2000 Dodge Durango: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

A new V8 engine and the midyear introduction of a sporty R/T package highlight Durango for 2000.
Durango slots between midsize and full-size SUVs and comes with rear- or 4-wheel drive. The base 4WD system is for slippery surfaces only. Standard on R/T Durangos and optional on other 4X4s is full-time 4WD that can remain engaged on all surfaces. A 230-horsepower overhead valve 5.2-liter V8 is standard on 2WD Durangos. Newly standard on 4x4s is a 235-hp overhead-cam 4.7-liter V8 shared with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Mandatory on the new R/T and available on Durangos equipped with the SLT option package is a 245-hp 5.9-liter V8. All engines use automatic transmission. Rear antilock brakes are standard, 4-wheel ABS is optional.
Front buckets and a 3-place rear bench are standard. A front bench is available, as is a 2-place third-row seat. Newly standard for 2000 is 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 also is new for 4x4s. The SLT package includes body-color exterior trim and fog lamps; the SLT Plus package for 4WD models adds leather upholstery and 31-inch tires with wheel-arch flares. The new R/T builds on the SLT Plus package, adding 17-inch alloy wheels, R/T emblems, unique shock absorber tuning, and leather and suede interior trim.

COMPETITION

This is by far the hottest market segment right now. Crowded with more than 20 vehicles, midsize SUVs vary in size and type but nearly all seat five adults and offer V6 or V8 engines. Our Best Buys include the Ford Explorer, the Lexus RX 300, and Mercedes-Benz M-Class. Explorer and M-Class are more traditional SUVs with full off-road capability and V6 and V8 engines. RX 300 is a car-based SUV that lacks a low range in 4WD mode, but is the most carlike to drive. Our Recommended choices are all traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the slightly more expensive Explorer clone Mercury Mountaineer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined but expensive Toyota 4Runner. If you are on a Budget take a look at the old standby Jeep Cherokee. It is cruder than the rest but offers go-anywhere ability, utility, and a low price.