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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  love it - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By dmr0824 - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I had always wanted a suv, had just bought a ford taurus in June. Was out for a drive one afternoon, next thing was out looking at suvs had wanted a different suv, never knew about the durango, took one test drive in it, and knew it was for me, didnt care how upside down I was on the taurus, the durango was mine, was behind the wheel the next day, and TOTALLY enjoy driving it each day.

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  Great SUV - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Greg Shupe - December 30 - 6:35 pm

  This has been the best vehicle I have ever owned.It has only been back to the dealer twice,once to clean the throttle body, second to replace the power steering pump. It has almost 80000 miles on it and averages over 18mpg on the road with the 4.7eng. I have a K&N air filter in it and use Mobil 1 5w-30 oil that I change every 10,000 miles. My wife loves the Durango. We have no intentions of selling it.

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  I Like It!!! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By scotty - December 23 - 2:14 am

  Had issues with the running boards being faded at delivery and exhaust made a bad vibration. Both were listed as issues and the dealer ordered parts and corrected to my satisfaction immediately. Other than that, the Hemi has enough power and the styling along with a wonderful sound system make the vehicle a joy to drive.

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  One BAD ride!!! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By MRussell - December 21 - 10:00 am

  I was hesitant about getting this massive SUV to begin with but we bought it as my husband was determined to have the HEMI. Im only 53" and can barely climb into it but for once, in 23 years of marriage, I have to say he was right! I absolutly love it! I love driving it, I love the way it looks, I love all of the room. Ive had a million people stop and want to see it or ask about it. We took a trip to the beach 4 days after we got it and it rode like we were floating on air! Ive always loved a Dodge but this time, they have out done themselves! Thanks Dodge for giving me "One BAD ride"!

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  second durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By stephen - December 20 - 10:23 pm

  I owned a 2001 Durango SLT Plus and it worked and towed very well, especially with the 411 gears. I traded it in at 60,000 miles and purchased a 2004 Durango Limited. This vehicle is far superior to the 2001 model as far as comfort, towing, gas mileage (even with the hemi), and options now available. Mercedes certainly has has a positive impact upon these vehicles. If you are looking for an SUV, pick the Durango, as I have had other makes, and they did not compare to this vehicle. In addition, the Dealer gave me an exceptional price, and I was able to get more for the buck with rebates. Good Luck and enjoy the four wheeling experience in this vehicle.

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  Pleasure Vehicle - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Luckydawg - December 15 - 6:59 pm

  I couldnt be more pleased with the Durango LTD 2WD, unless one could figure how to squeeze a few more MPGs out of it. It rides like a dream on the road. The Hemi gives it extreme power. The infinity sound system is awesome. I also love the roominess & its a great tailgating vehicle.

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  Yes it has a HEMI - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Sixguns - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I am writing this review after clocking my first 1000 miles in my 2004 Durango. This vehicle replaced my 2001 Durango. What an improvement! The new body style is more attractive and stylish. The fit and finish of the exterior and interior is great. The best improvements were in the cabin of the vehicle. Better gauge cluster, layout of dash, comfort of seating, new steering wheel and even the placement of the front and rear air vents and dash-mounted defroster registers. Thrid row seats are easier to fold than older model thanks to pull straps on the seat backs. Getting the seat backs upright is easier too because of this and no more having to climb inside and lift up the bottom cushion.

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  Good Dodge - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Bill - December 8 - 6:08 pm

  very well built compared to GM and Ford

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  Awesome Durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By dodge lover - December 2 - 5:23 pm

  I love this vehicle. Outside of the purchase price...1st one bought at this dealership I love it. Very fun to drive and the MPGs are not that bad for a vehicle of this size. We are getting over 20 on the highway. Resale value sucks though just looked it up and lost 6 grand allready. I wish the 3rd row seat layed flat though.

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  First Time SUV Owner - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By chorallib - November 25 - 11:07 pm

  I test drove several other SUVs but I kept coming back to the re-designed Durango. It was the quietest, most smooth riding, and best handling of all the ones I tried. Not only that but the third row of seats made it possible to comfortably fit all our family in one vehicle. We drove it through the worst ice storm in recent history of Western Oregon last winter. The Durango was sure footed and solid over wind-driven icey interstates and country roads. One final clincer in our choice was Dishamn Dodge in Spokane, WA. There was no hastle, no pressure just a helpful staff prior to the sale and every time we have been back.