4 Star Reviews for 2005 Dodge Durango

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.34/5 Average
169 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Two trim levels have been added -- SXT and SLT Adventurer. The SXT features roof rails, running boards and side moldings. The Adventurer includes a Thule roof rack, side steps, slush mats, cargo liner and organizer and unique wheels. Cloth heated seats are standard on all models this year (except the Limited, which sticks with leather heated seats). A full-screen navigation system is newly available.

Pros:
  • Strong V8 engines, agile handling, excellent ride quality, capable off-road, lots of cargo capacity, simple controls.
Cons:
  • Lousy mileage, sloppy fit and finish, needs more second-row legroom and storage, no stability control or parking sensors.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 169.00
  • 210,000 miles in 5 years - 2005 Dodge Durango
    By -

    I bought an 05 Dodge Durango ST with 45k on it in June 07 for ~$19k. In that time Ive put on over 165,000 miles. I have had to replace all 4 tires twice, battery, headlights, alternator, gas tank (factory recall covered by Dodge), spark plugs, & air compressor. What finally did me in was losing the transmission about 2 weeks ago. Fixing it would run about $1500 and even then its no guarantee how much more the car has in it. The gas mileage is miserable but this car held on through the rough & tumble college years where it was routinely loaded down with people & stuff for long haul drives (1k+ miles). Nothing fancy but sturdy. I am sad to see it go and not sure what Ill replace it with.

  • Great family & work vehicle! - 2005 Dodge Durango
    By -

    Great vehicle for road trips with family, fun around town, or as an everyday driver. I use it for work and average around 1k miles a week. The selling points on the Durango are ride quality and interior features. It has a super smooth ride with great handling for a vehicle its size. It also has several nice bells and whistles that Dodge puts into its higher end vehicles (ipod connection, bluetooth, sat radio, etc.). The downsides are also there though. Poor gas mileage, minimal second row leg room, and a little more road noise than some prefer. It also has great cargo room and a great sound system.

  • After 5 years 85000 miles of ownership - 2005 Dodge Durango
    By -

    Overall very good SUV. Ride is smooth but can get bouncy on rough roads. No major mechanical issues, sporadic stalling has happened a few times per year, EGR had to be replaced under warranty. Check engine light will come on if gas cap is not on properly. Average 17.6 mpg in mixed driving. Incredible in bad weather, made many long trips in bad weather to hockey games. 3rd row seating not very comfortable to anyone over 12. Lose all rear storage space with 3rd row in use. Rear and middle rows can be folded down which is nice. Sound system is very good. No build quality issues to report. Overall very happy with the Durango and would consider buying another one in the future.

  • Beware of recalls - 2005 Dodge Durango
    By -

    My Durango has been a trooper. we originally drove this vehicle from FL to IL with no issues. This is a vehicle that can handle miles and will last. But one issue I have found is my gas inlet does not close. This causes gas to over flow when I fuel the vehicle. Now this was a recall for this vehicle. I have also experienced my car shifting out of park (which caused me to park into a cop) but Chrysler refuses to uphold to repair being my vin is not highly reported. So be aware of the vehicle and its faults.

  • Tons of Vehicle for the $$ - 2005 Dodge Durango
    By -

    Bought the Durango used nearly 3 yrs ago and initially had several minor issues with some trim pieces. However, mechanically its been nearly perfect and very reliable. Great tow vehicle and good for family of 6. Not quite as large as Expedition or Tahoe but much less expensive, tows as much or more (Ive got the HEMI) and drives much better - especially in the city. Mileage also hasnt been bad as expected. I consistently average 15.5 to 16.0 combined and easily achieve 20- 22 on the highway cruising 80. Not the prettiest vehicle out there but one to seriously consider if buying used. NEVER buy one of these big SUVs new - youd be throwing $1000s out the window for no reason!

  • Great Tough Looking SUV but Pump Costly - 2005 Dodge Durango
    By -

    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.

  • Good not great - 2005 Dodge Durango
    By -

    We replaced our 1999 Dodge Caravan in 2005 for a brand new Dodge Durango SLT 4x4 with the 4.7L V8. Immediately, we began having problems with the passenger side airbag. It would always say that it was turned off, even if there wasnt a light load in the front seat. The 4.7L V8, with only 235 HP, is no match for this heavy, almost full-size SUV. Acceleration is strong off the line, but lacks mid-range and passing punch. The interior is made of cheap plastics, and the fit and finish is not very good at all. We averaged (we replaced it in 2008 for a Ford Taurus X) 15.3 MPG with it, and with only 235 HP, you would think it would have been better.

  • Great Value - 2005 Dodge Durango
    By -

    Great ride and handling for a large truck , I got the 4.7 not HEMI. Lots of room for your stuff. Love the stereo sound and DVD player.

  • Moms taxi - 2005 Dodge Durango
    By -

    I really do enjoy driving the Durango. A couple of things that might have deterred me knowing what I know now- The cloth seats are easily snagged-must invest in seat covers or they will be shot! Secondly- It has proven to be very car seat unfriendly. Safest position is in the middle of the back seat, and this becomes a real problem with seatbelts, proper installment of the carseat, and anyone else who may be in the back as well, needing a seatbelt that cant be latched. Also, for the Durango with no 3rd row seating, there should be an option to move the 2nd row back further. No room for ANYONE to sit in back seats Including 3yr old in carseat! Totally out for an infant! Sleek appearance

  • My SXT - 2005 Dodge Durango
    By -

    This is my first Durango. I was impressed with the quiet, comfort compared to my 97 Astro. We bought it for hauling the grandkids. A third row is a must have with 7, 4, and two year olds.

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