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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  Best Value in large SUV - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Dan T - February 18 - 12:44 pm

  We test drove every vehicle in this size group and larger. We kept coming back to the Durango because we loved the feel of the ride, power of the Hemi, and comfort of the interior. In our opinion, this vehicle was far superior to Ford and Chevy. Affordability was not an issue, even though the pricing on the Durango was incredible! We now have 60,000 miles on the vehicle with virtually no problems other than "brake" issues. They have been replaced twice already.

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  1999 Durango - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By rbecker54 - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Been in the shop many times for various reasons, mostly power window acutators. Ive replaced 7 since buying the car and only have 35,000 miles on it. Very poor gas mileage and hard on tires.

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  DODGE DAKOTA- 2004 - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By DON KREITZ - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE HAD MY DODGE DAKOTA FOR ABOUT 4 MONTHS . LIKE THE BODY DESIGN AND THE COMFORTABLE RIDE. THE 85 DEGREE OPENING OF THE BACK DOORS IS GREAT. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL IS SIMPLE AND EASY TO OPERATE.

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  Great truck with a lot of power - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By NJNOMAD - February 14 - 9:18 pm

  Though we had a few issues with the drive train (Dodge covered everything) after about a year, overall we love it. It is large enough for the 5 of us and all of our camping gear. It has been fun to drive and very responsive for a large truck.

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  Cant believe I bought a Dodge - 2016 Dodge Durango
  By Jonathan Schade - February 11 - 9:06 am

  Compares and wins against Tahoe, Acadia, Explorer, etc

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  Worst Ever - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By Bob - February 10 - 7:37 pm

  Have spent more on repairs for this vehicle than all others owned, combined, over past 40 years. Drives fine, but electric problems, several hard to diagnose computer sensors blown out, water pumps, fuel pump (in gas tank), etc.

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  Must be good luck - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Bronco - February 9 - 10:37 am

  Have owned this vehicle since it was 1 year old (16,600 mi). Have had only one issue of note. The cam position switch failed, $200 repair and good to go. This has been and continues to be a good reliable vehicle. The gas mileage is horrible but the interior layout and design is nice. The quality of the interior components is not the best, the plastic will fail (esspecially with kids). However the parts are inexpensive to replace. Maybe Ive been lucky, but I have had less problems with this than friends and family with 2002 Montero, and 2001 Tahoe.

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  Love my Durango! - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By AlaskaMamaBear - February 7 - 1:38 am

  We bought this Durango as 2nd owners from a rental liquidator and were worried. But we have had no problems what-so-ever. I trust this vehicle in the Alaskan elements with my children on board. Its been a wonderful family vehicle. I feel very safe with the side curtain airbags in the both the front and back seats. I couldnt live without the third row seat! The cargo area is spacious enough for our two dogs, or a full Costco run, and has made a conveinent diaper changing station on more than one occasion! Weve taken excellent car of our Durango, but I have to say it has taken even better car of us.

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  Very Pleased - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Anderson - February 5 - 10:10 pm

  This vehicle is as advertised on the sticker, fuel mileage has been better than expected. I have two complaints after almost 30,000 miles. It needs at least two more inches of driver seat hip room and back up sensors.The Hemi is great, very responsive.

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  2004 Hemi Durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By John Dillman - February 2 - 11:44 pm

  We have driven from Indiana to the Florida Keys 3 times and to Texas twice. The highway ride is smooth and comfortable. Gas mileage can be as expected, but the power on the highway is really nice! The only problem we ever had was an oxygen sensor, but that was replaced under warranty. We now have just over 53,000 miles on the Durango. Runs so quiet at idle I have to check rpm to know it is actually running. We change oil every 3000 miles and rotate tires every 6000 miles along with any other services shown in the service handbook.