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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  More Truck - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By Mack - February 28 - 1:02 pm

  85000 miles and no breakdown. More truck than other SUVs

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  Gas guzzling facade with versatility - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By EZYRACER - February 27 - 11:51 am

  For transporting a family on vacation, and for hauling cargo, -- its a dream. Its fold-down 2nd and 3rd row seats provides versatility. However its 13mpg deters it from daily driving. Its interior are well designed with kids in mine, as well as hauling 30 bags of groceries. Its got power to spare but the ride is truck-like. Dont expect it to stop in wet weather, --- otherwise its a great SUV for the money. No major mechanical defects or problem transpired during my ownership.

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  The good and the bad. - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By cjp - February 27 - 12:03 am

  Lots of problems with the CV Joints. To check the computer on the vehicle took five minutes, cost $86. The rotors warped in 10k, just freeway driving. Most disappointing thing about my Dodge is the Dealerships I have to deal with to get minor repairs or just regular services. 4 wheel system whether it is in "Full Time" or "Part Time" is bad in winter snow, easy to spin out on this truck.

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  To good to be true - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By mflava - February 18 - 10:00 am

  A lesson learned, never buy a redesign vehicle within its first year of production. It has not even been 30 days of ownership and the vehicle has been in the shop three times. First, the radio went out, then it had electrical failure twice. Lets not talk about the gas, I purchased one with the Hemi @ 14MPG(sticker indicates)or more like 10MPG. Dont drive around town with a/c, you will need to refill. I will not have this one for long, I am going back to Chevy/GMC.

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  An Acceptable Vehicle - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By Aries - February 17 - 11:03 am

  I had my Durango for sometime now had only 1 problem. The rear leaf springs. It was replaced and was under warrenty. Gas milage is poor. I thought with the 4.7 engine gas would be better then the 5.9. But I was wrong. Wish they could improve gas milage. But other then that the Durango is a great SUV.

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  Durango Limited Hemi - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Ryan in Spring TX - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I have only owned this vehicle for a couple of weeks, but it is far superior to my previous SUV, a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Tons of power, Quiet, and comfortable. Everyone that has been inside it has made numerous comments about how awesome it is. A little better gas mileage would be good though. 12mpg right now. As long as it is dependable I think we will be very happy with it.

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  Patriot Blues - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By MagnumV8 - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Overall I have enjoyed my Durango. Great styling, excellent exceleration, gorgeous Patriot Blue Metallic paint, and some nice creature features, for a truck. However, being one who swore to never buy an SUV, next time, Ill stick to my words. Noise under the hood, sounds like bad bearings in the air conditioning unit. Popping in the suspension. Never make an emergency stop in this vehicle. One power door lock replaced. Power windows, sometimes. One freeze plug replaced at 64k miles.

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  Great truck and 0% financing - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By djal2000 - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Good, reliable american truck. Does not have all the bells and wistels of some of the more pricy trucks out there but its got a solid V8 and lots of room. Great looking truck too. When you figure in the 0% financing its thousands less then anything close to the same size and power

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  Great improvement - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Ralph Baker - November 26 - 9:30 am

  Excellent improvement over previous Durango. I traded a 2003 R/T and there is no comparison. Smooth ride, good seat comfort, great power, great handling, has every feature I could want on a vehicle. Poor MPG, but this was expected and its no worse than comparable vehicles. The Hemi is worth the price. Still havent warmed up to the front end styling, but the comfort and features overshadow any negatives. The back seat (second row) should be roomier for this size vehicle. Great vehicle overall.

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  I like this Durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By avg - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Hi, I just bought this vehicle yesterday. Driving it home, I find it to be very comfortable, smooth, and a quite ride. Its a base model, however, it comes standard with many features that you would normally have to pay extra for. It has a v6 but it seems to have plenty of power going up a hill.I bought this for my wife to replace a 95 Voager. Im very happy with it and hoping that my wife will too. Its fun to drive. Is there a manufacturer rebate on this model? We were told that there werent any.