Dodge Durango Reviews and Ratings

2004 Dodge Durango Updated, Upgraded
Writer's Notes Test Vehicle 2004 Dodge Durango MSRP Range*: $26,565 (ST 4x2) - $34,900 (Limited 4x4) *including delivery First Impression: Bigger, stronger, quieter than Durangos past. Plus: Room for people/storage, off-road, towing capabilities Minus: Gas mileage, big dimensions a tight squeeze in small spaces The Competition: (full-size) Ford Explorer, Chevy Trail Blazer, (large) Chevy Tahoe, Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia Unlike many high dollar utes, Durango is at a price point where its owners may well take their vehicle off-road. Comments or suggestions about this review? Send an e-mail to: editor@autobytel.com Autobytel Inc. operates the popular automotive websites Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, Carsmart.com, and Autosite.com. xxx	In the world of wheels, six years is an awfully long time. That's how long it's been since we saw the last, new Dodge Durango. The first Durango hit the streets in 1997 as a '98 model. The 2nd generation, 2004 Durango will roll into showrooms on November 15. During that six year span, the sport ute segment has splintered. One large branch forked towards hybrids - station wagon/sport ute blends, car-like, roomy, all wheel drivers. The other branch stayed the course charted by the 90's Ute boom: big, multi-purpose, truck-based, 4x4, off-road ready. That's still where Durango hails from, but buyer interest in more refinement for their truck bucks has obviously not fallen on deaf ears at Dodge. The 2004 Durango is clean sheet new, not based on Dakota as was its predecessor. Durango is a large class SUV, larger than first generation models. Bust out the measuring tape and you will find the '04's to be 7" longer, 3" wider and 3" taller. It's also 2" lower in one significant area, as Dodge adopts a car-like bumper height for its new truck. Durango's new sheet metal draws on Dodge family DNA, past and present. The mug shot begins with a wide, chrome, cross-hair grille. It's flanked by curve-cut headlight covers, set flush into flared, front fenders. Styling cues come from Dodge's contemporary Power Box and Power Wagon concept trucks, as well as the classic Power Wagon pickups from the 1940's-60's. Side on, you see short overhangs and a steeply raked windshield. The laid back glass is said to pay aero-benefits, a plus, in a breed not known for slippery styling. Wide arcing wheel wells house 17" tires. In back, a clean finish, with smooth glass-to-sheet-metal transitions. An integrated CHMSL up high triangulates with a pair of retro-cool, "afterburner" taillights below. So without, so within. The Durango's growth spurt outside makes for bigger dimensions inside: an overall increase in cargo room of 15%, with specific boosts to shoulder, hip, headroom and rear seat leg room. Three row seating is available on mid-level SLT and top-line Limiteds. The third row folds flush when not in use. Cargo capacity is 20.1 cubic feet (aft of the third row seat), 68.4 cu. ft. (aft of the second row seat) and 102.4 cubic feet (aft of the front seat). There's 48.5" of space between the wheel wells, so sheet goods can lie flat in back. Rear access is through a one-piece, top hinged lift gate. Lift over height is low, and a plastic covering shields the edge of the load compartment floor from paint scratches. Durango's second row is split 40/20/40. Wide swinging rear doors ease access to back rows, as do built in grab handles. Row two seats fold and tumble easily, without having to remove headrests. People fare well in 2nd or 3rd rows. Both can handle six footers, and the second row also serves as front row for the optional, fold-down video entertainment center. It will handle CD's, MP3's and is gaming system compatible. A set of wireless headphones will help parents keep the peace in back. Hop in up front and you land in comfortable bucket seats. The driver faces a trio of white-faced gauges, controls for all functions are easy to reach and easy to figure. The center console integrates lots of storage spots, including a deep, covered bin that doubles as an inside arm rest. Visibility is good in all directions, and step-in height to the cabin doesn't require a running start or a trampoline. "The Dodge Durango sets new standards for ride, handling and comfort, while living up to the "utility" promise of sport utility vehicles." The new Durango's chassis is 2.8 times stiffer than the previous version and fitted with an upgraded suspension. The former leaf springs have been replaced by a link coil setup in back. Brakes are the same as on the Dodge Ram 1500: four wheel disc, with standard ABS and available traction control. When rubber hits road (or off-road), Durango proves to be a noticeable nose in front of its predecessor. The truck's ride and handling on pavement are a clear step up. Ride quality is very good for the breed and the rear suspension feels greatly improved. Where a bumpy corner could induce the old setup to step out (with less than amusing results) the new Watt's linkage feels well planted and stable. Thicker front glass, the deep windshield rake and liberal use of sound insulation makes it quieter inside, too. Unlike many high dollar utes, Durango is at a price point where its owners may well take their vehicle off-road. All large utes like Durango are obviously less nimble than their smaller counterparts, but that said, the new Dodge is quite capable off road. Ground clearance is 7.9", undercarriage skid plates are available optionally. Four wheel drive models have shift-on-the-fly capability. Off-road, the Hemi's low end power flattens hills nicely, and the new suspension makes for less of the side to side shimmying that big utes are prone to. Durango can be equipped to tow as much as 8,950 lbs. The 4x4 model that I drove was pulling about 5,000 lbs. behind and I found little in the way of the "tail wagging the dog" feel that you sometimes have when hauling. The 37½' turning radius helps when you've got to get it all swung about, and the 5.7 liter Hemi didn't seem to mind shouldering the extra load. Yes I did say Hemi, one of three engine choices for Durango, depending on trim level chosen. Base, ST model 4x2's start with a 210 hp, 3.7 liter V-6 (with 235 lb. ft. of torque), coupled to a four speed automatic transmission. Also available is a 4.7 liter V-8 (230 hp @ 4,600 rpm, 290 lb. ft. of torque @ 3,600 rpm), linked to a five speed automatic. Rounding out the trio (optional on SLT and Limited) is Dodge's 5.7 liter Hemi V-8/5 speed auto. combo. The hemispherical head engine puts 335 hp (@5,400 rpm) and 370 lb. ft. of torque (@4,200 rpm) under foot. The 4.7 is relatively quiet, with good power and minimal need to kick down on hills. Dodge expects that 40% of Durango buyers will opt to upgrade to the 5.7 Hemi, and it's easy to see why. Compared to the 4.7, the Hemi ups the ante significantly in power, with a lot more engine growl and about the same gas mileage. Speaking of which, fuel economy, while improved over last year's models, is still not the Durango's strong suit. Mileage estimates are 16 city/21 highway (V-6), 14/19 (4.7, 4x2), 14/18 (4.7, 4x4), 14/19 (5.7, 4x2) and 13/18 (5.7, 4x4). However, those who'd really rather not be on a first name basis with their local gas station attendant can take comfort in the increased fuel tank capacity. The new, 27 gallon tank boosts your theoretical range between fill-ups to as much as 500 miles. While Dodge isn't making any sales projections for Durango, they stand to sell about 90,000 of their current models, and are obviously confident of smacking down that number with their all new '04's. It seems a sure bet. A mid-level, 2004 SLT 4x4 stickers for an estimated $31,590, which is about $1,800 less than a comparably equipped 2003 model. That value, wrapped in a more refined package, should help Durango compete in an increasingly crowded field. Those who like their SUV's roomy and off-road capable will want to check out the new Dodge. ---------- ---------- ---Story and photos by Dan Lyons photos © Dan Lyons 2003

Source:  ABT