2004 Dodge Durango: Road Test
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2004 Dodge Durango ▼
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- MSRP: $26,215 -$34,530
- Invoice: $24,011 -$31,447
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Our road test for the 2004 Dodge Durango includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Dodge Durango from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Dodge Durango, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Dodge Durango help you decide if a 2004 Dodge Durango is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD ST, 3.7 | AWD SLT, 4.7 | AWD Limited, 5.7 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 5 | 4.8 |
V6 is tepid at best in both initial acceleration and passing power; Dodge estimates 12.2 sec 0-60 mph. Base 4.7-liter V8 is strong off the line, but passing power is weak, as is its estimated 10.2 sec 0-60 time. Optional 5.7 delivers plenty of power at all speeds, but its estimated 8.2-sec 0-60 time only matches that of Ford Explorer's smaller 4.6-liter V8. Models equipped with AWD slightly slower from a start.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD ST, 3.7 | AWD SLT, 4.7 | AWD Limited, 5.7 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 2 | 3.8 |
No opportunity to measure with V6 or 5.7-liter V8. Test AWD SLTs with 4.7 V8 averaged 13.2-13.9 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD ST, 3.7 | AWD SLT, 4.7 | AWD Limited, 5.7 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.5 |
One of the nicest-riding domestic SUVs. Irons out small bumps without being sloppy in side-to-side motions. Ruts and larger bumps can induce bounce.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD ST, 3.7 | AWD SLT, 4.7 | AWD Limited, 5.7 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.7 |
Steering is direct, but light and slow. Considerable body lean in turns. Fine brake-pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD ST, 3.7 | AWD SLT, 4.7 | AWD Limited, 5.7 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.4 |
Engines quiet at idle, growl under acceleration. No noticeable tire whine. Wind rush starts at 60 mph, but never drowns out normal conversation.
CONTROLS
| 2WD ST, 3.7 | AWD SLT, 4.7 | AWD Limited, 5.7 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Large white-faced gauges backlit in green at night--always easy to read. All controls are within arm's reach. Materials appropriate for the class, but some lightweight plastics detract.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD ST, 3.7 | AWD SLT, 4.7 | AWD Limited, 5.7 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.4 |
Plenty of leg and head room, even with optional sunroof. High, commanding view of the road. Easy to find comfortable driving position. Thick front pillars obstruct view around corners. Large mirrors aid rear view, and available rear DVD screen does not block view astern. Entry/exit requires large step, but becomes easier with available running boards.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD ST, 3.7 | AWD SLT, 4.7 | AWD Limited, 5.7 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
Second row has good head, leg, toe room. Leg room only tight for taller riders with front seat fully back. Second row flips and folds with one hand to allow access to 3rd row. Third-row bench can accommodate adults, but seat bottom lacks thigh support.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD ST, 3.7 | AWD SLT, 4.7 | AWD Limited, 5.7 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 7.8 |
Cargo volume among best in class. Second- and 3rd-row seats fold to create nearly flat floor. Standard one-piece 3rd-row seat can only be folded from inside the vehicle and only after cushion is moved forward; optional split 3rd row can be folded in an easier one-step operation from outside tailgate area. Liftover is relatively low, and tailgate opens at floor level for easy loading. Dodge says 4-ft-wide panel fits on floor between wheelwells. Plenty of in-cabin storage, including deep center console, useful console tray.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD ST, 3.7 | AWD SLT, 4.7 | AWD Limited, 5.7 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 6 | 5.1 |
Durango accelerates, rides, and handles like a midsize SUV, but matches some full-size models for space, weight, and towing capacity. Unfortunately, it matches the big SUVs in poor fuel economy, too. Still, we recommend avoiding the underpowered V6 in favor of a V8, preferably the 5.7-liter Hemi.
Total Score
| 2WD ST, 3.7 | AWD SLT, 4.7 | AWD Limited, 5.7 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 51 | 54 | 56 | 52.3 |
Total Score: 54
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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