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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  Reliability Nightmare - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By Mel Farnaby - July 6 - 6:11 pm

  This is my second Durango from the same dealer. My first one was returned and replaced due to excessive water leaks that the dealer was unable to fix. My new 05 SLT with Hemi has now had three fuel pumps on it and a new gas tank, and I am extremely dissatisfied and wonder where and when it is going to leave me on the side of the road again. This vehicle has less than 5,000 miles on it and has been in and out of the dealership since I leased it. I wish Dodge would face up to the fact that they have a problem and take steps to rectify.

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  poor - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By baasenos - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Dodge does not back their product whatsoever. This was the most horrible experience Ive ever encountered with a vehicle. I will never own another dodge product. Beware of the transmission and get the extended warranty.

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  Great hemi rest of it not so great - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By GMACPA - November 16 - 1:16 am

  The Durango hemi offers plenty of room and comfort, but falls way short on quality. In 4 months I am now in the process of replacing the radio for the second time, first the display was going blank and now the CD changer is broken. The trim inside looks like it is from a cheap economy car, and there are cosmetic defects everywhere. The tires are awful--these Goodyear Wrangler SR/A have limited dry traction, horrible in the rain, and I expect even with AWD to have to replace them for the winter season. AWD on lousy tires means slide with all 4 tires thats all. Gas mileage is worse than I expected-- awful around town, ok on highway.

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  Never again a Dodge!!! - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By balto-man - November 12 - 10:00 am

  At first, I fell in love with my Durango. Its power, stylish looks, big tires, good handling were all fun until: The rear tailgate latch broke, a psngr. door wouldnt unlock (no fix), a loud chirping from the rear couldnt be fixed, the a/c stopped working from some electrical problem (they managed to fix this 1), then the engine stalled on several occasions and the dealer (after having my Durango for 3 wks) couldnt fix this 1! This almost got me and a dealership mechanic in a few accidents! I traded it in ASAP. I should also mention that the dealership where I bought the Durango treated me like I was some kind of criminal. Never again will I buy a Dodge!

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  Frustrating vehicle - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Craig Kiesel - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought the Durango for its looks, interior room, and power for towing my boat. Did not count on spending lots of money on repairs which still have not been solved. I have owned this vehicle for 10 months and have had to fix or repair the a/c, rear passenger window, clean fuel injectors and throttle body, tune up, rebuild the tranny, and the still unresolved surge in power when at cruising speed. Very frustrating. Two different dealerships on three different visits have not been able solve this problem. Cannot wait to get rid of this yehicle!

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  Maintenence Woes - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Mishel - August 1 - 2:00 am

  I adored my Durango and stood my ground when my father tried to tell me it was poorly built. I have seen the light, Dad is ALWAYS right! It is 5 years old now(and I am still paying payments!), and goes in the shop an average of once a month. If I get it out for less than $500, I am delighted. I replaced the transfer case($3000), speed sensors(3X $300), power window motors, water pump, radiator thermostat, etc, not to mention the typical expected things. Have I mentioned I am on my 4th serpentine belt? I was told they should last 3 years! I think the mechanic has the truck more than I do Anyway, they look good, but Ill never buy another one!

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  A Van alternative - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Evergreen - May 20 - 2:00 am

  For hauling a batch of kids, going camping, skiing, and trips to Costco its great. However, ita a pig on gas (13.8 mpg over 80K miles) and not maintenance free. The exh manifold bolts have broken, the drive shaft U- joint replaced, door locks replaced 2 times a new power steering pump and 3 sets of brakes. It has also depreciated $20K over 4 years making this a great used value, at my expense! I wont buy another new one.

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  No More Durangos for Me - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By PoeTayToe - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Realizing that this was a used vehicle when I bought it, I still feel the upper and lower ball joints should have lasted much longer than 65,000 miles. A gas hog from the word go, stutters when it passes a gas station. When the gas prices were reasonable, it was a fun vehicle to drive. However, it is awfully sluggish considering it has a 5.2L V8. Goes really good in the snow. An electrical problem waylayed the local dealership for 10 days over three different visits trying to make the repairs! Rear seat leg room is minimal. Third row seat should be reserved for kids or small adults.

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  Looking for a new truck - 2001 Dodge Durango
  By efd326 - April 27 - 2:00 am

  want in pick-up. good at towing under 4000 ilbs. dodge needs full size suv. brakes loose in rain. ABS is poor.

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  My 2000 Durango - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By Santo - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I loved my 00 Durango until I hit the 50,000 mile mark. Major front end problems started to arise and they are still coming. The drivers seat could use more padding in the lower lumbar area. The padding broke down in my seat after 35k. The engine is solid! This truck can tow a house down. I have the 5.9 liter. The power is unbelievable! 3rd row seat is very handy.