The Dodge Durango has always been a little bit different – and bigger, just like its pickup cousin, Dakota. The truck was larger than a small-size pickup but smaller than a full-size, half ton.
With the SUV version, the same holds true. The Durango is larger than most mid-size competitors but smaller than the big boys.
That extra room is a decided plus for families. There’s more room sideways and enough length to accommodate three rows of seating for either seven or eight passengers.
Introduced in 1998, the Durango underwent a redesign in 2004 that holds true through the ’08 models. There are three trim levels and three engines to choose from. You also can have it as a rear-wheel drive, all-wheel or full-time four-wheel drive.
We tested the version with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that provides 330 horsepower. A 4.7-liter V8 offers 330, while a more economical V6 with 210 horsepower is available.
Whichever engine you choose, be warned, fuel mileage is terrible across the board. Our version is rated at 13 in the city and 17 on the highway, but that may be generous. The V8s come with a five-speed automatic transmission and the V6 has a four-speed.
The Durango is a rugged SUV in a lot of ways. The exterior styling has been toned down from the original Kenworth look and the interior has been dressed up to meet today’s more exacting standards from SUV buyers.
Despite the interior improvements, the Durango is a far cry from some of the more refined offerings from abroad.
Once you get inside (more on that later) the seats are very comfortable and accommodating. The large center console has plenty of storage space and two cupholders. The center stack controls are well placed and once you get used to the Dodge audio system, it’s easy to operate. However, you have to wonder why the rear window wiper control is on the center stack.
An optional review camera is available with display on the screen. In addition to power windows, doors and mirrors, you also can get a power liftgate for the back.
There’s plenty of power under the hood and towing capacity is outstanding for a mid-size SUV. You can carry a family and tow a boat or trailer with easy.
However, the bulk does compromise the handling. Weighing nearly 5,000 pounds, the Durango seems to lumber through the corners.
The Durango is priced in the mid-$30,000 range to $40,000 with the Hemi engine and full-time all-wheel drive.
Dodge is proud of its position with its full-size figure and extra room in the Durango. That’s a decided plus factor for the Durango. Even when gasoline approached $4 a gallon, there were buyers out there who wanted or needed the larger Durango over the typical mid-size SUVs available.

Ryan’s Ride – The Durango has always been larger than life both in its overall size and the in-your-face grill. The new models have toned down the grill but the Durango still says, “look at me” in a way only a Hummer can challenge.
Coupled with the legendary Hemi engine, this is one SUV meant for heavy duty work. You can tow more than four tons with a full load of family inside and never miss a beat. But the Hemi does take its toll at the service station.
The interior leaves a lot to be desired for me. Most of the surfaces are arranged in odd angles with curves and bumps across the dash board.
Getting in or out of the Durango is a challenge with the running boards. If you step up on it to get in, you usually bump your head. When you go to get out, the running board juts out too far and your leg rubs against it before hitting the ground. That’s fine when wearing jeans, but it can mean a trip to the dry cleaner if you are wearing a suit.
A decided plus in this Dodge are the front seats. They are larger than normal and fit your body with firmness and support all around.
Many SUVs with three rows of seating are cramped, especially in the third row. The Durango offers a little more legroom for both rows, but the back seat is better suited for smaller passengers.

Marilyn’s Moment – The Durango isn’t a Suburban, but almost. You can really tell the difference in size from most mid-size SUVs when you get inside.
There’s plenty of elbow room and with three rows of seating, you can carry a lot of people or cargo. Thankfully, the rear seats in both rows fold down easily and the power liftgate helps too.
As Ryan noted, the running boards are a nuisance. Getting in wasn’t that big a problem, but I got dirt or mud on my pants leg every time I got out. Maybe if they were not as wide, they’d still be functional but not as bothersome.
Overall, I liked the larger size even when parking at the grocery store. The Dodge handles fine for city driving and the Hemi engine gives you more than enough power. With that big, chrome grill, most people give you some room when they see you coming in their rear view mirrors.
The Durango’s size is what sets it apart from the competition, but with $4 gasoline, I’m not sure this is vehicle I’d be looking at right now.