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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  Lemon - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Jamie - September 1 - 6:28 pm

  Like I have read in other reviews, the issues with this vehicle are tremendous. The 5.7 litter Hemi has great acceleration and I have been very please with the gas mileage. Other than that, it has been nothing but a nightmare. It stalls when stopping all the time,the dealership has no idea what is wrong since their computer tells them nothing. The interior continues to fall apart daily. Not to mention the extreme loss in value in 1.5 years is huge! I look forward to trading it in as soon as I can afford to bail out!

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  Hate this SUV ! - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By sue - August 18 - 4:34 pm

  I have owned Chevy, Ford & Dodge SUVs, This is by far the worst. I had my Ford Explorer for 100,000 miles and no major problems, Chevy Trailblazer, I owned for short time, but no problems. This SUV I have had back to the dealer 3 times for the same problem, it doesnt want to shift into higher gears, a few times the tack jumped between 1 & 2 like crazy for no reason and the dealer can not fix it ! The A/C doesnt cool off the back seat at all, the plastic has broke around both front seats. I only have 27,000 miles and I have all these problems already. Im going back to Ford and not touching a Dodge again. Its a shame because my parents both drive Dodges also, we were a Dodge family !

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  Good truck but cheap interior - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Heather Jane - August 2 - 6:56 pm

  My husband LOVES Durangos, this is our 2nd one. We have 2 kids so traveling is nice, especially the DVD system, heated seats, cd changer, etc. We use it to tow a trailer sometimes too. One thing that irritates me as well as other customers is the poor cheap plastic design in the front for the driver and passenger. My sides have cracked and even broke/holes.This should NOT be happening and I firmly believe if enough of us get together and complain, maybe they will fix it. Its a long shot but, a very high cost for an SUV if its just going to crack.

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  Good for 50k miles - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Bob - May 8 - 10:49 pm

  This vehicle is a maintenance nightmare. Go ahead and pull out the maintenance schedule and you will see what I mean. For example, plugs every 30k miles, axle flush ever 15k miles, transmission fluid every 30k miles, etc, etc, etc. This was a nice SUV for about 50k miles, but it has had problems with the steering and irritating clunking noise coming from the front suspension. The fuel tank has problems so it like to shoot fuel all over the place if you fill it up and allow the pump to automatically shut off. The transmission has started to slip and there is an idle problem that causes it to die. Has had this problem since about 30k miles. Just poor quality overall. We have the 4.7L Magnum.

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  Money Pit - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Dodge sucks - April 6 - 5:00 pm

  I do not recommend this vehicle to anyone ... I bought it with the intention of keeping it for 10 years, therefore I serviced it accordingly at an authorized Dodge service shop. Without warning or indication the trans went out at 65k miles and again at 130k miles. I cant believe it cause I never tow anything, go off- road, or skip services. All in all it was a pile of crap from the get go - I called Dodge today to let em know I’m unhappy - and since it is out of warranty - I have to pay for the repairs on my own. Lesson learned - Dodge is a big no no in my future. Sorry guys I really did give you an opportunity to help me out - perhaps you can rip another poor sucker off and stay in busines

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  DONT BUY ONE! - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By joe - March 7 - 4:23 pm

  I bought this truck new in 2000. I had to put a new engine in at 80,000 miles and just put in a new transmission at 102,000. Now its leaking fluid...probably the radiator needs repair. Water pump also just went out... expensive, but solid truck feel. Im selling it to buy a toyota or lexus... or honda... or... anything but a DODGE!

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  Not for the long of back! - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By Nick1011 - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I went and tried to sit in one of these today, and noticed a not-so-nice feature. They have the rear a/c ducts in the cieling, so if you are long in the torso, you probably wont fit! Other than that, I would have bought one today.

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  gas guzzler - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By kyle c - February 9 - 8:20 am

  it was ok, until the breaks squeaked after 3 weeks. but the gas is ridiculous. i dont go far without visiting a gas station so if u want to save money dont buy this car.

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  Piece of Junk - 2002 Dodge Durango
  By Eric - January 10 - 6:26 pm

  I loved this car until the camshaft sheared off parts at 59k miles and cost me $2200 in repairs. Modern cars should not have camshafts breaking for no reason at 59,000 miles! This will be the last American car I buy.

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  OK if you like basic truck ride - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Golfnkappa - November 27 - 3:03 am

  This vehicle is excellent towing large items. When all seats are down there is enough room to carry large items The engine is excellant. My navigation system has been replaced once and now its not reading the disc again. Also the seats feel cheap along with everything else in the cabin. The only other problem is that both the driver and passenger side square piece breaks easily.