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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  Confussing models - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By oldsurfer - December 5 - 9:21 pm

  I had an 05 SLT last year tradeed for a limited. The limited has a lot better quality upgrades such as the leather is softer, the door panels are a thin softer material but still way too much plastic, rides real smooth. The models are too confussing. My 05 SLTcame with leather, 4.7, hub caps, no overhead console for gas and mileage read out etc. All SLTs should come with mag wheels and overhead readouts. The limiteds should come with everything. My limited is missing tow, dvd, nav, hemi, chrome wheels. Why is it called a limited?

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  MONTHLY PROBLEM-4 IN 4 MONTHS - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By DCMEYER4 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  PURCH JAN04 HAS NOT STARTED 3X,TOWED TO DEALER. OVERHEAD AND RADIO LIGHTS FLASH OFF AND ON, UNABLE TO TURN RADIO OFF OR CHANGE STATIONS WHILE CAR IS RUNNING. 1ST DEFECTIVE BATTERY, 2ND- OPEN GROUND,3RD-NOTHING READING OUT ON COMPUTER. AT PRESENT TOWED TO DEALER- WOULD NOT START AGAIN WAITING FOR ANOTHER EXCUSE OR THEY WILL PLAY STUPID "CAN NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM."

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  Decent SUV - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By Derrik - November 20 - 6:59 pm

  Vehicle has great pulling power and torque. Has some reliability issues but usually nothing major. Gas mileage is terrible. Nice to climb and mud in. I know several people that own Dodge 4x4 including some with Durangos and the general concensus is the transmissions tend to not last longer than 140k mi.

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  No, you didnt get a bad one - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By nomore dodges - November 14 - 8:07 pm

  My 4.7 engine blew at 74,000 miles with no oil pressure. Heater core failed at 40,000 miles, cost $800 to replace. If youre thinking of buying a Durango, my advice is dont!

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  Thirsty car - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By smc in Colorado - October 2 - 10:34 pm

  This car is okay, and thats about it. You dont expect an SUV to get 25 mpg, but this thing is like Dudley Moore at last call - drink, drink, drink. It doesnt "hug" the road well, and it really feels only average in the snow (part of the reason for owning an SUV). It hasnt been a horrible experience, but no way I buy it again.

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  My Dodge - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Falveys - August 26 - 6:47 am

  Our first trip was to Florida from Connecticut, about 1400 miles. We averaged 20 mpg using 89 octane and speeds set at 72 mph (cruise control) The doors leak air and cause a serious distraction when trying to listen to the radio at low volume. The car handles well and performed well. and the ride was pleasant for the most part. You are unable to roll the rear windows down at highway speeds. They flutter to the point where you think your ear drums are going to explode.

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  I will never buy another - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By Joe - August 24 - 11:35 am

  I purchased my 1998 Durango with only 42K miles on it. At first it was great until the brakes started to squeak after 2 weeks. I tried 3 different brands of brakes pads and bought new rotors but they still were making the noise. I gave up. Then 2 months later the transfer case seals started to leak which I later found to be a common problem. That was a $300 repair with only 50K miles on the truck. I liked the room and the looks but with such poor gas mileage and build quality, I cut my losses. Never again. The truck also developed quite a bit of surface rust. The truck was sold after 11 months of ownership. So much for Dodge.

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  Disappointing - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Rick - August 16 - 6:47 pm

  What sold me was the smooth luxury car like ride unlike many other SUVs. Lots of electrical problems with this one from the very begining. Latest episode left my wife stranded due to failure to start and had to hitch a ride to the airport. Had just gotten it out of the shop for other issues. It is back there again!Poor fuel economy.

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  Never Again - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By George - July 29 - 4:47 pm

  Owned R/T for several months now and regret trading in my Infiniti for it. Had 32K when purchased and had tie rod problems from the day I drove off lot. Wife broke down 3 days after purchase. Went back to have driver side window switch replaced due to failure, Window came off track At 44k transmission started slipping on highway at 65mph. Took to dealer and whole transmission needed to be replaced over $2k. Lucky I bought extended warranty but still cost me $425 out of pocket. Still doesnt feel right. Slips now when rear end hits any bump on highway. I am going with my wife this week to get rid of it and buy a foreign car. American cars are just not up to the quality level.

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  Money Pit--Slick looks, sickly quality - 1998 Dodge Durango
  By My Dodge Is Junk - July 9 - 6:32 pm

  The gas mileage I expected (around 12), the trips to the shop are ridiculous-- water pump, heater blower, power drivers seat motor, head gasket, rear a/c, etc etc etc. I cant believe a vehicle that stickered for $37K can be such a piece of junk at 100k miles. Had 100K warranty thank God, but even then the dealer said clunking noise in tranny reverse is normal, whistling noise in heater blower is normal...words cant describe my disappointment. On my way to go trade it for a Nissan Murano