1998-2003 Dodge Durango Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Dodge Durango. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Dodge Durango.

1998-2003 Dodge Durango Review

Based on Dodge's Dakota pickup truck, the Durango debuted as a distinctively sized 4-door sport-utility vehicle. Priced against midsize SUVs, but larger in dimensions, Durango matched some full-size models with its available 8-passenger seating and V8 engine. Dodge had not offered an SUV since the Ramcharger wagon, dropping in 1993. Front styling and the dashboard are the same as in the Dakota, but Durango got different seats and other interior features. Only a 4-wheel-drive Durango went on sale in the first year, with a choice of two V8 engines: standard 5.2- or optional 5.9-liter. Not intended for use on dry pavement, the standard part-time on-demand 4WD system had shift-on-the-fly capability. A full-time system that could be left engaged at all times was optional. Front bucket seats and a 3-place rear bench were standard. A front bench was offered as a no-cost option. Durangos could also be equipped with a 2-place third-row bench. Center and rear seats were not removable, but folded flat to create 88 cubic feet of cargo space. With the 5.9-liter V8, a Durango could tow up to 7300 pounds, ranking in the same league as some full-size SUVs. Dual front airbags and antilock rear brakes were standard. Full 4-wheel antilocking was optional.Though Durango is unique in size, its rivals included the Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Explorer, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Year to Year Changes

1999 Dodge Durango: A 2-wheel-drive Durango joined the original 4WD model for 1999, and a V6 engine became available. Additional standard equipment included cruise control, tilt steering, remote keyless entry, power locks, and power windows. An SLT option package now included leather upholstery, steering-wheel radio controls and (when ordered on the 4WD model) 31-inch wheels and tires. Heated mirrors were new options. A redesigned overhead console gained reading lights. Both 4WD systems had shift-on-the-fly capability. The base 4WD setup could be used only on slippery surfaces. A more costly 4WD option could be left engaged on dry pavement.

2000 Dodge Durango: A completely different engine went into 4-wheel-drive Durangos this year. Borrowed from the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the new 4.7-liter V8 produced 235 horsepower and replaced the former 5.2-liter V8. It also used a different automatic transmission. That 5.2-liter engine remained standard on 2WD Durangos, and vehicles equipped with the SLT option package could have the 5.9-liter, 245-horsepower V8. The V6 engine slipped away. All models gained Chrysler's Enhanced Accident Response system, which lights the interior and unlocks power door locks when airbags deploy. A revised front suspension with rack-and-pinion steering went into this season's 4x4s. The SLT package included body-color exterior trim and fog lamps. The SLT Plus package, for 4WD models, added leather upholstery and 31-inch tires with wheel-arch flares.

2001 Dodge Durango: In 2001, the Durango lost its available 230-horsepower 5.2-liter V8 engine, but gained interior revisions, including a new dashboard with an oil-level indicator, a new center console, and a dashboard control for the 4-wheel-drive system.

2002 Dodge Durango: Dodge's SUV gained optional curtain side airbags and a DVD entertainment system for 2002.

2003 Dodge Durango: Standard 4-wheel disc brakes highlighted changes to the 2003 Durango as Dodge readied a redesigned replacement as a 2004 model.

1998-2003 Dodge Durango Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger room	Fuel economy

Cargo room	Acceleration (V6)

Acceleration (5.9-liter V8)	Rear-seat comfort

Optional antilock braking

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

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.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Dodge Durango base 4WD 4.7-liter V8	Rating

Performance	5

Fuel Economy	2

Ride Quality	5

Steering/Handling/Braking	3

Quietness	4

Controls/Materials	7

Interior Room	8

Room/Comfort (rear)	6

Cargo Capacity	8

Value within Class	6

Total:	54

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1998-2003 Dodge Durango Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Air conditioner: The air conditioner gradually becomes less effective, which may require a new evaporator. (1998-99)

Engine misfire: If the spark plug wires are misrouted, the engine may knock, the cylinders may misfire, and the vehicle surges (which may feel like a transmission problem) around 45 mph. (1998-99)

Keyless entry: The remote keyless entry system doesn't work due to a problem with the transmitter case. (1999)

Steering noise: The steering column makes popping noises and feels rough during parking maneuvers. (1998-00)

Suspension noise: Front ball joints wear prematurely forcing relacement of lower control arm as well. Replacement joint with grease fitting is now available. (1998-03)

Suspension noise: A rhythmic squeaking noise from the front of 2-wheel-drive trucks is likely due to a warped front hub, not the rotor, usually after a brake job. (1997-99)

Vehicle noise: Squeaks from the front wheels may be caused by a loose spindle retaining nut. (1999)

Water leak: Power locks may lock/unlock spontaneously because water leaks into the lock cylinder. (2000-03)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$415

Alternator	$400

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$615

Brakes	$450

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$610

Exhaust System	$385

Radiator	$560

Shocks and/or Struts	$490

Timing Chain or Belt	$615

Universal Joints	$215

NHTSA Recall History

1998: Fastener that secures generator cable has insufficient clamp load, resulting in a loose connection and electrical arcing; could result in fire.

