2003 Dodge Durango: Road Test
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2003 Dodge Durango ▼
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- MSRP: $27,010 -$38,925
- Invoice: $24,719 -$35,358
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Our road test for the 2003 Dodge Durango includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Dodge Durango from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Dodge Durango, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Dodge Durango help you decide if a 2003 Dodge Durango is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Sport 4WD, 4.7 V8 | SLT Plus 4WD, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.9 |
The 4.7/5-speed automatic-transmission combo is smooth and strong, and the best choice if you don't do heavy towing. Acceleration off the line feels similar to the 5.9, but the bigger, older V8 has stronger passing power and a 7550-lb trailer rating that matches that of some full-size SUVs.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Sport 4WD, 4.7 V8 | SLT Plus 4WD, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 3.7 |
Fuel consumption is big-SUV greedy. Test 4.7-liter 4x4s averaged 15.6 mpg in mostly highway driving, but only 13.3 in an even city/highway mix. Test 5.9 SLT averaged just 11.2 mpg. Both engines use regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Sport 4WD, 4.7 V8 | SLT Plus 4WD, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
Big tires absorb small impacts, but truck-grade suspension jounces and wanders on uneven surfaces and sometimes pounds over bumps and sharp ridges.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Sport 4WD, 4.7 V8 | SLT Plus 4WD, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
The usual SUV body lean and noseplowing in fast turns. And steering feel is vague. Still, not as ponderous as a full-size SUV, and directional stability is good. New 4-wheel disc brakes are an improvement over the old disc/drum setup, providing better pedal feel and more-consistent performance in repeated stops. However, most rivals have standard 4-wheel ABS, which is optional here.
QUIETNESS
| Sport 4WD, 4.7 V8 | SLT Plus 4WD, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Quiet as most any like-priced SUV. Moderate road and wind noise. Engines intrusive only under heavy throttle.
CONTROLS
| Sport 4WD, 4.7 V8 | SLT Plus 4WD, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Simple and handy. Quality of materials generally good, although door handles and some interior details have a flimsy, plasticky feel. Metal-look plastic dashboard trim on SLT Plus has clean, modern appearance.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Sport 4WD, 4.7 V8 | SLT Plus 4WD, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Generous shoulder, leg, and head room. Step-in height acceptable even on 4x4s. Headrests, thick side pillars impede rearward vision. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate controls are available.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Sport 4WD, 4.7 V8 | SLT Plus 4WD, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Second row is roomy, even in the center position, but seat is low to floor and padding is disappointingly thin. Seat bottoms fold and tumble forward for access to cramped 3rd row, which is comfortable only for small children.
CARGO ROOM
| Sport 4WD, 4.7 V8 | SLT Plus 4WD, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7.8 |
A week's groceries fit behind 3rd seat. The 2nd- and 3rd-row benches easily fold level with load floor for generous space.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Sport 4WD, 4.7 V8 | SLT Plus 4WD, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 |
The 2003 Durango has been eclipsed by newer, more-comfortable and fuel-efficient rivals--and the 2004 replacement should be among them. Still, the outgoing model merits some consideration for its size, power, and competitive pricing.
Total Score
| Sport 4WD, 4.7 V8 | SLT Plus 4WD, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 52 | 51 | 51.2 |
Total Score: 52
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