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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  Great vehicle - 2009 Dodge Durango
  By Israel Apodaca - July 14 - 11:31 pm

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  Solid SUV - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Dodge Fan - July 10 - 12:09 pm

  Just hit 75K miles and extremely pleased. Bought new in 2000. I read a few ugly reviews here and I wonder if thats because they dont have the 4.7 - solid engine. Or it could be that they drive hard (ie floor it regularly, take corners hard, etc). I also laugh at those who complain about gas mileage - Hello, this is a full- size SUV! Did they think you were buying a hybrid? Ive only had a few minor bugs. Ill keep driving the Durango hopefully for another 75K.

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  Needs improvements - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Anita - July 9 - 8:13 pm

  My husband and I wanted a Durango for years so we decided to purchase one a 1 1/2 yr ago. We did not have any major problems with this vehicle until around 25,500 miles on it. Now we are experiencing stalling periodically, a loud noise in the front left tire/engine under the vehicle area, and a loose felling in the steering. The rack and pinion has been replaced twice and it has been in the shop around 15 days in a 4 week period. I cant imagine that a certified mechanic can not hear the noise in the front and not being able to fix the problem. Not including the fact that the vehicle stalls when you least expect it. Very scary.

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  Towing Machine - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Jeff - July 8 - 7:30 am

  It does have some rattles and pops but with 105,000 miles, not too bad. Great towing SUV. Pulls our camper with no problems with the 5.9, 360 engine. Have had to replace some motor components but nothing real costly.

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  Dodge Strong! - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By Bill D. - July 5 - 7:12 pm

  This is the 2nd SUV that I have owned. The Durango is a very well-built, durable vehicle. I see myself owning this vehicle for at least 8-10 years. The only complaint that I have is that it seems like there is a very minute exhaust leak sound coming from that general vacinity. I took it to the dealership, but after they replaced the exhaust manifold, it seems like I can still hear it. The sound is very slight. If youre not listening for it, you really cant hear it.

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  Durango - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By Jay - July 1 - 4:25 pm

  This vehicle has performed outstanding service as a daily driver to/from work, a family hauler for me, wife and four children, and long distance road cruiser. We take use the Durango on three to five road trips per year of 500-900 miles one way. When pulling a 12 foot U-Haul trailer full of luggage, bikes, water sports gear over the Appalachians to Virginia the 5.9L V8 barely notices the load. The car is comfortable on highway even when loaded with 6 people. The safety and confidence associated with the full time 4WD with its full time four wheel torque split has proven itself in midwest thunder downpours, Appalachain rain/fog/sleet, and Wisconsin snow.

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  Best SUV - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Best SUV - June 28 - 4:06 am

  I love my 2005 SLT Durango. I went with the V6 and love it. It has enough power for me. This is my 1st Dodge. We shopped around and found the Durango to be the best for the price.

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  Good Truck - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Elaine Boidi - June 23 - 9:39 am

  Truck has been very sound. No problems mechanically, just normal wear and tear. Other than the gas mileage I love it.

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  My Durango - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Barry Jones - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I test drove a Pathfinder, 4Runner, Xterra, Passport and Rodeo before I finally came to the Dodge and I stopped looking after a 10 minute drive. The seats were made for Americans and I am tall (64") so I wanted a SUV where my knees didnt hit anything (console, dash, etc.). The seats are comfortable and the dash is stylish yet simple. I am sure there are other good SUVs out there but you cant go wrong with this one. It has a third row seat, great towing power, full size spare tire and a quiet engine with a nice sounding exhaust

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  Solid ride for the money - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By s-works - June 12 - 5:43 am

  I bought this Durango with just under 100K on the clock. Had the tranny serviced when I did, and shes run fairly well since for a $10K car. Ive had problems with the weak AC (tried everything, nothing seems to work), and poor cooling (had overheated twice, both times on hot summer days, on the highway). 4X4 is amazing, with low setting in the transfer case, able to extract itself from frame-rail deep mud. Mileage OK, 15 while commuting to work, 18 on the highway. Interior perfect for growing family and dogs. Seats 7, but can be parallel parked by anyone. Ride is somewhat trucklike, but expected from a body-on-frame design like this. A best fit for comfort, convenience + capability.