1998: Rear-brake tube can contact underbody crossmember, eventually wearing a hole in the tube that could reduce braking from rear wheels.

1998-00: Sound-deadening material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing causing the the driver-airbag system to become disabled. The airbag-warning lamp will illuminate on the instrument panel.

1998-99: Fuel-tank strap can separate due to fatigue during vehicle operation, causing tank to be unsupported.

1999: The front-seatbelt retractor does not comply with the requirements of the standard. If the retractor does not work properly, it will not adequately protect occupants in the event of a crash.

2000-01: Some of the owner's manuals for these vehicles are missing instructions for properly attaching a child restraint system's tether strap to the tether anchorage.

2000-03 w/4WD: If moisture leaks into front suspension upper ball joint, evacuation of the lubricant and corrosion may cause the joint to wear over an extended time period; could cause clunking noise and possible separation that may result in loss of control.

2001 w/4WD: Electric shift-transfer case may not fully engage into gear, causing the transfer case to end up in the neutral position.

2002-03: Windshield wiper motor may be susceptible to water intrusion that could cause internal corrosion, resulting in partial or total loss of wiping capability.

1998-2003 Dodge Durango Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1998
Durango 4WD	$4,000-4,800	$3,300-3,900	$1,300-1,500

1999
Durango 2WD	$4,200-5,000	$3,400-4,100	$1,400-1,700
Durango 4WD	$5,100-6,000	$4,300-5,100	$2,000-2,400

2000
Durango 2WD	$4,900-6,200	$4,200-5,300	$1,900-2,400
Durango 4WD	$5,800-7,200	$5,000-6,300	$2,400-3,000
Durango R/T	$7,500-8,500	$6,800-7,700	$3,800-4,300

2001
Durango 2WD	$5,700-7,300	$4,900-6,300	$2,300-3,000
Durango 4WD	$6,800-8,400	$6,100-7,500	$3,200-3,900
Durango R/T	$9,000-10,000	$8,100-9,000	$4,700-5,200

2002
Durango 2WD	$6,700-9,000	$5,900-7,900	$3,100-4,100
Durango 4WD	$7,900-10,100	$7,100-9,100	$4,000-5,200
Durango R/T	$10,500-11,600	$9,500-10,400	$5,600-6,100

2003
Durango 2WD	$8,200-11,000	$7,400-9,900	$4,200-5,600
Durango 4WD	$9,400-12,000	$8,500-10,800	$4,900-6,200
Durango R/T	$12,200-13,600	$11,000-12,200	$6,800-7,600

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1998-2003 Dodge Durango Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	115.9

Overall Length, in.	193.3

Overall Width, in.	71.5

Overall Height, in.	72.0

Curb Weight, lbs.	4513

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	88.0

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	25.0

Seating Capacity	8

Front Head Room, in.	39.8

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.9

Rear Head Room, in.	40.4

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	37.3

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Durangos initially came with a choice of two V8 engines: 5.2-liter and 230 horsepower, or 5.9-liter with 245 horsepower. A 4-speed automatic was the only transmission offered. For 1999, a 3.9-liter V6 engine became available, developing a more modest 175 horsepower, but it lasted only one season. For 2000, a new 4.7-liter overhead-cam V8 became standard in 4WD models, the 5.2-liter V8 continued in 2WD Durangos, and the 5.9 V8 was optional with the SLT option group. In 2001, the 230-horsepower 5.2-liter V8 was no longer available.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohv V6	3.9 / 239	175	225	4-speed automatic: 15/18	4-speed automatic: --

ohc V8	4.7 / 287	235	295	4-speed automatic: 14/17	4-speed automatic: 12.1

ohv V8	5.2 / 318	230	300	4-speed automatic: 13/17	4-speed automatic: 12.4

ohv V8	5.9 / 360	245	335	4-speed automatic: 12/16	4-speed automatic: 11.2

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1999 Durango

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

< 1998-2003 Dodge Durango Photos

1998-2003 Dodge Durango Local Listings >

Also in the 1998-2003 Dodge Durango Review:

Dodge Durango

Dodge Durango Road Test

Dodge Durango Reliability

Dodge Durango Prices

Dodge Durango Specs & Safety

Dodge Durango Photos

Dodge Durango Full Review