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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  Over all - Good Vehicle - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By Ron - Silver Spring - May 2 - 12:33 pm

  Rides well on the highway. Brakes are not quite robust enough for the weight of the vehicle, in constant stop and go traffic.

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  ALNY Johns Durango - 2017 Dodge Durango
  By John Gaston - April 24 - 10:52 pm

  If this isnt the best SUV on the market, I dont know what is. The Durango Citadel AWD we bought easily beats the Honda Pilot and Volvo XC90, which we considered, researched, and drove. The Durangos ride, comfort, technology (driver assist and ease-of-use), quietness, tow capability, space, and value are all better than the other two vehicles. In particular, we found the Pilots ergonomics to need a fair amount of improvement. We especially like the rear bucket seats and console, along with the ample number and variety of electronic plugs. The cars controls, both front and rear as well as buttons and electronic, are very straightforward and easy to use. Attention to little details and conveniences, such as the handy built-in flashlight in the rear or the tuck-away roof crossbars, is splendid on the Durango.

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  Did you expect 25 mpg??? - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By M.Nicley - April 7 - 11:53 pm

  Wonderful vehicle with more than enough power (Is that possible?), room, and comfort. I hear and read a lot of complaints about mpg. When you bought a 335 hp V8 with the word HEMI, did you expect 25 mpg? I average between 12 to 14 with most of my driving in urban areas. The vehicle is smooth riding, and rides much nicer than any Chevy Ive owned in the past. For its size moving around in tight spaces is easy, thanks to the sharp turning radius. Would recommend getting the back up sensors do to poor rear visibility. If youre looking for something bigger than an Explorer or Trailblazer, but smaller than the Expedition and Tahoe...This is your vehicle!

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  Best i ever had still going strong - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By pgtek2001 - March 26 - 11:09 pm

  Hi bought it new and now i have 290,000 miles on it and runs like a charm. does not shake on idle the radio antenna is still no shaking. i put about 2100.00 in repair since i bought it. retired mechanic i do my own repair. This Durango slt 4.7l 2x4 wheel drive haul a 5x10 trailer loaded since 2004 from Quebec to Florida and never had problem going 70 mph. Never seen a winter and still have original shocks with dealer sticker on them. already at 290,000 miles and still going fine. just replace bank 2 sensor 1 on exhaust pipe and engine light went off. hit a deer last year in North Carolina not to much damage luckily its high from the ground

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  Dodge Durango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By C. Edgar - March 26 - 12:00 am

  I love my Durango. The gas mileage is better than I anticipated. I really like its smooth ride and acceleration. It is never sluggish, not even on a very cold morning.

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  The not so new Durango - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Faith Huff - March 24 - 4:14 pm

  We are a family who drives nothing but classic cars, so, buying this Durango was very difficult - but necessary. Knowing that its painful to buy a new car, this particular vehicle numbed it alot, as its good on gas, great on sleekness, and wonderful on reliability. I am a 21 year old female, and I would trust this Durango to get me across the country from California to Michigan alone without any worries. Its not new, its not a C.P.O., but its got all the space we need, the comfort, reliability and gas mileage we desire. I reccomend this vehicle to anyone, even though I generally am anti-new car. I am impressed.

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  By far the best vehicle I have ever owned - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By Sandy Sherman - March 23 - 2:49 am

  We have a 1998 Dodge Durango and it is by far the best vehicle we have ever owned. It fits the whole family comfortably and best of all, we have not had one thing wrong with it. We love our Durango.

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  Best SUV - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By knorfolk - March 23 - 12:23 am

  This SUV has got some serious power it outranks any SUV on the road not to mention how cool it looks and how comfortable it is. If you want an SUV the Durango is the only way to go.

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  Chili-Pepper Sweet - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By Bob Gintoft - March 14 - 12:33 am

  We really have enjoyed our Durango! Its comfortable on long trips, has great looks, is reliable, and fun to drive no matter what the weather.

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  Luv my Durango - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By msley - March 13 - 1:36 am

  Ive only had my Durango a short while, but so far I love it. I test drove other 1999 SUVs and my Durango beat them all, hands down. The price was right, the drive was right.