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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  Durango SLT Hemi - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By blane - September 15 - 4:25 pm

  Analyzed the difference in mileage between the Durango Hemi 2WD vs. the Tribute 2WD we owned. Based on our actual experience, over a 2000 mile trip at $3.00 per gallon, we would pay approximately $35.00 more to drive the Durango. More room, more power, improved interior services such as third row seating and rear heat/ac controls. Bang for buck, the Durango is larger, quieter, stronger, more powerful. Only a slight increase in insurance coverage ($5.00/mo.) over the Tribute. $390 more for fuel on an annual basis. I think its worth the price for the increased safety, comfort and carrying capacity. Point of clarification, we own the 2005 Durango SLT 2WD with the Hemi engine. Thanks.

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  Very Happy with Redesign - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By PWOLF - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2000 Durango prior to this ans I am very pleased with the changes. The ride is very quiet and comfortable. A lot of the features make it very convenient. Split seating in the third row is a great option, car is much roomier than the previous model. I looked at a lot of different SUVs for about a year, the feature to price ratio is by far the best in the Durango. Got the Big engine as well. Yeah, its got a HEMI. Be careful, youll be going 85 before you know it and it feels like 50, engine feels like it is idling at that speed. Very Quiet. I think Dodge has a winner, by far the biggest bang for your buck in the new SUV market.

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  2004 and Water Under the Hood - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By safTman - September 14 - 2:00 am

  During the second week of ownership, I dealt with chugging and bucking of the truck and the engine light coming on. The dealership pulled out the spark plugs and found the plug ends outside of the engine to be coated with rust and the "gap" area of the plugs, in the engine, showed burn marks and other evidence of a "high temperature" condition. According to an engineer in Detroit, my Durango needs a "water management shield" that they are in the process of developing to keep water away from the top of the engine. So, I like my new vehicle, but wish I had a HEMI...

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  Awesome ride - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By scote - September 13 - 7:50 pm

  I leased an 05 Durango SLT and this vehicle surpassed all my expectations. I used to drive a 2000 Cherokee, so this was a big jump in size and payment, or so I thought. The ride is exceptionally smooth and does not handle as big as it looks. In fact, I think its easier to maneuver than my Cherokee. Fuel economy isnt the best, but which SUVs is? And with employee pricing, I’m only paying $100 more a month with nothing out of my pocket. Definitely give it a look. Only dislikes are the 4.7 seems to take a while to get going, so I wish I got the Hemi. Other than that I think it’s a great value. Was comparing it to a 4runner and I think it beats it hands down.

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  Excellent SUV - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Swimbuddy - September 8 - 10:00 am

  After lots of research, just bought LTD w/Hemi engine. Great styling, the ride is better than I expected (even my wife is impressed)and I do catch people looking at it. We traded an Exped. and considered an Explorer, but the Durango is definitely the better choice. I think the resale will be good once it becomes established in the market.

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  Good for speed - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Colon - September 7 - 11:40 pm

  Nice to drive, gas is trucks best friend, your enemy. Roomy with lots of cargo space.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By krd - September 7 - 3:33 pm

  I had owned a 2000 Durango and liked it very much. The only thing that I felt it needed was a smoother ride. Well all I needed to do was drive a new Durango and I was sold. What a sweet ride this truck has...more like a car then a truck. Great handling and it feels very nimble and quick. Didn’t get the hemi engine but am very satisfied with the 4.7... it is a mighty fine engine! Plenty of get up and go for me and since I don’t tow it is all the engine I need. Yes, like my other Durango the gas mileage could be better but I knew that buying an SUV. The interior is comfortable with excellent instrumentation. Love the way the gauges light at night; easy on the eyes! Wonderful vehicle!

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  Good, but not great - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Derden - September 6 - 1:55 am

  If I had to buy a vehicle over again, this would not be the one, even if gas prices were not so high. It was a good vehicle, but only for the first couple of weeks I had it. I spend an averge of $600 dollars a month on a vehicle that I dont care about.

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  Durango, Fuelish Fun - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By Mel Green - September 6 - 1:49 am

  I love this vehicle, fun to drive,handles and drives like no other truck, tight and responsive, and the ride is oh so smooth. Lets not forget that Hemi it,s a gotta have, The interior a little plain could use more eh..style? but its nicely put together and very functional. Exterior nice all around, you learn to love the pinched snout (thats where the Hemi is) 2007 will bring a new nose. Now its Achilles heel. Gas mileage window sticker 13 city 18 hwy. My avg 12.2 cty 21 hwy now i gotta say the right foot is a little Hemi happy. In these $3.00 bucks plus fuel days I sometimes yearn for a car again. But, it is a truck, and it sucks fuel like one. would I recommend it ? Yes

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  Terrible Gas Mileage - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Mark - September 3 - 3:22 am

  Im A Newer 2005 Durango Owner, So My Experience With The SUV Is Limited, But I Am So Dissapointed With The Fuel Mileage, I Was Wondering How Many Other People Were Experiencing This Same Issue. I`ve Owned Many Vehicles, Mid. And Full Size, But None That Got 11 Mpg. !!.I Drive About 60% Hwy. And 40% City, And I`m Averaging 11 Mpg. I Drive Very Easy, And Baby My Vehicles. For The Most Part I Really Like The Durango So Far, But I`ve Seen Huge Ford Excursions And Hummer H2`s Get 14.5 Mpg. Avgerage. Dodge And My Dealership Gave Me The Lame Excuse That Mpg. Depends On How The Person Drives The Vehicle. If I Drive Any Easier,Mopeds Will Pass Me! I Hope By Some Miracle My Mpg.Increases At Some Point