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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  American tough - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By JLAWLER - July 3 - 10:00 am

  This is one fun suv to own. Built tough looks tough and rides like a car. Gas milage not that bad averaged 20mpg on first long trip and its not broken in yet. A pleasure to drive, big yet handles like a smaller SUV. Its quiet and smooth on highway and handles well on small roads. If your looking for an SUV you have to drive this before buying anything else. Simply better than anything in its class and with present rebates a real bargin.

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  Pricing, great - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By pjgtrader - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Great deal on my Durango, calld 4 dealers in evening, told them would buy next 3 days, told them what I wanted, three had suv, negotd on phne so all agreed to invoice, then another $4,500 rebate off invoice.Bought SLT, hemi, leather, moonroof, 6 cd, red, dvd entmnt system(aft/mkt, 10in scren but in final $28,315 pr incl txs)bought next day after visit the 3 dealrs, finced thru Chysler, refd for 3.9% yestday on special promo thru USAA bank exp 6/5. FYI, one dealr, Breedan, Ft. Smith, who agreed to invoice on phone tried to pad profit by saying aft/mkt leather cost $1500 instead of $624 invce listed on internet, walked off lot.

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  Glad I did it - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By ManHunter - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Went to the dealer last week just to drive one (not intending to buy) and left with it. Got a great deal on a great vehicle with almost all of the bells and whistles. Ive owned two Suburbans, an Expedition and a Grand Cherokee. This is the best riding, best handling and braking, and best performing SUV Ive ever driven or ridden in. The 5.7L Hemi is definitely worth the money! As my wife said while driving it home, "It feels like somethings pushing it." Shes in love with it. It is a very, very refined vehicle that just doesnt seem like an SUV; fit and finish are top-notch and it is very quiet. Highly recommend installation of a K&N air filter if you buy one.

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  My Rango - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Heather L - June 30 - 2:00 am

  We have been very happy with our Durango until just recently. With less than 70k miles, we have had numerous problems with the vehicle. We have been in to the shop FOUR times to get the brakes worked on, but still have problems with them. The ball joints are so worn they need to be replaced. (I have recently discovered that this is a common problem with Durangos & Dakotas). We need our inner tie rods replaced (and Dodge is on backorder for tie rods, were looking to wait at least a couple of weeks). I love the vehicle, its spacious and comfortable, but I wouldnt recommend it to anyone looking to buy a vehicle. Just my opinion, though!

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  My second set of wheels. - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Virgel - June 15 - 6:36 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for 6 years. It now has high miles and is showing rust. It is a big full size SUV that is very comfortable and all wheel drive has great traction in Wisconsin winters.

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  Best vehicle I ever had - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By In the Sun - June 14 - 2:00 am

  One cannot expect great gas mileage from an SUV. Other than cost of gas I have no complaints about this vehicle.

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  Great SUV - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By JTIP - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I love this suv. It looks better than all others in my opinion, the towing ability and power are superb,have owned for 3 years now and no problems other than new brakes. A lot of issues that happen to used vehicles are from a lack of maintenance. No ball joint problems here,but we dont take off road. Only thing we added was remote start, lighted running boards, and new Michelins. The tires make a huge difference in ride quality. Would buy another one!

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  No Problems - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By soFarSoGood - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought by 98 Durango used in 2000 with 46,000 miles. Its now at 90,000 and I have had no problems with it at all (besides getting it stolen, then returned). Nothing has fallen off, nothing is loose, and I keep it looking like new. The only thing negative I can say is that the gas mileage is starting to hurt. But, who knew 4 years ago that gas would be so expensive. I must say, though, Ive not had the terrible gas mileage Im reading about on here. Ive been able to get 19 mpg on the highway with 92 octane, and about 15 in the city. Must be different driving habits. Oh, and change your air filter and keep your plugs clean... it works wonders.

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  great except the gas - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Monti-man - June 1 - 2:00 am

  The 5.9 V-8 is awesome! All the power you need and then some. But remember, each time the pedal hits the floor, thatll cost you a few bucks on gas for that split second. 3rd row seat is easy to fold and for adults under 6 feet tall, not THAT bad.

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  Great 7 passenger SUV - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By Great Durango - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I have the truck for 2 months and its a pleasure to drive. There is plenty of room for 6 adults. The third row seat is ok for adults on a short trip, Ok for kids on a long trip.