EDMUNDS.COM 2004 DODGE DURANGO
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
With its tough truck styling, available Hemi V8 power and an even more spacious interior, the Durango offers one of the most enticing combinations of power, comfort and utility on the market.
Pros
Strong V8 engines, smooth-shifting transmissions, excellent ride quality, rugged good looks.
Cons
Thirsty V8s, maximum passenger capacity decreased to seven.
What''s New for 2004
The Durango is reborn and now sports the option of Hemi V8 power.
Overview
Introduction:
Back in 1998, if you wanted eight-passenger capability in an SUV, it meant having to step up to a full-size beast, such as a Ford Expedition or Chevrolet Suburban. Smelling an opportunity, Dodge designed its Durango SUV to fill the gap between midsize SUVs and their larger brethren. The original Durango was based on the Dakota pickup and offered a third-row seat that the Explorers and Blazers of the day didn''t. Power came from either a standard 5.2-liter V8 or an optional 5.9-liter V8, and all first-year Durangos had four-wheel drive. As the years went on, a two-wheel-drive version became available, a more efficient 4.7-liter V8 replaced the old 5.2, a sporty R/T model debuted, the cabin was updated and side curtain airbags became optional. This year brings a complete redesign, with the Durango growing in virtually every dimension. Styling cues include Dodge''s signature cross-hair grille and aggressive wheel arches. As expected, passenger and cargo room now approach, or even exceed, that of full-size ''utes such as the Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia. The cabin now features more comfort for second-row passengers, thanks to added room, reclining seat backs and options like secondary climate controls and a DVD entertainment system. Along with the new body are a couple of new engines, a base 3.7-liter V6 that puts out 210 horsepower and a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that kicks out 335 horses. With a maximum towing capacity of 8,950 pounds, the Durango can pull more weight than most full-size SUVs. The chassis boasts a fully hydroformed frame that promises greater structural integrity for better ride and handling characteristics along with a decreased chance of rattles and squeaks cropping up down the road. A new rear suspension design not only gives the Durango the ability to tow substantial loads, it also allows for a lower and wider load floor for additional passenger and cargo space. With its more spacious cabin, powerful engine lineup and distinctive looks, the new Durango should put Dodge back on the short lists of today''s demanding SUV buyers.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The four-door Durango is offered in three trim levels: well-equipped ST, luxury SLT and top-of-the-line Limited. The base ST comes standard with power windows, locks and mirrors; air conditioning; an AM/FM/CD stereo; and speed control. The SLT adds a power driver seat, rear air conditioning, wood grain cabin accents, body-color front and rear fascias, foglamps and a third-row seat. Spring for the Limited and leather seating, automatic climate control, high-output audio system with six-disc CD changer and steering wheel-mounted controls, auto-dimming mirrors, universal garage opener, a memory system (for the driver seat, mirror, stereo and climate system settings), power-adjustable pedals, alloy wheels and security system are all standard.
Powertrains and Performance:
The standard power plant for two-wheel-drive Durangos is a 3.7-liter V6 that supplies 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. Standard on four-wheel-drive models is a 4.7-liter V8 with 230 horses and 290 lb-ft. For maximum towing and hauling power, an optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is available that generates 335 hp and 370 lb-ft of torque. All three engines use automatic transmissions; the V6 runs through a four-speed gearbox, while the V8s have five-speed units that feature a "tow/haul" mode that reduces gear hunting. Dodge claims that, when equipped with the Hemi V8, the Durango offers best-in-class performance and towing (up to 8,950 pounds) capabilities.
Safety:
Standard are four-wheel antilock disc brakes and dual-stage front airbags. The latter feature a passenger-side occupant sensor that will deactivate that airbag if a child seat is installed. Side curtain airbags (which protect the head and upper torso in side-impact collisions) that cover all three rows are available, as are power-adjustable pedals. Three-point seatbelts are fitted at all seating positions and Dodge engineers designed the Durango''s new frame to better absorb frontal impacts.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Modern in design and functional throughout, the Durango was designed with family usage in mind, as there are numerous cupholders and storage bins. Along with seating for seven, the Durango offers the most cargo capacity in its class with the third seat stowed -- 67.3 cubic feet. Other improvements this year include a recline function for the second-row seats and options such as an available DVD entertainment system, 384-watt Infinity sound system and Sirius digital satellite radio.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The previous Durango was a perennial crowd pleaser with its attractive blend of on-road comfort and off-road ability. With an even stiffer frame and redesigned suspension, the latest version builds on that reputation with an even more refined ride. The base V6 provides barely adequate power, so if you want quick acceleration opt for the 4.7-liter V8. Equipped with the top-of-the-line Hemi V8, the Durango is one of the quickest around.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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