Anybody know anything about Dodge Durangos?

[striker_29]

This girl I'm going out with is car shopping, and she is thinking of getting a Dodge Durango for some reason. She drives a Nissan Altima now, and wants something bigger, preferably an Suv. Does anybody know anything about the Durango's becuase I don't. Im trying to talk her into buying a car (preferably an 03 cobra ), but once again not real sure what to suggest. Outside the muscle car and 4wd areas, I'm not real up on my cars, especially chick cars. Any advice would be appreciated, TIA...striker

 

[325DR]

Depending on what year she is looking at, they have all had trans problems. Our 2001 has a very strange clunk from the rear end that comes and goes. It had ball joints replaced at 20k miles. The truck was babied too. Never seen dirt. I can tell you that the truck pulls very nice. Total weight of the T on the trailer is about 5,000lbs. I know the 2002 and newer trucks have the 7/70,000 warranty. I would get one that has that warranty. Overall I like the truck a lot.

 

[Brian Mc]

I would tell her to get a 1999-up Jeep Grand Cherokee.

 

[Kid with a toy]

We looked too for a SUV for the ole lady. Finally got an 03 Trailblazer. Better gas mileage than a Durango, better ride, and more power. The LS loaded put us back 21k. Oh yeah, the insurance was cheaper than on a Durango...don't ask me why.

Erik

 

[Kid with a toy]

Something else to consider is comfort. I'm 6'2'' and she's almost 6'4''...both of us are built like linebackers, and most of the other SUVs just didn't have the shoulder width we wanted (outside of the Tahoe, but the mileage and insurance sucked) so we went with the Trailblazer. It was bigger than the Nissan and the Explorer.
Her insurance is around $110 a month for full coverage, but she's only 24 and we aren't married yet (living in pure and total sin).

HTH

Erik

 

[turbo87limited]

BUY ONE OF MINE

C'mon Mark, help a brother out. Buy one of my SUV's. Heck, just come steal one. I need to get rid of some of these cars. Seriously, I can help you out depending on what she is looking for.

 

[6pack]

Mark,
As Erik said.....trailblazer or tahoe!

 

[John Larkin]

Since I work for Chrysler (I'm not accountable or responsible for anything that was manufactured right, wrong or indifferent; they don't ask my opinion either), I am exposed to most all their vehicles. I have driven several Durangos and can tell you a little about them. They hold the road good. They are full frame vehicles. They come with or without a 3rd seat. With the 3rd seat folded down, the cargo area is large. There are various trim levels with SLT Plus being top of the line outside the R/T. They aren't quick off the line and you have to mash the gas pretty heavily to get them moving. Once moving, they hold their own very well. You can hear road noise, mostly due to the large tires with the off-road tread pattern. They are very roomy and you don't feel closed in whatsoever. The 5.2 engine is more desirable for some reason than the 5.9, I guess because most folks don't tow though you could with the 5.2. When in 4WD High, 4wd is nearly unnoticable until you go around a tight corner on dry pavement. They need some room to make a 360° turn since they have a long wheelbase. You really need to change the oil regularly or engine failure will occur (a real duh but some folks just won't listen). A/C blows cold and with alot of force. Some higher trim levels have rear air also. They have nice cup holders and door pockets as well as a large glovebox. They sit up high and you can see over most cars and small trucks. It's a long step to get into the seat but if she's tall she won't have a problem.

That's enough unless you have more questions. Feel free to email me.

 

[Loosenut]

I had a 2000 Durango R/T and it was the biggest piece of trash out there. regretted it for the 2 years i had it (untill it was stolen) there are many suvs for the same money that are much better trucks. if your not towing with it go with a grand cherokee. i had 3 and would have bought a 4th but i needed a little more towing capacity.

Andy

 

[FlyinGN]

*SHES* 6'-4"????? wow.

