Dodge Durango

The Dodge Durango is a full-size crossover SUV from the Dodge division of Chrysler. It was introduced in 1998 as a mid-size SUV, and as a replacement for the Ramcharger discontinued in the North American market in 1993, and was redesigned to full-size for 2004.

The Durango was produced at the Newark Assembly plant in Newark, Delaware until the end of 2008. It then returned in late 2010 on a shared platform with the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and is currently being assembled in Detroit, Michigan.

Etymology of the name

Durango is the name of various places. The original Durango name comes from the town located in the Basque Country. As European settlers established in Mexico and the United States, different places got this name.

First generation (1998–2003)

The Durango was marketed as a sturdy truck-based SUV designed to hold up to eight passengers and tow up to 8,950 lb (4,060 kg) when properly equipped.^[1] The 4.7 L PowerTech V8 replaced the 5.2 L Magnum V8 engine for 2000 however the 5.2 was still available in the early 2000 models. In that same year a special AWD performance version called the R/T was released with a 5.9 L Magnum V8. In 1999 and 2000, a limited edition Shelby S.P.360 version was offered that featured a supercharged version of the 5.9 L Magnum V8 engine. Output is 360 bhp (270 kW; 360 PS) and 412 lb·ft (559 N·m) of torque. Exterior modifications include unique wheels, tires, suspension, and bumpers. It came standard with Viper blue paint with two racing stripes down the center of k truck. It boasted a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.1 seconds. The top speed was 142 mph (229 km/h).

1998: First model year for Durango, available only in 4WD.

1999: The Durango was made available with 2WD. Minor changes were made for the 2nd year, two new paint colors and notable options available including 6 × 9 in (150 × 230 mm) heated rear view mirrors and steering wheel-mounted radio controls. Leather seats became standard on SLT Plus models, and body-color wheel flares became standard on SLT Plus and 4WD Models.

2000: The new 4.7 L PowerTech V8 engine replaced the 5.2 L Magnum V8 as the standard engine for 4WD models. The high performance Durango R/T came equipped with a performance tuned 5.9 L Magnum V8 and AWD.

2001: Dodge focused on interior upgrades as Durango's interior trim panels, dash mounted controls, instrument panel, overhead console, and steering wheel were all redesigned. For improved rear passenger comfort, a dual-zone climate control system was added as standard equipment. Sound systems were improved on all models and now came standard with SX speakers. Other minor changes include door panels, revised seats, aluminium wheels, and minor changes to trim options.

2002: The new SXT version of the Durango was offered as the entry-level trim package. Optional side curtain airbags were added for safety.

2003: Durango featured minor mechanical changes, most notable was the addition of 4-wheel disc brakes.

Trim levels

• 1998–2003 - SLT
• 1998–2003 - SLT PLUS
• 2000–2003 - Sport
• 2001–2003 - SXT
• 1999–2003 - R/T.

Engines

• 1998–2000 — 5.2 L (318 cu in) Magnum V8, 230 hp (170 kW)
• 1999–2000 — 3.9 L (238 cu in) Magnum V6, 175 hp (130 kW)
• 1998–2003 — 5.9 L (360 cu in) Magnum V8, 245 hp (183 kW)
• 2000–2003 — 5.9 L (360 cu in) Magnum V8, 250 hp (190 kW)
• 2000–2003 — 4.7 L (287 cu in) PowerTech V8, 235 hp (175 kW)

Second generation (2004–2009)

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. It is 7 in (180 mm) longer, 2 in (51 mm) wider, and 3 in (76 mm) taller than the previous model. For this model year, it offered a full-size third row bench with three seats, giving it an eight-seat capacity. The design took its styling primarily from the Dodge Powerbox concept which was itself based on the 1999 Dodge Power Wagon Concept.

Debuting for 2004 was an all-new rear suspension with coil springs and a solid rear axle. A Watt linkage system is fitted to the rear axle, centering the axle and reducing rear-end skate over rough surfaces, and allowing a lower and wider cargo floor.

