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Dodge Durango
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Comments
1. I can't imagine owning or driving any other truck. (I've been through 11 vehicles of many makes and models in the last 20yrs.) I LIKE V8, I LIKE REAR DRIVE, I CAN LIVE WITH LOW GAS MILEAGE. THAT'S JUST MY CHOICE.
2. GAS MILEAGE on my 4.7V8 with 3.55 rear, PT4WD WITH Optional DSA: Anti spin rear.
0 MIles: 11MPG mixed driving
15 Hiway
at 3000Mi. 13.5 mixed (lots of steep hills)
17 hiway (n.e. PA/NY hills.)
3. SQUEAKY SEAT: Yes! I have that too. I think it has to do with how high the truck is and leaning on the left side getting in and out. Ask the dealer if anything can be tightened. I live with it.
4. 2nd ROW - Thin firm seats that don't recline. (with 3rd row option) I don't know what it does if you don't have the 3rd row.
3rd ROW - good for kids, dogs, groceries, small adults. GET REAR A/C WITH THE 3RD ROW!!!
GENERAL COMMENTS:
For a 5,000 pound TRUCK (and make no mistake, this is a truck) nicely finished when loaded but still a truck, it is a nice ride. I like the driveability, I like the acceleration, I like the handling.
For those of you who love this vehicle and want to have a good time meeting others that do and talking about your "D" good / bad / or indifferent. Consider joining the DOC - Durango Owners Club. www.durangoclub.com
Enjoy everyone. If we all wanted and liked the same thing, imagine how long the line would be.
Rob b.
Guess I'm back to the montero!
Good luck whatever you decide.
Rob b.
Oh well, without a sunroof and reclining seats I'll have to wait for a future D model.
Good luck, I know how you feel. If my son could say he didn't like this truck or the seat, I'd sell it tomorrow just because he said so. Good luck on the SUV hunt. I hope you find the right one that fits everyone.
Rob b.
Of course she is in a seatbelt. It's a 5 point belt incorporated into the booster seat. A slight recline in the seat does not affect safety, but provides more comfort when she falls asleep.
2k cp r, Since my daughter can express herself, she tells me that her neck hurts when she wakes up, so I know that the flopping forward is affecting her. Like you, my childs happiness, safety and comfort are my priority. Hopefully someone from Dodge reads these posts and will incorporate that feature in the future!
Does anyone know why Durango doesn't offer a sunroof, even aftermarket?
- I've reviewed several of the reports on safety and it appears the Durango gets mixed results. We have a child on the way and safety is a big concern. What were your feelings on the safety of the Durango compared to other SUVs?
- We're considering leasing. What do the residuals look like after 36 months? Can anyone give me an idea of lease price range for 36 months/12k miles?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Andrew
Dodge does not offer a sunroof as an option, which is a good thing because they would just give you a cheap one anyway, and overcharge you for it (like the stereo). There are many aftermarket companies that will install a sunroof in the D, even if you have rear air and/or overhead console. These are high quality units that will be installed right, unlike most of the units that come with other vehicles.
I suggest you look here for a dealer near you:
http://www.solairesunroofs.com/searchmap.htm
http://www.highwaysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/mid_suvs/durango.htm
Although, you should consider that this tests only one collison type in an infinite number of possible scenarios.
BTW, my insurance company rates the D very well, and my premiums reflect that.
Acceleration: 4.7L w/ 3.92 gears
Towing: 5.9L w/ 3.92 gears
Fuel Economy: In my opinion, the difference is only minimal and is not a factor (all SUVs get terrible mileage anyway).
Prior to my purchase in November 1999, I test drove both the 5.9L and 4.7L w/ 3.92 gears and found the 4.7L to be noticeably quicker. However, if you are into mods, not many are available for the 4.7 L (but are promised). Since I do not plan on towing, it was an easy decision for me (4.7L w/ 3.92).
I hate to repeat many of the others, but I do love this vehicle. It is probably one of the quickest vehicles I have ever owned, which really says a lot for an SUV. I often rent vehicles for out of town work, which can require 4x4s, and none of them (even most of the cars) perform in acceleration, handling, and the feeling of safety like the Durango.
As for as quality, I have had no problems, not even a squeaky seat.
