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!!!! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Robert Gialloreto - July 21 - 2:00 am

  The best,Ihave driven them all;and VERY POWERFUL!!!

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  Fun for all - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Tony CP - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Family Car/SUV with a lot of zip, room and style. A very versatile car that will fit the needs of the most demanding family needs. Rides like a sports car with the room of a van.

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  Great SUV! Just a couple of minor QC issues - 2016 Dodge Durango
  By Brian Taylor - July 18 - 8:22 am

  The car is great. The dealership experience was not so great as I asked them to take care of the steering wheel alignment. In doing so, they messed up the actual wheel alignment (now drifts slightly to the left) and the steering wheel is still angled to the right. Other than that, its really a great car. It replaces a 14 Grand Cherokee, and much is very similar, but cornering is tighter on the new Durango. Third row and cargo space are a plus. My only other downside is that the Beats premium audio package is lacking in bass. Also lacking in ability to control the sound processor at the head unit. But these are minor things, most people will enjoy the sound quality as it is good.

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  1 great ride - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By earl main - July 15 - 2:00 am

  the new durango is very different than my one. 2004 durango is very quiet,great turning radius,great fuel miliage.

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  Love that Hemi - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Daniel L. Kosanovich - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Hemi engine awsome, excellent handling,ride quality excellent.Brakes ok could be better a/c very good,very good interior and cargo room.In my opinion much better than ole style

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  Got a HEMI? - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By M.Nicley - July 9 - 10:27 pm

  I bought this used, if you call owned for 6 months used. I traded in my 2000 Chevy Blazer for this rocket! I get 14 mpg around town, 18 mpg highway. (Same as my 4.3 Blazer) I towed a Ford Mustang over 600 miles on a heavy steel trailer and still managed 16 mpg. All the while passing cars and averaging 80 mph in the mountains of TN. Took the Durango with wife and 2 children to FL from OH and was plenty comfortable and rode better than some higher priced SUVs and cars.

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  Money Pit--Slick looks, sickly quality - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By My Dodge Is Junk - July 9 - 6:32 pm

  The gas mileage I expected (around 12), the trips to the shop are ridiculous-- water pump, heater blower, power drivers seat motor, head gasket, rear a/c, etc etc etc. I cant believe a vehicle that stickered for $37K can be such a piece of junk at 100k miles. Had 100K warranty thank God, but even then the dealer said clunking noise in tranny reverse is normal, whistling noise in heater blower is normal...words cant describe my disappointment. On my way to go trade it for a Nissan Murano

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  Over the top - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By ccriderwa - July 5 - 9:18 am

  97K miles and it’s yard art. After taking care of the Durango with top quality service and fluids this puppy overheated driving up the hill to my house warping both heads. Steer clear of Dodge products they are poorly built and do not stand up to real word use.

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  Love my Durango - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By hart - July 3 - 3:35 pm

  I enjoy my Dodge Durango 4.7 auto 4x4 air and all the xtras! I have figured out how to get over 20 plus on fuel mileage. This has me sold on further Dodge investments

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  Great SUV - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By DS - July 2 - 4:30 pm

  Bought this vehicle new in 01. Have had zero problems and Im very happy with the performance of the 4.7 engine. Towing a 17 foot boot is a non-issue. The gas mileage is ok. The paint has put up with the everyday use and its kept outside 24/7. The rear end is a little loose in the snow while in 2wd. Other than that a real nice ride for this car. Plenty of go when needed.