| 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 auto |
| 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 | |
|---|---|
| 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.[1]
Contents |
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 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 mini-van 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, 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 2008 hybrid version.
Hybrid
A hybrid version of the Durango will be introduced for 2008. It features the 340 hp (Expression error: Unrecognised punctuation character "{" kW) 5.7 L (Expression error: Unrecognised punctuation character "{" cu in) Hemi engine with MDS as well as the new Two-Mode Hybrid system developed with General Motors and BMW. Reports indicate a 25% gain in highway fuel economy and a 40% gain in the city. Testing on the Hybrid Durango (2008) with the Hemi V-8 engine indicates fuel mileage to be about 18.2 mpg (U.S.) (Expression error: Unrecognised punctuation character "{" L/100 km) (city) and 22.5 mpg (U.S.) (Expression error: Unrecognised punctuation character "{" L/100 km) (highway) (EPA guidelines for 2008+ model year). The normal (non-hybrid) Durango with the 5.7L Hemi garners 13 mpg (U.S.) (Expression error: Unrecognised punctuation character "{" L/100 km) (city) and 18 mpg (U.S.) (Expression error: Unrecognised punctuation character "{" L/100 km) (highway). This is the second time that Dodge claimed that they were going to release 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.
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)
References
- ^ Luladey B. Tadesse, Del. leaders travel to Detroit to plea with Chrysler chief [1] Delaware News-Journal, 8 January 2007, Last accessed: 2007-01-08
External links
- Official site
- Preview the 2008 Dodge Durango See the options available on the 2008 model.
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