2k_cpr_d: Thanks for the info on leasing. I'm finding a lot of leasing numbers on various sites. Looks like the best residual is about 56% right now on a 2000. Sounds like a good program through Chrysler.
along.
Just imagane what DC has in store for the "power freaks" when the 'big prothers' of the 4.7 become available as announced. These OHC HEMI engines promise to be awesome.
As said, the 5.9 is also the better engine for adding more power with mods. "There's no replacment for displacement".
The 4.7 is still an excellent engine, and has proven very reliable, but if you're looking for speed, get the 5.9.
OHC technology is in fashion mainly because a smaller displacement engine (stock) can achieve higher power ratings by increasing the revs with less risk of valve float. The smaller engines fit nicely in the current smaller cars. We no longer have the engine compartments of the '60s.
The downside of OHCs is that they are (typically) more expensive to manufacture, and many of the multi-valve designs are more complex which leads to expensive repairs and exact tolerances. The advantages of the more advanced engines include variable valve timing, but currently only finds its way into the very expensive production vehicles.
Properly built pushrod engines however, as proven by the Viper, can outperform the OHCs, even in competition where technology is unfettered.
1. What are the advantages/disadvantages of the two diff's? (3.55 vs 3.92)
2. Advantages/disadvantages of full time 4wd. VS. part time 4wd.
Thanks in advance!
Regarding the new 2002 5.7 Hemi. According to Automotive monthly, this is a pushrod engine, not an OHC like the 4.7. They did this for cost reasons.
For Sourcerer:
The difference in the gear ratio means that the higher the number, the easier it is to accelerate. Thus if you want to tow really high loads, ie say a car on a trailer, get the 3.92. You should look in the brochures, it gives the weights for each combo.
The FT4WD NV242 adds about 350$ to the price. IT allows you to have 4wd on dry pavement. The 4WPT NV231, only can be used on slippery surfaces or off road.
I would opt for the FT4wd.
Later
You forgot you mention the bypass cooling system. (MUCH better thermal performance) or Carbon/nodular-iron 'girdle' that is usually found on VERY hi-performance engines offering SUPERIOR torsional stiffness FAR beyond what '4-bolt-mains' can accomplish.(There are over 20 bolts/studs holding the bearing mains on the 4.7!)
What about the NO SPARK PLUG WIRES or the Magnesium valve covers? There is also the advanced lubrication system and high-compression combustion chambers that runs on pump gas. All with an IRON block for the durability of a truck engine.
Perhaps the best part of the 4.7L is that it has all of this while its fuel economy matches that of the V6 (The 60s-V8 with two cylinders lopped off!)
Please refer to motorcycle engines to see what may be coming into autos in the future. These are currently beyond 100HP/Liter on a durable, normally - aspirated engine. VERY technical stuff in this realm of engine design.
As far as driveability and performance, I find the 4.7 is a little quieter than the 5.9. Also the 4.7 does feel (to me) to be faster off the line and up through about 50MPH. But it tops out quick. You cant punch it at 70MPH and expect much without the tack tickling the red.
The fuel economy is okay. I've put 3000 miles on (I know, not quite broken in) and have a running average of 13.5 MPG. LOTS OF HILLS and about 35% hiway driving. Best N.E.Pa. hiway trip was 17MPG. (Again, Lots of hills).
PT vs FT: also consider the DSA option (Anti spin rear) regardless of 2wd or PT4WD. Once you break that $30,000 mark, the cost of a few more extras don't make you wince as bad.
But the biggest reason I liked this truck: (2 actually)
Chili Pepper Red Pearl Coat and an
Awesome stock exhaust note.
Enjoy all,
Rob b.
Most of the features you added are necessities of the 4.7 because of the higher revving nature of this engine, and again are nothing revolutionary. Now, if it was all aluminum, multi-valve, VVT....
I must disagree with your gas savings assessment though. From almost every report I've seen, the 4.7 is not gaining more than 1mpg more than the 5.9. Comparing to a V6 may be a good contrast nevertheless, because a V6 in a 5000lb vehicle will get about the same (check out the Montero - 4500lbs, 16/19mpg). The real disadvantage to the mpg is that under load, the 4.7 suffers more than the 5.9 under load.
