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:
Showing 951 through 960 of 1,400.00-
Durango - 1998 Dodge Durango
By Max Weltzin - March 10 - 2:00 amExcellent design, agressive looks.
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Nice SUV - 1998 Dodge Durango
By Pac_man - March 9 - 2:00 amI have had very good luck with my Durango. I love the flexibility and styling. The ride can be a little rough and the gas mileage is terrible, but other than that its a great SUV. If they sold the same truck with a diesel, I would buy it in a second.
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Serves purpose well - 2001 Dodge Durango
By vt_mom_of_4 - March 9 - 2:00 amWe are not mini van folks so the Durango was an obvious choice for us having our third daughter on the way. The gas milage is about average however, it does great on long trips.
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I love this truck - 2005 Dodge Durango
By mike - March 8 - 11:43 amI enjoy my new Durango. This truck rides smoothly. It has horsepower and I enjoy my Infinty sound system, DVD, CD changer, and also my third row. My children say "we look down on people in the cars we are big." Im very proud of Chrysler/Dodge. They finally stepped up and made a large SUV. Keep up the good work.
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Christine - 1999 Dodge Durango
By picsbyron - March 8 - 2:00 amGreat except for the gas milage.
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Great 4X4 or cargo hauler - 1999 Dodge Durango
By dfan - March 8 - 2:00 amGreat Suv for the long road trip. Not so good to put a DVD in. Handles excellent in the poor weather(I have tested it out in 18+ inches of snow). Fairly easy to get in and out. I have been hit twice in it. Once in the front and it crumpled and took all the impact and the other on the side which caused the door to crumple up and it took most of the impact. Third row seating does not have climate controls or vents and it does get a little stale on long trips unless you get the R/T model which has vents for third row seating.
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Our Durango did us fine - 2001 Dodge Durango
By wilsonclan4 - March 8 - 2:00 amWe purchased the Durango because of its size and 7 passenger seating. We have the SLT AWD with 4.7. over 60000 miles and the vehicle has only been to the dealer for repair once to replace the AC under warrenty. The truck still looks new, the interior held up great, and it still looks great today. Power from the 4.7 was good and the sound coming from the exhaust is sweet. Are only complaints surround the AC and Brakes. The AC does have trouble cooling in really high temperatures and the anti-lock brakes are not very comforting when engaging, but upgrades pads and rotors fixed some of the problem.
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98 Dodge ok - 1998 Dodge Durango
By Handcuff - March 4 - 2:00 amThe 98 Durango is a good suv but has a serious gas problem.
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Love that Durango - 1999 Dodge Durango
By t2529ac - March 3 - 2:00 amThis is my first SUV. I love how it is large enough to take 7 or 8 people out to dinner, or just for a drive. We have taken this vehicle to Michigan 4 times on vacation. I love how it turns on a dime. I plan to sell it and get a new 2005 Durango. I have friends who have got the 2000 and above models, but mine seems to be when Dodge broke the mold.
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The Last of Real V-8s - 2001 Dodge Durango
By bc_iii - March 3 - 2:00 amThis is a real SUV, not a "High Wagon" or "car based" unibody pretender. It has a real metal truck frame, a 5.9 Liter 360 cubic inch V8 not a 4.x or 3.x Liter. (Those CIDs belong in V6s for you youngsters that dont know any better.) The Durango rides smoothly, but lets you know if you hit a bump. It sucks down the gas like its goin out of style. A perfect American SUV to drive out in CA or NY just to tick off the tree huggers. The Infinity sound system needed no aftermarket upgrades, and the fit and finish of the vehicle (built in NJ) was comprable to the imports.
