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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  Im a Dodge woman, but... - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By melinda - April 24 - 7:36 am

  Purchased used in 2005, had to rebuild transmission. The glove box latch tricky then finally broke, passenger side back door mysteriously broke, no one seemed to know how. I suspected the children until I was driving down the road one night and the one behind me suddenly blew up! Not a clue what happened, hoping the dealership will let me know tomorrow. A lot of pinging in the engine when accelerating. Uses oil like crazy. Cant roll the back windows down if going very fast because of the ear popping and noise. I have gone through 2 alternators and the check engine light is always playing tricks.

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  My Durango - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By jack - April 10 - 12:21 pm

  I love my Durango and my wife says its the only kind of vehicle that Im ever allowed to purchase her. Be warned though, gas mileage stinks!

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  Great car except when refueling - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Shark - April 6 - 9:30 pm

  My 3-year lease on my 2004 Durango SLT 4WD 4.7L will end in a couple of months. I am very happy I got this car because it is comfortable, performs good and is fun to drive. It was also very reliable - I only had one problem with a unit responsible for the reverse light which was replaced under warranty within an hour. The only problem this car has is that it is very thirsty, but I knew that when I bought it and it is quite expected from a V8 4.7 engine.

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  Best Buy - 2007 Dodge Durango
  By Lad - April 6 - 7:38 am

  Bought this vehicle to tow a big trailer. Had an 02 Sequoia, and it was great, but gutless. Got the Hemi engine option on the new Durango, and it has the grunt to do the job. The multi displacement engine control system does a fine job for squeezing the gas consumption. I actually get the posted gas mileage, or a little better. The seating capacity is great for carrying the whole family, in comfort. Love the looks, and its fun to drive. Yep, shes a winner, a best buy for the money.

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  Good but Ugly - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Mike - April 4 - 11:17 pm

  I have every option. Mechanically, Ive changed the oil and she runs and runs. Interior build quality is a joke, Ive had numerous parts just fall off including the infamous seat belt holder and the door reflectors on both sides. The air conditioning stinks. Heater blower too. The light tan interior is a super pain to keep clean especially the arm rest. Mileage is a joke for a few reasons. Number one. The computer mileage is not even close to being accurate. Two, my odometer is off 7%. Therefore if I travel 100 actual land miles my Durango says I went 107. Dealer says no fix. I say extend my warranty 2500 miles. Well we all know where that got me. The usual dumb look from the service manager.

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  Great Vechicle- Exceptional Value - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By Mr.Mom - April 4 - 7:08 am

  Exceptional features minus the bling. As a 64 Mr.Mom, I can comfortably haul our kids or sheets of drywall without missing a beat! I get 14mpg in the city and about 19-20mpg on the highway. Our Durango is a pleasure to drive. Steering is smooth and responsive. The interior is quiet. By the way, on the freeway the Hemi is the real deal! When you need to change lanes it goes into warp speed although the driver always feels a sense of being in total control.

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  One Great Patrol Vehicle - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Rick Karle - April 3 - 2:00 am

  After 7 Yrs of driving Ford Crown Vics it was a pleasure to get behind the wheel of my 2004 Durango 4WD. Handling is GREAT and there is loads of room for all my equipment. This truly is one GREAT patrol Vehicle.

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  99 Durango Underpowered & Poor Fuel Econ - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By tman300 - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Overall, I like this vehicle. Have 360 cid (5.9L) generating 245 hp with 3.55 rear axle ratio and limited slip differential. One complaint is gas mileage. Although I have meticulously maintained this vehicle from day one, have never achieved sticker stated 16 mpg at highway speeds (55-75 mph). Also, local driving mpg comes in at around 10.5 and not the sticker stated 12 (forget about driving in NYC- 6-7 mpg there). I am neither a leadfoot or a featherfoot.

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  4.7 durnago - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By nickdangelo - March 28 - 9:06 pm

  I love the 01 Durango. I have a 4.7l and it is very powerful. Im a speed junkie and the 4.7l does it well especially in an SUV.

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  Great All Around - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Aquena - March 24 - 5:44 pm

  No complaints. We haul a large camper, and it handles and performs wonderfully. Solid and dependable.