Finally, I agree with you that more technical, high-powered engines are in the future. The Hemi Grand Cherokee is rumored for MY 2004. The 5.7L is expected to output 350hp and 350ft.lbs. of torque, giving it more stock hp than an LS1 Vette!
I guess as more 4.7 Durangos get on the road, we'll see more at the track, and maybe a few will start modifying them to see what they are capable of doing. A slightly modified (open intake/exhaust) 4.7 will definitely take a stock 5.9.
I agree that the 5.2/5.9 with 3.92 rear is your ultimate towing choice. I suppose with 5000 lbs of truck, the 4.7 or a V6 would suffer under heavy load. (Side Note: This months CAR AND DRIVER has an article on a V6+Hybrid Electric Drive Durango).
If all your looking for is towing a garden trailer or a few motorcycles, the 4.7 is OK. But for hard core towing and passing at hi-speed while towing, the 5.9 is the choice. Most guys I know with the RAM (5.9) are averaging 13-14 hiway.
As far as fuel economy. The 4.7 is on the money with what I posted. I drive hard and fast and a lot of hills. I've put 9 tankfulls or more in and measure every drop of 87 octane. I think if I'm more careful and stick to the flatlands, I might get another 1 or 2 MPG out of her. Oh, and the rear is 3.55 in my PT4WD beast. But in the end, none of it was a rational choice. I'm just nuts about this truck.
I like to hear from anyone who has had similar problems with their Durango, as I will tell my story below.
I drive a Durango SUV 2000 model, it is 4WD, and currently has 7260 miles. I live in a rural area, with some gravel roads, almost all of my current driving has been on rural paved roads, with the usual pot holes, and other misc road hazards.
I had the vehicle serviced, and learned that it needed to have the brakes replaced, steering box replaced, transfer case resealed, front tires replaced, and the rear parking park was stretched.
They claim that the vehice has been driven past its performace standards.
The roadway is paved, steep hills (used low gear), I sometimes drive 70 - 95 miles per hour on the freeway. The rural roadway is 55 mph, but 35 - 40 is the norm for driving.
I am looking for information, is this standard, am I pushing this vehicle past its performace limits, or is this the norm for this vehicle.
Thanks for your help
I don't mean to question you, but your description of your vehicle seems suspect. Are you sure you own a Durango?
So for any of you who are considering leasing, you may want to wait a couple of weeks if you can. You might be able to save some money!
Homer61388
The drums that come with the Durango are more than sufficient for rear stopping power. They last quite well, and the pads are less expensive to replace than the front discs.
Dodge is supposedly converting the Ram to rear disc, so I imagine the Durango is not far behind. However, it still may be a few years.
Good Luck
-mike
Ok, you might have us on fit and finish, but the clunk, bad a/c, dealer woes, lousy mileage at break-in, rattles, etc. are not extinct from the Trooper forums either. You know what they say about those in glass houses...
It's actually amazing that anyone posts anything bad on the Trooper forums with the fascists that own them.
Anyway, when I was purchasing, here's the advantages I found that the Durango has over the Trooper:
- More low-end torque
- Power band more usable (I don't want my engine screaming at 5400rpms to get max)
- Towing
- Payload
- Ride
- Handling
- More custom options
- Better for the shade-tree mechanic
- Styling
The advantages of the Trooper:
- Better off-road
- More gadgets (Limited)
- Larger cargo space (2 cu. ft.)
The Trooper is a fine truck - I hope you have great luck with your new one.
I do wish we had a 3rd row of seats (they do outside the US) I'll probably buy some aftermarket ones, and the durango does have the V8 power.
-mike
Has anyone sent a letter to Chrysler about their problems and gotten any sort of response back? If so, who, what address and what did they do? Also about how long did it take them to respond, if they did at all. ANY info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Robert
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/
as well as other locations on the net.
R....
Remember that TSBs do not affect every vehicle, even in the same year. They are general information for fixes that have occured, but do not reflect the number of vehicles with the problem. Dealers use them as guidance, but do not just perform them because you have your car in for service, or to fix something else.
Unfortunately, you have to sometimes remind them of the TSB. This happens at ALL dealers, not just Dodge.
Rob b.