have EVER driven. I think I would rather drive a Mack truck on a daily basis. Then gas mileage...oh man, each of my previous trucks got significantly better mileage. Overall, a huge disappointment

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  Sound vehicle - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By bradleyk98 - March 19 - 11:08 am

  I had purchased this vehicle in 2002 and have never had a mechanical issue. I do my own maintenance and this vehicle is tough. The only thing we have done is tires brakes battery and shocks. These are expected things for a 120,000 mile vehicle. I am planning on this vehicle lasting our family of six (the third seat is great) at least until it has 200,000 plus on it. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who wants a tough reliable vehicle capable of handling any of your needs.

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  Get your own - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By Love It - March 18 - 10:37 pm

  This SUV is almost perfect. Its large, it powerful, great design, comfort like a spendy luxury, reliable as they come and very fun. I had to replace a $3 valve in the AC, a battery and the normal brakes and tires in the 8 years i have had it. Other than that all my paycheck goes toward gas but its worth it.

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  Dodge made big changes for the Durango - 2012 Dodge Durango
  By Kyle - March 16 - 11:01 am

  Let me start this by adding that my family has had several SUV experience (2010 Escalade, 2002 GMC Denali, 1998 Dodge Durango, 2005 Dodge Durango) and have test driven a few "newer" SUVs of several brands. Our overall impression with this newer Durango thus far is that it is very impressive. It has a lot more room than we had expected (especially compared to the generation we had before the remake), and the seats are 10x better than before. Dodge finally woke up and realized that ergonomics are a big deal, and I think they hit the nail on the head with this car. Air conditioning vents are everywhere in the back; 115v Ac outlet in the middle row, multiple charging ports, etc (the things you dont notice at first until youre the one in the back) and the Alpine system sounds very good for a stock radio (ours came with an 8" sub in the back). 3rd row seating is a little cramped but not bad even for full grown people. The fit and finish is very good (much better than others I have looked at around the same model year. There is more plushness on everything and less plastic everywhere. The v6 and tranny seem to match well and have not given us a single hiccup. We have now taken this car across the eastern portion of the country multiple times and have seen 24-25mpg when traveling 70-75mph (loaded down) and 22-23mpg another time when loaded down with a cargo top going 75-80mph. Mixed/city we see 19mpg. We are thoroughly impressed with its mpg considering its size. As far as drivability, I think this car is right on par as far as ride quality with other competitors. It is actually very similar, if not better than, the 2010 Escalade that my sister owns. It also has a good turning radius for a full size SUV. It has definitely exceeded our expectations, but that could have been because we switched from a 2005 Durango (not good interiors, mpg, or drivability). We hope that this car lasts as long as the other one though (200k+ miles). Only time will tell. It is unfortunate to see that some people are having issues, because we have had ZERO other than getting recall mail that we have not taken it in for yet. Downsides: - the front screen does not play the DVDs once the car is put in drive - storage space with the third row up is not all that enticing (but very usable - might be a personal opinion... But its not like a Yukon Denali) - Bluetooth has rather low quality sound when streaming music; it probably needs fixed but we dont want to take it in to get charged something ridiculous Hope this helps someone else!