Body style: SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle)
Segment: Medium SUV
Production years: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
Introduced as a 1998 model, the Durango replaced the older Ramcharger, which was on the production line since 1974.
The Durango shared the same platform with the Dakota pickup truck, and the carmaker didn't try to hide that by any means. Unlike the Ramcharger, the Durango was offered as a four-door full-size SUV that increased the market share of that brand.
Dodge designed the Durango in a retro-styling way, with the front fenders lower than the hood. The same recipe worked well for the Dakota. Its big, crosshair design on the grille and slim, horizontal headlights made the car look mean. Its flared fenders resembled the cars from the '50s, while the raked, curved windshield made the connection with modern vehicles.
Inside, Dodge installed the same dashboard design as the one fitted in the Dakota. For the 1998 model year, the carmaker offered an interesting option for a third, rear-faced, row of seats. With that option checked, the Durango offered room for up to eight people. The customers were not very thrilled by that and didn't ask for it. Later on, Dodge deleted that option from the list.
Chrysler decided to offer the same drivetrain as the one fitted in the Dakota, but later on, it added some more punch to the SUV. It included the 5.9-liter engine carried over from the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Edition and a supercharged V8 for the R/T version.
ENGINE SPECS - 4.7 | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 4701 cm3 |
Power: | 175 KW @ 4800 RPM 238 HP @ 4800 RPM 235 BHP @ 4800 RPM |
Torque: | 295 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM 400 Nm @ 3200 RPM |
Fuel System: | Electonic Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 111.9 mph (180 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | Automatic, 4 Speed |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 265/70 R 17 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 193.3 in (4910 mm) |
Width: | 71.5 in (1816 mm) |
Height: | 72.9 in (1852 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 62/61.9 in (1,575/1,572 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 116 in (2946 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 87.2 cuFT (2469 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4376.9 lbs (1985 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 6401.1 lbs (2903 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 14 mpg US (16.8 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 19 mpg US (12.4 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 5.9 | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 5896 cm3 |
Power: | 183 KW @ 4000 RPM 249 HP @ 4000 RPM 245 BHP @ 4000 RPM |
Torque: | 335 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM 454 Nm @ 3200 RPM |
Fuel System: | Electronic Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 111.9 mph (180 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | Automatic, 4 Speed |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 265/70 R 17 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 193.3 in (4910 mm) |
Width: | 71.5 in (1816 mm) |
Height: | 72.9 in (1852 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 62/61.9 in (1,575/1,572 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 116 in (2946 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 87.2 cuFT (2469 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 4487.2 lbs (2035 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 6401.1 lbs (2903 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 10 mpg US (23.5 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 14.2 mpg US (16.6 L/100Km) |