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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  My Durango - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By tut00 - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Very nice truck. Like it alot.

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  A Definite Dodge RT Woman - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By RTLover - July 22 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Dodge Durango. My first was a 99 4WD that I thought was great until I purchased a 2002 R/T. The AWD is wonderful in bad weather. I have never purchased the same vehicle twice - but I can see a 3rd R/T in the future. Love the Handling and lot of room. The chrome wheels are a nice addition!!

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  Great Ride - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Do Rango - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Owned 2 Expeditions before the Durango and wouldnt take either one back. Great ride, handeling and performance. I love this truck!

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  durago slt 4wd 03 - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By david bentley - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I travel nationwide with my durango. In Boston, Ma. snow storm with the 4 wheel drive worked very well. I put a air raid system on and getting 17 highway 13.5 city.On the downsideI have had to turn my rotors twice now and they still sqeak.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By cablejimbo - July 20 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Durango. The only reason I traded my old one is, I got a great trade in price. Plus I also wanted the more pulling power that my old one didnt (I had the 318 now I have the 360 motor). I this this is a great SUV. A SUV that you get more for your money. I never had a problem with my old Durango, and thats why I am now on my second one.

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  Great Job! - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Rhonda Brown - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I am writing this review on the 2003 Durango my husband & I purchased on May 16th 2003. This was a gift from him to me for my birthday and I cant tell you how excited I was to receive it. We are a family of 6 and I have always owned mini-vans for this reason. Its great that Dodge has a SUV that is affordable, dependable and safe for a family our size. I am more than pleased with my Durango and would recommend it to anyone. Thanks again to the great staff at Kidd Chyrsler and all employees of Dodge for a great SUV:)

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  Durango Bob - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Butch - July 17 - 2:00 am

  The Dodge Durango was always one of my favorite SUVs. It was a vehicle that I coveted. It has turned out to be everything that I had imagioned it to be. Fun to drive, stable, comfortable and it didn?t hurt that I got a terrific deal. The 70,000 mile warranty is a real selling point. All I have to do is put gas in it! (So they said.) All this for $3,000 less than the sticker. As they say "Tax, title, warranty-out the door!"

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  I miss my 2000 R/T - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Mr Mopar - July 10 - 3:26 pm

  I ordered the 1st R/T from Dodge but something happend to it and I got a later one. My R/T was the best car I ever had! At 10K miles the computer kicked up a notch and added about 15 HP. Nothing EVER went wrong with it and I was always comfortable taking it anywhere. It got me through several blizzards and closed roads like they were dry. AWESOME vehicle! GREAT JOB DODGE!!!

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  Durango Comments - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By Durango Driver - July 10 - 2:00 am

  Buy the extended warranty if you plan on keeping this vehicle for awhile. This isnt due to things breaking frequently as much as it is the actual cost of some items to replace. Great styling and ride for an SUV. Lots of cargo room and good power with the smaller V8. Infinity sound system is awesome!! Ball joints have been replaced 4 times @ $1000 per visit. A/C problems started at 55000 miles and dealership cant figure it out.

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  My First SUV Purchase - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By Lori0865 - July 7 - 2:00 am

  My Durango is an SLT, but it has the 17" alloy wheels/tires, the optional 3rd seat in the rear,a power drivers seat, upgraded cloth interior and the 5.9 liter engine. I manage to get 15mpg on the highway which is better than most vehicles in its class. It handles terrific in the snow, ice, and severe thunderstorm/terrential rains in addition to good driving conditions. Its cargo capacity is awsome for a Christmas shopping spree at Birch Run or hauling 25 40lb bags of lava rock for landscaping (the suspension never flinched)!!! It holds 6 adults and one child comfortably as well as 2 dogs, 2 adults and luggage for a cross country trip.