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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  Well designed Durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By oilbidness - October 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Molten Red Durango Limited with the Hemi. It is extremely well made and welld esigned. Very powerful engine, fun to drive. The fuel economy around town is about 13.5 mpg; on the highway it is 19-20 mpg. I have only one complaint. the front seats are too narrow and I get a cramp in my legs on long trips. (Im 62" and only a little overweight) The seats need to be about two inches wider; there is plenty of room to do this. Other than that, the fit and finish is excellent; quality is much better than I expected. (this is my first Dodge)

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  Bought used, works well - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By uppermidwest - September 11 - 12:27 pm

  01 Durango with 4WD is my all-year get-around in MPLS. Bought with 145k, now at 154k. Its an older car and I dont know the service history, but its running okay despite many small needs. 4WD works well, trans is still good, and it has to crank a bit to start but runs fine. Pretty reliable, only stranded me once when the alternator went. I did fix a few small things myself. At this age with some miles on her, she has a $400 problem about every six months. This is basically a rental fee for the car and I dont mind it too bad, the price was right. So far its been tires (regular wear and tear), TPS (cheap fix you can DIY), Crank Position Sensor (replaced twice, dont know how it went bad in 6 months, also DIY but tricky), front brakes (not unusual for a heavy, heavy vehicle), alternator (plus wire fix on loom at the connector), and just last week a rear brake seal. Interior okay, its aged pretty well. Couple rust spots (midwestern car, no big deal). Burns about a quart of oil every month. AC works okay, I dont really need it up here. Heat could be better, but is sufficient. Starts okay on MN winter mornings, let her warm up and shell run fine.

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  Sheer Power On Tap - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Philster - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV. Very happy with the re- design and new look. Have the HEMI motor and couldnt be happier with the power it provides. Gas mileage is dismal but I knew that going into it. I probably avg. around 12mpg city. But I wouldnt even consider the other v-8 or the V-6. HEMI or nothing. I also got the 3.93 axle ratio over the 3.53 Probably doesnt make a huge difference but I know the 3.93 is alittle quicker off the line. Great torque. Nice creature comforts inside. Leather, CD Changer, Heated seats, traction control, sunroof, 380 watt stereo.

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  Love this truck - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By menohavaname - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I love my Durango. I have a 99 SLT w/ the 5.9 . The ride is smooth and comfortable. The power always seems to be on tap, especially when your crusing around 55mph. The only problem Ive had was an oil leak problem with it at 25k miles (which has been fixed), but havent had any other problems beyond that.

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  Get to know your Dodge mechanic... - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By kseebold - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I bouught my Durango new in 2001 and have been satisfied with the performance; however, the vehicle has been plagued with numerous malfunctions. Ive been back to the dealer for the following, # visits to correct problem in (), power window failure (1); speaker malfunction (3 - still not fixed); radiator fan thermocouple (1); front pass. seat rail (1); driver seat rail (1). It seems that the "fit and finish" could use a little work, but the styling and vehicle performance are fine. Look at the service record before you buy...

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  04 durango best you can buy 05 better - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By foyman1 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  hemi v/8 enough said, fit & finish perfect, after selling fords & chevys for 35 years & dealing with my customers complaints, plus buying & dealing with many many trips to the warrantie [service] dept. it is indeed a pleasure to own a durango, my 1st was a 01 loaded durango slt, to harsh a ride, not as comfortable as I would like, what a treat the 04 is. the sound system is awsome, I ordered the upgrade 6 CD with sub-woofer, the transmission is so smooth you hardly ever notice it shift, other than poor mileage [all suvs] in this size get poor mileage, so why whine about it, I say get your hands on a new durango, 04 or 05 & be like my wife & I, just enjoy enjoy enjoy

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  Actually a 1998 - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By R Hewitt - December 16 - 10:00 am

  I actually own a 1998 SLT with a 5.2 engine. I have 46000 and am thinking of trading it in on a new Durango. It has plenty of room, rides nice on and off road and I have had very few problems.

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  60K Mi Report - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By ghorvathjr - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle has performed extremely well through first 60K miles. There was (and continues to be), however, some excessive wearing on insides of front tires. Ive checked with other Durango owners and this appears to be a relatively common trait. 5.9 Liter engine pulls loaded two horse trailer though mountains with better than expected results. Have performed following services outside scope of normal maintenance & warranty work: -One brake replacement (to be expected) -One water pump replacement (at 55K miles) at a cost of $1500.00.

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  my dodge durango - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By krd - May 4 - 10:00 am

  My experience with my Dodge Durango has been nothing but positive. The only problem I had was a faulty drivers outside mirror which was replaced by the dealer no charge. Other negatives would be poor gas mileage and at times the ride is truck like but it is all and all a very nice vehicle. Have cruised many miles in the Durango and it gives me trouble free driving.

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  so far so good. - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By newamericanmade - March 13 - 10:00 am

  This is our first american made car, it took us a lot of couurage to make this decision, it came down to the price, and we could not get anything that size for the price.