3 Star Reviews for Dodge Durango

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.25/5 Average
1,400 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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 81 through 90 of 1,400.00
  • Looks good, not build good - 1999 Dodge Durango
    By -

    I have always loved the way Dodge trucks looked. Thats what attacted me to the Durango. Now after owning it for 5 years I still like the looks but I had to get a new transmission ($2600) in March of 2003. Now this year front and rear diffs, engine intake and the rear axle/bearings needs replaced (another $3500). I will probably never purchase another Dodge again.

  • She had to have it - 2002 Dodge Durango
    By -

    My wife loved the look of the Durango. The sale was high pressure, but we did get a very good deal $7000 below sticker price. When we got it the ground strap wasnt hooked up, the rear washer didnt work, and the folding seats stuck,lack of attention to detail. They worked on the seat twice and still it doesnt work that good, a poorly designed and finished hinge/latch piece. The battery died at 24,000 miles and it runs rough if it hasnt run for a while. I do my own maintance, the lack of a gasket of the transmission pan is just stupid. Our dealer service experiences have been terrible and we will never again buy a Dodge or Chyrsler product.

  • Durango - 2001 Dodge Durango
    By -

    Not happy with the finish out of interior pieces. Lots of little plastic pieces broken easily and back storage hatch totally disintegrated

  • Solid value, dont overspend though - 2000 Dodge Durango
    By -

    Bought this vehicle in August 2003 and it was fully loaded SLT Plus with some aftermarket items like wind deflector, rear taillight grille, and weathertech window airvent shields. Has the big 5.9 liter V8. I like this engine but I wouldve preferred the more peppy 4.7 liter because the 5.9 takes a little more time to get up and go. I wont be doing too much towing either.

  • 98 Dodge ok - 1998 Dodge Durango
    By -

    The 98 Durango is a good suv but has a serious gas problem.

  • 4 Wheeling in a Caddie - 1999 Dodge Durango
    By -

    My Durango has been a pretty good vehicle. We do a lot of family 4- wheeling and find it quite comfortable. Gas mileage is not high but it has the power and comfort to go 4-wheeling in style.

  • P.O.S. - 1998 Dodge Durango
    By -

    I will never purchase another Dodge product in my entire life!!! I have owned it for about 4 yrs and have sunk nearly 6K in fixing it! It now has only 80K miles. The rear bearings went out at 37K miles. The water pump, window motor, radiator, upper and lower control arms (replaced them twice!), tyrods, ball joints, and factory cd radio have all been replace. I highly recomend no one ever purchasing this vehicle.

  • SORRY DODGE YOU SCREWED UP! - 1999 Dodge Durango
    By -

    Bought the Durango a $1000 under what everyone else was asking and got a great deal. One year later the truck depreciates $3500 bucks, and have had nothing but problems since. Had to put in tranny seals in 2 times now, ball joint are goin out, tie rod ends are going out, exhaust is going out. shocks, minor electrical, squeaky pullys, fog light switch, windshield spayers, differental is acting wierd, Braking is pretty funky as well somtimes the antilocks works somtimes they dont. I am at the point I am scared to keep it any longer. Oh yes and everybodys favorite complaint the HORRABLE gas mialage! 10 mpg.

  • ^@!%&! Ugh!!! - 1998 Dodge Durango
    By -

    If I could curse here I would! Where do I start! How is it this piece of S... has less than 80k miles and the transmission goes? How about the window motor? Fuel Pump, power steering, A/C? These are not typical wear and tear items! If you are reviewing this, please take my advice, NEVER EVER BUY THIS SUV! OK, so I was like you too, I really liked this SUV. My sister had one and ran into the same Window and tranny problem. I was stupid and didnt take her advice. NEVER EVER AGAIN!!!

  • I hate it!!! - 2003 Dodge Durango
    By -

    I traded in my 2000 Durango due to high mileage, which to me rode like a Cadillac, and purchased the 2003 model. After 3 months we are looking at trading this one in. This one rides like a truck, the interior seems so much smaller and compact. You are now butting elbows with your passenger. I always said I would always drive a Durango, but now I think we will be looking at other SUVs.

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