Originally posted by Kid with a toy
Something else to consider is comfort. I'm 6'2'' and she's almost 6'4''...both of us are built like linebackers,

HTH

Erik

 

[BlackBuick84]

I work for Enterprise Rent-a-Car an have driven every one of the SUV's mentioned an then some. Here's my .02 based on driving em for short amounts of time:
Dodge Durango--sucks, no power, weird interior, but sounds pretty good. IMO the worst SUV to choose from.

Jeep Cherokee--not too bad, but not alot of room inside, it does have some giddy-up though

Jeep Liberty-probably a little too small for what yer lookin for, but they are nice. I drove one when they first came out years ago an hated it. But they've improved. Nice interior, decent power.

Chevy Trailblazer--very very nice. Good power, handling, interior, looks pretty good too. I really like em. 4x4 was nice too.

Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon--same car, really really nice. Good power, nice interior, but they felt really big.

GMC Envoy-wow, I probably liked those better than the Trailblazers. Good everything on those, my mom wants one. (i'm trying to get her to buy one from Enterprise)

Ford Explorer--i dont like driving Fords, but the Explorer was really nice. Pretty much like the Trailblazer, good power, really comfortable inside.

I probably forgot some but those are what I can think of....the Envoy, Trailblazer, an Explorer are all very nice I think when compared to the others. Obviously I dunno bout insurance or mileage, or maintenance, but for driveability, thats my input. Dont get a Durango!!! Theres much better cars to get.

 

[jjones30]

suv

I have a 2002 durango with the 5.9. More power, towing capacity, and quicker than my neighbors tahoe. He spent 21k. I spent 27k. The only thing i don;t like about it is gas mileage. 10 in town, and 16 highway. But with 4000lb + suv's your going to lose mileage to have good power and towing capacity. It drives like a car. doesn't lean over in the curves lik a blazer or explorer.

 

[Lee_Burough]

The Durango was on the news yesterday as one of the five "worst" SUV's for gas mileage.

Gas mileage aside, I'm sure its a good vehicle. I had a 97 Dakota. The Druango that came out in the late 90's was the SAME drivetrain and cab with a different body. I liked the Dakota real well....Gas mileage was the pits.

I put a glass pack on there and it sounded great

 

[arista5]

try talking to "J Banning" he has one

 

[striker_29]

Thanks for all the replies fellows, I knew I would get some great info here. I had not even thought about the Jeep Cherokee, I will definately check those out. My dad has an 02 Trailblazer (company car), which is very nice, and he loves it. I have driven it a few times, and liked it very much aside from it seeming a little top heavy. I suppose most Suv's are a bit top heavy, but it wasnt too bad. There seems to be some mixed opinions on the Durangos, which is to be expected. Anybody have any ideas on what might be a good, well handling, halfway quick, car for a 28 yr old female?? I still may be able to talk her into a car of some kind. Thanks again to all who have replied...striker

 

[xrunner123]

I had a 2000 Durango. Had alot of minor problems- ignition module failed. Window motors failed and a few other odds and ends. It did lack power and the 4 wheel drive sucks around turns. My wife said it was the biggest POS I ever got but it was fine for me since I drove it hard. Gas mileage also sucks big time. I did like the 3rd seat so you can fit 6.

 

[turbo6x2]

I have a 2001 and tow an enclosed car trailer with it, obviously it has the 5.9 motor in it and still gets 10 miles to the gallon with all that extra weight. I have owned the Jimmy and find that the Durango holds the road a lot better (haven't drove the new GMC envoy yet with the v-8) The thing can really push the snow if it needs to.

 

[Kid with a toy]

FlyinGN *SHES* 6'-4"????? wow.

Yep...we're gonna have some corn fed kids.

I have driven it a few times, and liked it very much aside from it seeming a little top heavy. I suppose most Suv's are a bit top heavy, but it wasnt too bad.

striker_29

The top heavy feel from the Trailblazer is largly due to the internal cage. But it isn't any worse than my Jeep Cherokee.

HTH
Erik

 

[FlyinGN]

good Lord. My lady is 5' tall. lol Thats a heck of a difference lol

 

[Kid with a toy]

I always wanted a girl I could wrestle with.

Erik