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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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By irishprincess - January 31 - 1:32 am

  We purchased our Durango about two months ago. The satelite radio is a favorite feature for our family because when you travel, you do not lose your channel. The middle row has plenty of room to seat adults, however the 3rd row seat is recommended for kids. The cargo space is adequate, but you would have to use the luggage rack if taking alot with you on a trip. We opted to get a DVD system on our own because it is less expensive than the dealerships price. The gas mileage is not great, we average 13.5 MPG. The guage in the upper console tells you your average gas mileage, which is a nice feature. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone. We love ours.

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  Im Glad I Got Rid of my Ford - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Bry - January 31 - 12:07 am

  I love my new Durango! The old body style was ugly but, this one is totally hot. Im the youngest person Ive ever seen driving one. I have a powerful V8, I dont think a V6 would be enough power for so much SUV. We love it.

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  Best of the Best - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Dean - January 27 - 4:30 am

  This is the best SUV Ive ever had the pleasure of Driving! It rides as smooth as any luxury car. Has HEMI power and 4x4. Traction control with ESP and 4 wheel ABS will take this Car anywhere. I took it into a snow storm last year. 18" in 12 hrs. No chains. I could plow right on through where I saw Explorers, Suburbans, 4 Runners spining their wheels. I even pulled out a Suburban 4x4 who had chains on and was stuck up to his axles in snow. I pulled up behind him in the same depth of snow. Stuck it in reverse. And with a little Hemi power, out he came. He was amazed! And ready to trade in his Chevy. The Ford owners also watched in amazement. I love this car!

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  This Durango really surprises me! - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Tim in NY - January 26 - 5:18 pm

  All I can say is Wow! What a smooth, plush vehicle with an unbelievable amount of features. The Hemi is just awesome and moves the vehicle effortlessly. The 2nd and 3rd row seats are actually comfortable and easily accessible, and the DVD with the wireless headsets is a blessing for the kids as well as the parents! The Durango Limited has to be one of the best kept secrets in this segment. Im guessing the mediocre gas mileage is what kills the resale value.

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  All the bells & whistles! - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By Marci - January 24 - 4:17 pm

  Went from Expedition to Durango and love it! The price was great considering I maxed out the options! Its surprisingly quiet (kids are quiet too with wireless headphones), parks easily (size fits well & steers great), awesome power (gets up and goes when you pass someone), soooo many extras. Gas mileage is not the best but I didnt expect that it would be... actually got better after first 1000 miles! I find that I use the navigations system much more than I ever thought that I would. DVD system is easy to use for my young children and they love that they can listen to their own music. One free year of Sirius Radio a nice add-on. Felt very safe driving in snow & ice on recent trip.

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  Great! - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Angel - January 18 - 1:14 pm

  I test drove this to a Jeep Grand Cherokee, I previously owned a Grand Cherokee older model and loved it. When I got in the Durango there was no going back. I have never driven a vehicle that drives so smooth with such comfort. We took it on a trip about 1450-1500 miles round trip we paid just under $220 gas round trip. Less than expected! The only thing I regret about our purchase is that we didnt go for the glory and get the loaded version, hemi, navigation, dvd, but when we trade it in I cant see myself buying anything else. Test drive this before purchasing any other SUV! Im glad I did!

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  2004 Dodge - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By el-rivo - January 15 - 3:57 am

  Excellent choice, fun drive with plenty of room to spare. Great entertainment center for the kids on a long travel. Smooth handling and better traction with larger tire size. After market add on turns this vehicle into an eye catcher. Competitive with other luxury SUVs at a great price. Thanks Dodge.

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  Ex-Suburban Owner - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Gruntly - January 9 - 9:59 pm

  Traded our 93 Suburban for this 04 Hemi Durango. We love this truck. Its a fight about who gets to drive. Power gallore and better mileage. 16 mpg vs 11 mpg from the Suburban. Much easier in the parking lots as well. Interior is so functional as well. Needed the extra room of the Suburban for the 5 kids and there is no-way we would have a minivan. Now they are getting older and only a couple travel with us, we dont need as much room as the Suburban. But the available seats are nice just in case.

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  Best SUV around for less $$ - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Mike Swan - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I dont know where to start I have seen other SUV that offer some of the same features but they are all more money... for the size and options on this car I think its the best bang for the buck... things like the MP3 player makes me take my hat off to Dodge for their efforts to listen to the consumer. And i love the room.

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  Awesome SUV!!!! - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By CyberFly - January 9 - 10:00 am

  The best car Ive ever owned......