1998-2003 Dodge Durango: Road Test

Durango feels more like a large car than a truck, delivering a ride that's absorbent and composed even on bumpy roads, with little bouncing. Despite the usual SUV body lean and nose-plowing in quick turns, Durango does not feel ponderous. Directional stability is generally good, though steering is vague around center and a lot of correction may be needed to stay on course at highway speeds. V8 engines are smooth and quiet. Vigor is adequate with the 4.7- and 5.2-liter, but they lack a strong punch at low speeds for quick getaways. The 5.9-liter V8 has a huskier tone and feels stronger off the line and in passing situations. In city/highway driving, we got a modest 12.4 mpg from a Durango with the 5.2-liter V8. A Durango with the 5.9-liter V8 managed only 11.2 mpg. Durango uses its size well, providing generous shoulder width and head room. Squeezing eight seats into a vehicle the size of a midsize car is no small feat, but Dodge managed it in the Durango. Be warned, though: The third seat is better for children than adults. Second-row seats have thin padding that is less supportive than the more-substantial cushions used by many rivals. Cargo space behind the third seat, measuring 18.8 cubic feet, is adequate for a few small suitcases or a week's worth of groceries. Center and rear seats fold flat in seconds, for a handy alternative to removable seats that opens up ample cargo room. All 4WD models have a floor-mounted transfer case lever, which is something of a stretch for the driver. The dashboard is simple and convenient, but thick side pillars and rear headrests impede rear vision. Also on the negative side, the climate-control system will not feed air to floor and face vents simultaneously. Workmanship is solid and thorough, but black plastic trim over the gauge cluster and main dashboard controls feels cheap and flimsy, and the inside door panels look plain.

Value for the Money
Despite a few demerits, Durango is a well-designed truck that approaches full-size models for brawn and space, and therefore deserves strong consideration as a late-model, secondhand SUV.