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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  A heck of a truck - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By ChristaLynn - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I needed very specific things in a vehicle, towing capacity for a horse trailer, room for 3 kids and their stuff, 4 wheel drive, comfortable front seats for long drives, and most importantly, a cool looking vehicle (bye bye boring minvan) The Durango was the only mid-sized truck that met all my criteria. I love, love, love driving this truck. When I hit that accelerator, this baby moves. It handles great, corners well and is just so fun to drive. Also, I bought my Durango used on Ebay and saved over $6,000 so am doubly happy. Hope you buy one and love it too.

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  Great family vehicle - 2007 Dodge Durango
  By Mrs Young - October 13 - 12:56 am

  First and foremost, I admit that the Durango is not easy on gas. Other than the gas problem, I really like this vehicle. As a mom of two young boys, I love having a sexy mommy wagon. I have a 2007, with leather interior, mp3 multi disc player. Its a lovely maroon color with silver details. It has a roomy third row seat and plenty of storage. It handles great and has a very powerful v8 engine. Its fun to drive and its very stylish. The only other problem area is that sometimes the gas cap doesnt make a good seal which makes the service engine light come on temporarily. Hopefully, I can stop by my dealership and have that problem taken care of.

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  Good solid vehicle- 2006 Durango Limited - 2006 Dodge Durango
  By Warren - October 11 - 12:08 am

  I have had this 2006 Limited HEMI for 3 years now and no problems whatsoever. This is an excellent SUV. It will tow just about any trailer with the 5.7L HEMI. Fit and finish on the interior of the Limited model is very good overall. Plenty of off the line power with no lag. Factory Navigation system from Alpine is very good, although it isnt touchscreen and requires CD map updates periodically. Ride and comfort are exceptional. Visibility is outstanding. Perhaps a bit better final inspection as a drain pipe wasnt originally installed in the side pillar which caused water leaks in the first rain. Dealer installed at no charge. Overall, Dodge makes some very fine trucks like this one.

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  Big Blue - 2000 Dodge Durango
  By moyeti - September 5 - 11:34 pm

  Bought when my kids were young and I couldnt drive a mini van. At 96K only a water pump has gone bad. Ive taken good care of it though, bu it has chewed thru 3 sets of tires. Otherwise it runs every time and the 360 V8 sounds and feels great. I use it to pull my motorbike around. Taking it to the state park next March with the entire family. Itll be "the car" we all remember. Tough, American, strong and heavy. Dependable and true.

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  Excellent Choice! - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By golfgti47 - August 26 - 5:11 am

  I recently bought my Durango used. I am single and dont actually need this vehicle but I have since found it so useful! It tows my 6000 pound car trailer with ease, even with 3.55 gears in my Hemi. Power is great and is always available, I average about 13/18 but if I want to take it easy I can easily get 21-22 MPG on the highway. I only wish the 2nd row had more legroom but the 3rd row easily has the Tahoe beat for overall comfort and space. Overall this vehicle was an excellent buy! It looks great, drives great and has just about every feature I could want! At 101K miles it still feels like brand new! I highly Recommend this car! Dont buy any other till you atleast test drive this car!

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  2004 Hemi Durango - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By Hemiman - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Having traded a 2001 Durango for this I see only improvements. The vehicle handles as if it is much smaller than it is and rides considerable better that it earlier verisons. With the Hemi it tows effortlessly, better than any vehicle I have driven. When not towing, from quick starts to high speed passing this vehicle pulls hard and accelerates more better than any other SUV I have been in. As far as cargo space is concerned, it is enormous. You cant miss with this vehicle as long as you have a gas credit card (preferable with rewards for heavy use).

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  normal upkeep - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By Andy G - August 19 - 10:16 am

  Have 160,000 miles on car got it new in 1999 work on car was minimal ball joints one sencer on trans, water pump my only complaint was freeze out plugs leaking this should never happen 5.2 motor. Gas mileage 15-18 mpg rides like a truck. Front bumper chips easy and starting to get rust.

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  Safe, Useful, When it Runs - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By gplant - August 18 - 1:51 pm

  Bought it for my wife to giver her more metal around her. Powerful, pulls loads, and hauls whatever you wants. Sucks gas, but no surprise. Good, reliable vehicle, except for the ECM (throttle control), which has a mind of its own - you have to ride the throttle to keep it from dying. Heater core & water pump had to be replaced at 70k miles.

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  Had problems - 1999 Dodge Durango
  By hwoquinn - August 14 - 12:33 am

  All four power windows went out before 36,000 miles. Luckily covered under warranty but one has gone out again since warranty expired. At 56,000 miles had to replace intake gasket. Mechanic said he had seen several Dodge products with the problem. At 74,000 miles speedometer stopped working between 0-60mph. Love the looks and the room. Am not satisfied with quality and reliability.

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  Great Tough Looking SUV but Pump Costly - 2005 Dodge Durango
  By CTBoyd - August 12 - 8:05 pm

  Bought this Durango last month with 34,850 miles and couldnt wait to drive it off the lot. The reviews are pretty much spot on with regards to the driving comfort, exterior styling and poor interior materials. I havent had any problems with the vehicle and driving this silver Durango Adventurer SLT made me feel like a million bucks. Unfortunately, I will be selling this vehicle in the next month or so because I dont have that million bucks to keep feeding it gas. You can actually watch the 27 gallon tank, gas gauge move while driving. I knew the gas mileage was bad when I bought it, but didnt expect it to be 11 to 12 mpgs. It will be sad to see it drive away when I sell it.