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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  Love It!! - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By SLT Plus - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle used and so far have nothing but good things to say. Drove 80 mi. back home from the dealer I purchased it from and yielded a surprising 19 mpg. (highway) with the 5.9 engine. Pretty good considering the other reviews I read. Although I didnt use the overhead computer (I calculated the mileage manually). City driving so far has been 13-15 mpg. Im getting the mileage I expected (it is a SUV after all). Great comfort,great ride,good sounding radio,spacious and good looks.

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  I liked it so much I sold the Benz - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By ustbond - October 30 - 2:00 am

  My CLK 430 was in for service and the dealer gave me an 04 Durango loaner. As a car snob was I mad I could not get a Benz, but after about 10 minutes I really liked it, and it didnt even have a Hemi! After having it all weekend, I found it to be one of the best cars/SUVs I have ever driven. Two weeks later, I traded the Benz in on an 04 Limited (I did have to get the Hemi), and have loved it ever since. Before I bought it, I did test drive all the others, and they could not even come close to this car. The Hemi is a must, but dont test drive a Hemi with plans of getting the smaller engine, because you wont. Ride is great, POWER is the best and comfort could not be better.

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  New Durango Customer - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By TWolf - October 26 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Durango. I drove a 2001 a couple of years ago, and I liked it very much, however, a deal could not be made with the dealership, so I went and bought a used 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Replaced the front and rear differentials as the transfer case in one year. Drove the 2004 Durango, love how it performs (despite the not so great mileage), and needless to say, Im extremely happy!

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  Best of its Class - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By Mike E. - October 23 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving full-size and midsize SUVs for more than 20 years and have owned Fords, Chevys and GMCs before buying a 2001 Durango. The Durango is the best engineered truck in its class. It offers excellent power, impressive acceleration and uch tighter handling and turning than the other SUVs I have owned. There is also a much finer level of detail to things like power outlets, electrical controls and heating/cooling than on the other trucks. I have spent a lot of time in this truck in all sorts of bad weather and it has never been anything less than stable and sure- footed, and does not feel like its ready to rollover in sharp curves. My only complaint is poor fuel economy.

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  Styling... - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Lou Stone - October 23 - 2:00 am

  I feel like a rich man driving this after years of driving Fords (Explorer Sport & Ranger)! Since I got it used, I pay less than I did on my Explorer and have a luxurious ride. Its a bear on gas unless youre on the highway, but thankfully, my commute is only 5 miles.

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  Dodge Surprise - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Jim Riviere - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Before buying, I compared the Expedition to the Durango. The Durango beat the Expedition in almost all categories, especially power. This being my first Dodge,I was pleasantly surprised to find features usually only found on luxury vehicles such as memory driver settings, climate control, and leather. And, most important, the price was reasonable.

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  well worth it - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By durangolover - October 20 - 2:00 am

  I have found that my Durango is fabulous... I have only had it a short time--but it is a garuntee that I will never drive another vehical.. I love the Hemi power-- and the eye catching color.

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  my rating of the 2004 durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By stefanie - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 2003 dodge durango for the 2004 one. I have had a lot of problems with it since. I had to have the battery replaced already and it only has 5000 miles. The check engine light came on so I took it to the dealership, they say they cant find anything wrong with it. It shakes really bad when idling. The noise level is deafening. It sounds like your in a helicopter with 1 window rolled down driving 60mph. My car shakes when you get up on speed driving down the highway.There is no problem with traveling in this SUV. I do kinda wish that I didnt trade my 2003 durango in, I never had any problems with it. Maybe it will grow on me.

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  04 durango a hemi makes you happy - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By foyman1 - October 16 - 2:00 am

  this is our second durango, after a loaded slt 2001, that was not as comfortable or smooth riding as we liked, however in 40,000 miles it never was in the shop except for routine maintenance, we decided to order a hemi powered SLT, what a change, other than dodge reliability nothing is the same, talk about improvement, wow, smooth riding, comfortable, unbelievable power, awsome sound system, its a whole new world, and the fit & finish is the best we have ever had in dozens of new cars, I am 63 my wife 65, I sold new Fords & Chevrolets for 35 years, and the new 04 Durango is the absolute best vehicle we have ever owned

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  The SUV to have - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Tondoboy - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This is the one to have if youre looking for a V8 power engine. I suggest to get the HEMI, gas mileage is not so bad, just little difference on 4.7 V8. Overall, fun to drive and husky looking, an SUV to have.