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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  Dodge Durango ROCKS! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By HemiLady - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Had to get use to the new styling of the exterior. I do own a 2000 and 1999 D. I love the ride and the larger interior that the previous Durangos lacked.

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  Most unreliable vehicle Ive ever owned - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By dvast8_21 - May 13 - 12:32 pm

  I bought this SUV used last year. It had 100,000 miles when I bought it. In just one year, I have put $1,500 in transmission repair, replaced alternator, water pump, thermostat, had work done to the driver side door when it just stopped opening, and currently the gas gauge only works part of the time. Not to mention this is the biggest gas hog. The display says it averages 13.5 mpg on highway. I found documents from the original owner where they also had transmission work, replaced belts, and had various mechanical problems. I certainly will never own another Dodge!

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  windows - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By youre kidding - May 11 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the worst vehicles I have owned. You cannot open the windows with other people in the car, it feels like your head is going to explode. Sometimes it feels and sounds like a helicopter is hovering you. If you are by yourself you cannot have more than 1 window open because its the same thing and for $36000. I expect a little more from a car and also this problem has been going on for at least 5 years from the reviews Ive read while researching this. Shame on Dodge this is inexcusable.

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  Great Value - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By adam - May 7 - 7:33 pm

  This is the 3rd SUV I have owned and I like far better than the other two(1996 Explorer and 2001 Pathfinder).The ride is similar to that of a luxury car in terms of comfort and noise. The 3rd row of seats is actually easy to use and big enough for two adults. Overall I think its a great vehicle.

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  Powerful, reliable and versatile - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By dodge driver - May 6 - 5:49 pm

  I am the first owner of an 2001 Dodge Durango, which I drove off the lot with about 7-8 miles on it. This is an extremely powerful, comfy to drive, versatile and reliable car. Biggest repair was new computer, which I got aftermarket with lifetime warranty for about $350. Only other repair was the idle control valve. Would buy one again, but delayed, because the new version is ugly, chunky and way too big. So I decided to drive it until it doesnt drive anymore, junk it and find another car as good. Friends sold theirs with 250k miles on it! Amazing.

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  Get One Now! - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By Jeff - April 29 - 8:33 pm

  Best vehicle on the market for a family of 4 to 6 kids. Car seats fit great. Fun on the highway and off the highway. Mileage reasonable for the power. Ride is superb. Cornering is solid. Has and incredibly tight turning radius and is easy to park even for inexperienced drivers. The look of the vehicle is stunning in with the metallic black paint job. Roomy interior for tall people. Cargo room is breathtaking. Dodge made a mistake. The vehicle should be priced $10K more for something that rivals the drivability of a Lexus, Cadillac, or a BMW SUV. And oh by the way, the Durango can tow where these upscale SUVs cant.

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  Happy, but not completely satisfied. - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Charles Carson - April 28 - 8:50 pm

  For its cost, I think this is a very good vehicle. I have the Hemi engine and it has plenty of power for towing, etc., and the ride is exceptional for a AWD SUV. I love the "bluetooth" U- Connect phone option and the "Sirius" satelite radio. However, there are some things that bother me about it. The interior plastics look a little cheap and too dark. The leg room in the 2nd row is tight, especially in the center position, and I wish the the floor over the 3rd row would fold flat. I also miss the interior room of my old Yukon and having "Onstar" and daytime headlights. Ive noticed the front door hinges appear to be loose, but they arent, the atachment points are flexing for some reason.

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  2003 DURANGO SXT - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By WAYNE RHODES - April 27 - 10:00 am

  REAR DIFF. HOWEL BETWEEN 50-55 MPH. RATTLES. NOT MUCH HELP FROM DEALER

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  POWER - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Eraser - April 26 - 2:00 am

  The overall power and handling has won me over. I would suggest this vehicle to anyone looking for a mid size SUV with great power.

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  Piece of Junk! - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Piece of Junk! - April 24 - 9:48 am

  When I first bought this SUV I loved it, then came all the problems. Last year I had to put new engine in. Now Im having problems with the oxgyen sensors. I have gone through at least 2 of them already! Im finding nothing but more and more problems. I do not recommend this SUV!!