2007–2009

The 2007 model was reworked to halt a sales decline, debuting at the Dallas Auto Show in April 2006. It featured a redesigned grille, hood, headlamps, fenders and wheels. New features included electronic stability program, tire pressure monitoring system, rear park assist, and a one-touch turn signal. The 2007 model also featured a reworked floor, third-row bench, and electrical system in preparation for the 2009 hybrid version. In 2007 Chrysler introduced its own version of the Durango, called the Chrysler Aspen.

On October 13, 2008, Chrysler announced that the shutdown of the Newark Assembly facility producing the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen would be moved up to the end of 2008, effectively ending production of the Durango and Durango Hybrid for the 2009 model year.^[2]

Hybrid

Chrysler started to build the Dodge Durango Hybrid 2009 in fall 2008,^[3] featuring the 340 hp (250 kW) 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi engine with MDS as well as the new Two-Mode Hybrid system developed with General Motors and BMW. The manufacturer claimed an almost 25% gain overall fuel fuel economy and an almost 40% gain in the city.^[4] EPA testing on the Hybrid Durango with the Hemi V8 engine indicates fuel mileage to be about 20 miles per US gallon (12 L/100 km; 24 mpg_-imp) (city) and 22 mpg_-US (11 L/100 km; 26 mpg_-imp) (highway) for 2009 model.^[5] The normal (non-hybrid) Durango with the 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi and 4WD gets 13 mpg_-US (18 L/100 km; 16 mpg_-imp) (city) and 19 mpg_-US (12 L/100 km; 23 mpg_-imp) (highway).^[6]

The 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid has a starting MSRP of $45,340.^[7] Production of the hybrid models (this included Chrysler Aspen Hybrid as well) began on August 22, 2008. Chrysler received approximately 3,000 pre-orders from dealers. By early November 2008, 400 of the hybrid SUVs, including Chrysler Aspen, had already been built.

• SXT 2004–2009
• SLT 2004–2009
• SLT Plus 2004–2009
• Night Runner 2005–2007
• Limited 2004–2009
• Adventurer 2005–2008

Engines

• 2004–2009 - 3.7 L (226 cu in) PowerTech V6, 210 hp (160 kW) at 5200 rpm and 235 lb·ft (319 N·m) at 4000 rpm
• 2004–2007 - 4.7 L (287 cu in) PowerTech V8, 235 hp (175 kW) at 4500 rpm and 300 lb·ft (407 N·m) at 3600 rpm
• 2004–2009 - 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi V8, 335 hp (250 kW) at 5200 rpm and 370 lb·ft (502 N·m) at 4200 rpm (MDS equipped for 2006+ 5.7 L engines for improved fuel mileage)
• 2008–2009 - 4.7 L (287 cu in) PowerTech V8, 303 hp (226 kW) at 5,650 rpm and 330 lb·ft (447 N·m) at 3,950 rpm

Third generation (2011)

On August 16, 2010, Dodge released an Internet site and teaser photos of the third generation of Dodge Durango. The new Durango is built along side of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee at the Jefferson Ave. Assembly Plant in Detroit, Michigan. The new Durango shares not only the assembly line with the Grand Cherokee, but also the running gear, powertrains, and chassis parts. The new Durango features two engines. The base engine is a new 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 290 hp (220 kW; 290 PS) and 260 lb·ft (350 N·m) of torque at 4,800 rpm; 90% of peak torque is available from 1,600 to 6,400 rpm. The Pentastar V6 is attached to the Mercedes W5A580 five-speed automatic, with Chrysler's controls and the driver-interactive control. The 5.7 L Hemi VVT V8 returns with 360 hp (270 kW; 360 PS) and 390 lb·ft (530 N·m) of torque, which features the 545RFE 5-speed automatic. The HEMI V8 also comes with a "fuel-saver"(cylinder deactivation) mode. This feature is primarily used when the vehicle is cruising at constant speeds on level ground.

The wheelbase of the new Durango is longer than that of the Grand Cherokee. It features three rows of seating compared to the Grand Cherokee's two rows.

The 2011 Dodge Durango entered production on December 14, 2010,^[8] alongside the second generation Charger in the 2011 vehicle lineup. It went on sale for general dealership availability in mid-January 2011.

Engines

Total American sales

References

External links

• Official site