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:

• 

  BAD JOB DODGE - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By donny190 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I brought this car as a new years present to my self. i have had nothin but truoble. my starter went a month after i brought it, there is this anning rattle coming from the ehgne still need that fixed. i like the hemie good idea.

• 

  One of the Worst Vehicles I Have Owned - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By GreenPower - September 24 - 2:00 am

  This joke of a SUV averages 10 mpg around town, on the highway maybe 14 mpg. It has a variety of odd squeaks and assorted noises that the dealer cannot find and repair. My wife drives this vehicle around town, never offroad - the rear leaf springs snapped, which cost close to $1000.00 to replace. A power window sensor malfunctioned preventing the window from operating - $300.00 to repair. The power mirrors are now malfunctioning. The transmission is slipping. Overall this vehicle sucks - Ill never buy another Chrysler product.

• 

  Junk - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By jimtrue - September 23 - 2:00 am

  What a piece of junk! Brakes continually need replacing, A/C doesnt cool sufficently, fuel milage is abysmal. Bolt fell out of right rear leaf spring @ 5,000 mile, good thing I wasnt towing, leather seats very poor quality and starting to rip. I miss my moonroof. And, DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH SAM DELL DODGE!! Under investigation by NY State, biggest rip-off bunch in the area.

• 

  Not so good - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By madmamma - August 25 - 2:00 am

  I put a lot of milage on my Durango each year but thats no excuse for it to just rattle apart. In the last 6 months it has spent more time in the shop then on the road.

• 

  Piece of junk - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By G Jacobs - August 18 - 2:00 am

  By 45000 miles I have relpace the A/C, ball joints, full set of breaks, battery, roof rack, tran repairs, sifter knob, and a list of other items to long to recount. Junk.

• 

  This car stinks!! - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By LTEscott - August 18 - 2:00 am

  The 99 Durango has plenty of horses to get up and go, but it has been a struggle to keep it on the road. I have had problem with the entire front suspension, the A/C, the air bag, various sensors, the engine was using oil at the rate of a quart every 800 miles, and the last thing is the transmission blew to the tune of $5000. This car only has 70,000 miles on it and I have already put close to $11,000 in repair bills. I am so upside down that I can see China!!

• 

  not enough room - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By guglielmo - August 4 - 4:00 pm

  there is nor room in the second row of seating at all the gas mileage is very poor the braking system is the worst my brakes make noise and the dealer tells me that is normal

• 

  Loved it/ Now Hate it - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By tr2 - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Loved this SUV for 4 years except for having to replace the window motors 3 times. Then it hit 70,000 m. Its been in the shop 4 times in 2 months. Now spent over $4,800 in repairs in the last 2 months. First the wiper motors and fuel pump. Then a rebuild of the transmission. Replacement of parts in the exhaust system that failed. Numerous other minor repairs. Looking at another $1,500 to fix the ABS system. Now hear theres problems with ball joints. This is ridiculous. All previous cars I owned (not Chryslers) stayed in good condition 10 years each. I am never getting another Chrysler product.

• 

  Durango looks great but a piece of junk - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By Ron Hart - July 11 - 2:00 am

  The machine falls aprt at 70K miles, new trans, re-sealed transfer case, and now a speed sensor, I think! Ill never buy a Dodge again.

• 

  Dont buy one!!!!!!!!!!! - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By big mistake - May 5 - 2:00 am

  Ran great until the warranty expired. Worst vehicle I have ever owned. Problems with pininging on acceleration. Transmission problems. Broken torsion bar mount. Currently in the shop due to axle problems. This truck is a 4X4 with skid plates, but has never been driven off pavement. I have put every mile on myself so I know it hasnt been driven hard. The dealership is terrible to deal with. Constanlty hear from them that they cant duplicate the problem or that they can not hear what Im talking about. Have basically told me that Im stupid. Will never buy another Durango and will never buy another Chrysler product. Im going back to Ford!!