- suv 228,779
- 715 below average
- 2,021 great
- Springfield, IL
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- autoshopper.com
- 715 below average suv 228,779
1999 dodge durango review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Big, bold and just right. introductionwe could not have attracted more attention if we'd been in a $100,000 mercedes-benz. The well-dressed group was shivering in the damp washington weather, waiting at the valet booth after seeing a musical at the kennedy center. Its big ram grille and broad freightliner fenders loomed out of the darkness and into the flood lights accompanied by the burbling v8. We had to smile at the soft 'wows' and 'ohs' from the upscale crowd as we tipped the attendant, climbed in and drove away. with its big-rig look, the durango always looks ready, whether it's heading down a primitive road or parked at the shopping center. Based on the dodge dakota pickup, the durango is bigger than the ford explorer, but not as big as the ford expedition or chevy tahoe. That's a bit more robust than the expedition's optional 5. 4-liter v8 (230 horsepower, 325 pound-feet of torque) and compares favorably to the tahoe's 5. 7-liter v8 (255 horsepower, and 330 pound-feet of torque). Fuel economy for the 5. 9-liter dodge v8 is rated at 12/16 mpg city/highway verses 13/17 for the 5. 2-liter dodge v8, and adds $595 to the price. The 3. 9-liter v6 is rated at 175 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. the durango should make a better tow vehicle than an explorer. With the 5. 9-liter engine and 3. 92 differential, it's capable of pulling a trailer of up to 7,200 pounds. Chevy's tahoe is rated to pull 7,000 pounds and ford's expedition is rated for 8,000 pounds. two-wheel-drive versions have been added for 1999. It's a good setup for people who live in a dry climate, but want to be able to shift into ultimate off-road mode. It comes with everything above plus a planetary center differential. Shifting to full-time mode allows the front and rear axles to turn at different speeds, so the wheels don't fight each other in tight quarters yet traction is assured under all but the worst conditions. The back half of the roof is raised nearly 2 inches to increase rear-seat headroom and visibility. Viewed from outside the vehicle, the raised portion is cleverly disguised with a roof rack. second-row seats are quite comfortable, offering plenty of headroom and adequate legroom. Stable cupholders and rear heating/air conditioning controls add to comfort. third-row seats are surprisingly comfortable for two people, who achieve adequate legroom by tucking their feet under the second row of seats. Getting in and out of that third row is easy: flip a lever and the second-row seatback folds forward, then tumbles out of the way allowing a quick entry or exit. It's one of the best third-row seating designs on the market. when it's time to haul cargo, the tailgate lifts up and out of the way and the two rows of seats are easily folded down to provide a large, relatively flat floor. A trout bum could sleep back there. All durangos have a long, narrow storage compartment under the floor just inside the rear lift gate. With enough space for the jack, flares and other roadside equipment. An additional storage compartment replaces the footwell when the optional third row is not ordered. slt trim is currently discounted at $2,730 and includes a long list of luxury amenities, starting with leather upholstery. overall, the interior design is executed well. Matching plastic trim provides an organic appearance. The seats appear rather plain, but they are comfortable. Carpeting is carried through to the backs of the rear headrests, which do not have to be removed when the seats are folded down. the driving position is comfortable with good visibility over an attractive rounded hoodline. Instruments are big and easy to read, though the speedometer appears busy with 2 1/2-mph hash marks. Power outside mirrors are easy to adjust with a big knob on the driver's door. Cupholders and storage trays are nicely designed, while a digital compass and other useful readouts is overhead. Large buttons on the leather wrapped steering wheel operate one of the most well-designed cruise control systems we've seen. driving impressionas sport-utilities go, the durango is fun to drive. We spent a week with the big 5. 9-liter magnum v8 in the washington area. It always feels willing to get down the road quickly with excellent throttle response and quick acceleration. a daylong drive though the texas hill country west of san antonio showed us dodge's 5. 2-liter v8 also has lots of power for undulating highways and steep, rocky trails. The durango handled well when driven briskly down narrow roads with tight corners and sweeping turns. Compared to other sport-utilities, the durango feels sporty. Steering is precise and the suspension provides excellent transient response, crisply turning from left to right and back again. Shifting is smooth and responsive and transmission ratios are matched well to the healthy torque of the two v8s. peeling off the pavement, we bounced down rocky, unpaved roads through the hills. We'd drive a durango anywhere. durango's competent off-road capability and on-road handling response don't come as a free lunch, however. We found ride quality on downtown washington's crumbling infrastructure a bit on the harsh side. It also compares favorably to the full-size ford expedition, chevrolet tahoe and gmc yukon. while it may compare with other suvs, it certainly doesn't look like them. Dodge durango makes a statement. We think it's a bold, attractive statement. We think dodge succeeded at its goal of producing a smarter suv. The durango is intelligently designed and easy to operate. Cruise Control✔ Air Conditioning✔ Aluminum Wheels
2,021 Springfield, ILSpringfield, IL at autoshopper.com