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:

• 

  Dependable SUV - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By maeich1 - December 20 - 2:37 pm

  I have had my Durango for just about 4 years now and I am getting ready to trade it for a crossover. My Durango has been very dependable and gave us lots of room for the kids plus. My only complaint is the limited visability on the left side of the front windshield die to a bulky frame. As with all large SUVs, the Durango get terrible gas milage. I have always consistently averaged 13 mpg. But overall I have loved the truck. If you need the space of a large SUV its a great choice.

• 

  Master of the Road - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By J.D Hanke - December 17 - 8:43 pm

  Ive always been a Dodge fan, but my new Durango has me hooked for life. Over the Thanksgiving weekend, I traved through some of the worst winter driving conditions of my experience. Never have I felt more connected to the road that I was with the Durangos AWD. My family rode comfortable for 7 hours and I had full confidence in the vehicle. Its all Id ever wanted or excected in an SUV!

• 

  Im a belever! - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By DURANG02 - December 9 - 8:23 am

  I have owned a lot of vehicles including Explorers and Blazers. I even work at a Ford dealership. I purchased my Durango last summer because I liked the agressive look of the Dodge and it had 3rd row seating, an option I was looking for. Since then I have put alot of miles on my Durango and I have to say I love the comfort and the design of the vehicle. I recently had to use the 4WD and it impressed me even more. The only bad thing I have to say about it is the fuel mileage is not all that great at about 15 mpg, but for all the other great great things about the vehicle. I can live with it.

• 

  The toughest car ever driven - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Troyboy - December 5 - 3:40 pm

  I am 19 years old and I had this car till about a few months ago, my brother and I both owned this car while we were going through our crazy driving stage. This car has been through so many rivers and ditches and jumps, yet it has lasted better than we could ever imagine! This is the toughest car I have ever seen, wont ever let you down!

• 

  100th Review - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By :yB - November 23 - 10:11 pm

  There is no option for a 2001 R/T for some reason but its essentially the same as a 2002. For the last 6 years my R/T has been completely reliable. I have had general maintenence repairs, tires, wipers, new battery, driving lights (headlights are still original) etc. but other than the gas cap failing to keep negative pressure in the tank, I have had no repairs. The only reason I am getting rid of my Durango is because the gas mileage is horrible (avg. 11.3) and its time to update. While trying to figure out what to sell my Durango for I noticed a lot of them have 100k+ up to 200,000 miles on them. The resale is not what I expected but definitely competetive with similar models.

• 

  Great family vehicle that a Man can driv - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By bigticket42 - November 15 - 2:32 pm

  I love my Durango. My wife and I have always liked the styling of the Durangos especially over the newer ones. I have had a chance to drive it on a long trip. I averaged 16 mpg at 80 and 17 mpg at 75 mph. I thought this was good considering I have the 5.9L V8. This is fun to drive especially since there is absolutely no need for an engine that size in this SUV. The power is excessive and what make it fun. I try to take it easy because in town it gets 12 mpg. Again not bad for an engine that size. The 3 rows of seats are perfect for a family. That is the reason i bought this as we have 3 children that need to be seperated. With the 3rd row there is still good room behind the last row for stuf

• 

  great all around s.u.v. - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By mike hund - November 12 - 2:00 am

  THE DODGE DURANGO TO BE IS A GREAT S.U.V. THIS TRUCK IS GREAT FOR TOWING MY CAMPING TRIALER AND MY BOAT. ITS FUN OFF-ROAD OR ON-ROAD. THE THIRD SEAT THAT FOLDS FLAT IS A GREAT FEATURE THAT FORD AND CHEVY COPIED FOR THE EXPLORER AND BLAZER. IF YOUR LOOK AT THE SIZE AND INTEIOR OF THE NEW FORD AND CHEVY YOU CAN SEE THECOPIED THE DODGE DURANGO DESIGN. THE NEW 4.7 POWER TECH V8 IS A GREAT MOTOR.

• 

  Its a hoss - 2008 Dodge Durango
  By jason - November 9 - 11:48 am

  Good value for the money. Pulls my camper and hauls two adults and five kids with two dogs with no trouble.

• 

  I love it so far - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By joelh - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I test drove and took home for a trial a Tahoe and Avalanche. I also spent time testing a new Expedition. Then I stopped at the Dodge dealer. The new Durango was by far the best as far as steering, braking, acceleration, and design, both in and out. I purchase the limited 2wd. It also holds more cargo, and has a dvd. All for less than Tahoe or Expedition.

• 

  Hooked on Dodge Durango R/T - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By Durango RT Lover - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Purchased 1st Durango 1999 SLT 4X4. Loved this one. I put 95,000 miles in 3 years. I purchased a 2002 R/T this one is awesome. Ride and handling is great - no going back to the SLT. I am sold on the R/T !!