Dodge Durango

Dodge Durango
Manufacturer	Dodge
Parent company	Chrysler (1998, 2007-present) DaimlerChrysler (1998-2007)
Production	1998–present
Assembly	Newark, Delaware
Predecessor	Dodge Ramcharger
Body style(s)	4-door SUV
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive

First generation
Production	1998–2003
Class	Mid-size SUV
Platform	Chrysler DN platform
Engine(s)	4.7 L PowerTech V8 5.2 L Magnum V8 5.9 L Magnum V8
Transmission(s)	4-speed TorqueFlite automatic
Wheelbase	116.2 in (2951 mm)
Length	193.5 in (4915 mm) (2001-03) 193.3 in (4910 mm) (1998-2000)
Width	71.5 in (1816 mm) (1998-2000) 71.3 in (1811 mm) (2001-03)
Height	70.0 in (1778 mm) (2001-03) 72.9 in (1852 mm) (1998-2000)
Related	Dodge Dakota

Second generation
2004 - 2006 2007 - present
Production	2004-present
Class	Full-size SUV
Engine(s)	3.7 L PowerTech V6 4.7 L PowerTech V8 5.7 L Hemi V8
Transmission(s)	4-speed 42RLE automatic
Wheelbase	119.2 in (3028 mm)
Length	200.8 in (5100 mm)
Width	76.0 in (1930 mm)
Height	74.3 in (1887 mm)
Related	Chrysler Aspen Dodge Dakota Mitsubishi Raider

The Dodge Durango is a full-size SUV from Chrysler's Dodge brand. It debuted in the 1998 model year and was redesigned for 2004. It fills the gap in the Dodge lineup since the cancellation of the Dodge Ramcharger in 1993. The Durango is produced at the Newark Assembly plant in Newark, Delaware.

1998-2003

The Durango was launched as a mid-size SUV, just after the second generation Dodge Dakota on which it was based (during the late 1980s, Chrysler designers proposed building an SUV version of the Dakota pickup; this was shelved when the Jeep division was about to release the Jeep Grand Cherokee as their flagship SUV.) It was marketed as a very sturdy truck-based SUV designed to hold up to seven passengers and tow up to 6700 lb (3039 kg). However, these generation Durango's suffered from automatic transmission and other drive component problems. This was thought to be in part to the vehicle's heavier weight than the base vehicle (Dakota) and the driving habits of its demographic being mainly car and minivan drivers. The 4.7 L PowerTech V8 replaced the 5.2 L engine for 2000. In that same year a special all wheel drive performance version called the R/T was released with a 5.9 L V8 engine.

2001 saw a few revisions, including a redesigned interior, including a new dash, door panels, and revised seats. Other minor changes redesigned aluminium wheels, the removal of "Durango" badging from the doors, and minor changes to trim options.

Trims

• 1998-2003 - SLT
• 1998-2003 - SLT PLUS
• 1999-2001 - Sport
• 2001-2003 - SXT
• 1999-2003 - R/T

Engines

• 1998–2000 — 5.2 L Magnum V8, 230 hp (172 kW)
• 1999–2000 — 3.9 L Magnum V6, 175 hp (131 kW)
• 1998–2003 — 5.9 L Magnum V8, 245 hp (183 kW)
• 2000–2003 — 4.7 L PowerTech V8, 235 hp (175 kW)

2004-present

2004-2006

The second generation Durango debuted shortly before the companion Dakota. Like the Dakota, it has much in common with the large Dodge Ram pickup, including a fully-boxed frame. And like the first generation model, its front grille resembles the Dakota's. It is 7 in (177.8 mm). longer, 2 in (50.8 mm). wider, and 3 in (76.2 mm). taller than the previous model. For this model year, it offered a full third row with three seats, making the Durango 8 Passenger SUV. Chrysler introduced its own version of the Durango, the Chrysler Aspen, for the 2007 model year. The Durango became nearly a full-size SUV this time — although technically it is still classified as mid-size, and the upcoming Dodge Journey on the Avenger platform will fill Dodge's mid-size SUV gap.

2007-present

The 2007 model was reworked to halt a sales decline, debuting at the Dallas Auto Show in April 2006. It includes a reworked front clip with a new fascia, grille, hood, and headlamps as well as updated fenders and wheels. New features include electronic stability program, tire pressure monitoring system, rear park assist, and a one-touch turn signal. The 2007 model also has a reworked floor, second-row seats, and electrical system in preparation for the 2009 hybrid version.

Hybrid

A Dodge Durango Hybrid will be released in 2009^{[attribution needed]}. It features the 340 hp (254 kW) 5.7 L (347.8 cu in) Hemi engine with MDS as well as the new Two-Mode Hybrid system developed with General Motors and BMW. Reports indicate^{[attribution needed]} a 25% gain in highway fuel economy and a 40% gain in the city^{[citation needed]}. Testing on the Hybrid Durango with the Hemi V8 engine^{[attribution needed]} indicates fuel mileage to be about 18.2 mpg (U.S.) (13 L/100 km) (city) and 22.5 mpg (U.S.) (10 L/100 km) (highway) (EPA guidelines for 2008+ model year).

The normal (non-hybrid) Durango with the 5.7L Hemi goes 13 mpg (U.S.) (18 L/100 km) (city) and 18 mpg (U.S.) (13 L/100 km) (highway)^{[citation needed]}.

This is the second time that Dodge has announced a hybrid Durango. They made the first claim in 2000, for a slated release date of 2003, but it was never produced. It was believed to have fallen into Development hell^{[citation needed]}.

Trims

• SXT 2004-Present
• SLT 2000-Present
• SLT Plus 2002-Present
• Night Runner 2005-2007
• Limited 2004-Present
• Adventurer 2005-Present

Engines

• 2004–present - 3.7 L PowerTech V6, 210 hp (157 kW) at 5200 rpm and 235 ft·lbf (319 N·m) at 4000 rpm
• 2004–2007 - 4.7 L Magnum V8, 235 hp (175 kW) at 4500 rpm and 300 ft·lbf (407 N·m) at 3600 rpm
• 2004–present - 5.7 L Hemi V8, 335 hp (250 kW) at 5200 rpm and 370 ft·lbf (502 ) at 4200 rpm (MDS (Multi-Displacement System) equipped for 2006+ 5.7L engines for improved fuel mileage))
• 2007-present - 4.7 L flex-fuel Magnum V8, 235 hp (175 kW) at 4500 rpm and 300 ft·lbf (407 N·m) at 3600 rpm
• 2008-present - 4.7 L Magnum V8, 303 hp (226 kW) at 5,650 rpm and 330 ft·lbf (448 N·m) at 3,950 rpm (3 valves per cylinder)