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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Garbage... - 1999 Dodge Durango
By CozmoCarera - October 28 - 12:00 amI hate this car. I have a 99 Durango and I have had just about nothing but problems with it. I have had to replace everything... the transmition, every single belt that is under the hood, the power window mechanisms, and today i was driving down the highway and looked down and my speedometer was on 0. In other words, the speedometer is broken as well. The check engine light also decides that hes going to join in on the fun every month or so just for the heck of it. Grade A piece of crap. I wil most likely never buy a Chrysler product ever again.
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great suv,great price - 2004 Dodge Durango
By ASW - October 27 - 10:00 amThe new Durango is great! I got the Hemi (5.7L not 4.7) and it will really move! The ride is quiet and handling is great. With the amount of snow we got this last winter, the this thing was unstopable. If you are looking for a great looking suv that will take you anywhere, the Durango is the best choice.
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Not great, not bad - just right - 2005 Dodge Durango
By Sean Davis - October 21 - 3:10 pmPurchased IN July 05, out the door at 28,500 with Employee discount, rebate etc ... Traded Eddie Bauer Expedition in. Miss all the do-dads from the Ford but its been a great truck so far. Should have gotten the 2 speed transfer but still works well in sand etc
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Dont by a Durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
By Sue Able - October 21 - 10:00 amIve had my new durango to the dealer numerous times for an air conditioning problem. They can not fix it and just give me back my car. Now I am have electrical problems. Sometimes my car will not go into PARK it says park but when you let off the brake he goes in reverse. Very hazardous!!!!
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Durango, gas hogger - 2005 Dodge Durango
By Sonia - October 17 - 1:03 pmI think that the Durango is a real nice looking vehicle. The only thing that I dont like is the gas mileage. The tag on the vehicle said that I would get 19 in city and 24 on highway. They lied. I only get 15 in the city and about 14.5 on the highway. I made this purchase thinking that the gas mileage was not the greatest but it was ok. Now if Id known that the gas mileage was 15 in city and 14.5 on highway, I would of looked for another vehicle. Im not happy with the Durango.
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Astounding Value - 2004 Dodge Durango
By sailor22 - October 16 - 10:00 amLots of utility and comfort for low price, $9,000 LESS THAN my 2003 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer, and I received "friends and family" pricing on both. How does DCX do it? HEMI gas mileage on freeway was 19+ mpg @ 75 mph, after break in. Unique styling doesnt do much for us, but more people ask about liking the Durango than they ever did about the Expedition. Ride quality is much more compliant and smoother than old Durango, very "German" in character. Ive owned the BMW X5 4.4 sport and a Mercedes ML320 and find the Durango Limited to be up to par with these vehicles; the Durango cost $24,000 less than my 2000 X5. Not as roomy as the Expedition.
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Totally Awesome! - 2004 Dodge Durango
By chicagomark - October 16 - 10:00 amThis is my third Durango after 80K in a 99 SLT Plus (5.9L) and 30K in a 03 R/T (5.9L). After one month, I have 2K in this HEMI Limited. Adding 20-inch chrome rims (after market) makes a big difference in style. I am still amazed at the rapid acceleration coming off a ramp to enter the expressway or passing traffic. Can effortlessly cruise 75+ mph with good control, low noise, and still comfortable ride. I was surprised to see almost an extra 2 mpg with the 5.7L HEMI (avg 14 mpg) over my previous 03 R/T 5.9L (avg 12.5 mpg). Gas tank is bigger, so I can go almost an extra 30 or 40 miles before refill. New Durango = best choice for performance and looks.
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Love the way it handles - 2001 Dodge Durango
By E Stewart - October 9 - 2:28 pmGreat overall vehicle. Not too wild about the looks but it drives like a champ. Handles easy, very fun to drive, with plenty of room for everyone. Has been an extremely reliable vehicle but I hear unexplained noises from time to time. I would highly recommend vehicle.
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A Joy to Drive - 2005 Dodge Durango
By jambry3 - October 7 - 12:59 pmIts a joy to drive this SUV. I like the style and comfort plus the extras like the rear DVD player which keeps my 9 yr old entertained on long trips.
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Best SUV!! - 2006 Dodge Durango
By Diesel - October 5 - 7:51 pmI recently bought my Dodge Durango in the end of Aug. The Durango is the best out of them all. From its new spacious design to the 4.7 under the hood its an all around great car. (the only bad thing was that on 9-3-05 some lady rear ended me leaving me without it for three weeks.) Also for the price of the new Durango you cant find a better ride with all the standard features that are expensive options on other suvs Grab life by the horns go DODGE!
