Overview:
OK, so what’s all the excitement about this Dodge Durango utility vehicle? Is it because macho guys get off on rugged manly things like the recent Dodge truck line that is everything we like? Yep, we’re different animals and this Durango like its brother the Dakota and their daddy Dodge Ram give men that rugged, flex your muscles feeling. The look and feel is like a shaved down 18-wheeler that makes these Dodge trucks all man. Don’t misunderstand me gals, you can climb on and drive one too, because the macho stuff is catching. It just feels good to get behind the wheel of something with a little substance. It reminds me of one of my Harley T-shirt’s that say, SIZE DOES COUNT. I think I’ve had enough of those frilly cars with doilies on the armrests. This is a mans truck and Dodge makes no bones about it. And if you opt for the big block Magnum V8 you’ll know what I mean when you start it up. You will wear the back tires bald if you don’t exercise a little restraint. You can just hear Tim Allen grunt his approval of the 5.2 liter 318 cu in V8, multiport fuel injection, mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission with a lockup torque converter…. Aargh. Of course he would improve the power a little and get the 5.9-liter V8 that is another option.
Just as I got settled in and comfortable that this Durango is made for a man, Shirley says, “Hey Joe, you’re driving the exact truck I’m buying. I’ve looked at every one that’s made and this is the best by far.” Uhhhhh?!…yeah, ok sounds good to me Shirley. So what’d ya like best about the Durango? “Just everything”, she says, “it looks great, has the best seating configuration of any of the SUV’s I looked at, and I mean I looked at them all – trust me.”
Well Shirley, I do trust you, and you’re right on. I didn’t want to give this Durango back. I usually like the turn around day because it’s exciting to move into the next new and interesting car, but some models I just hate to give back. I really wanted to drive the Durango another week but oh well. So I’ll get to ride in Shirley’s.
From the minute you step into this utility vehicle you get a sense of confidence. As much as I like the Jeep line I just get a feeling of command in the Durango. I’d like to hear what you think about this car. I know there’s been a lot of talk, but are folks buying them?
Good news:
A selection of V6 or two optional V8 engines. Command styling. Seats up to 8. Tow capacity over 7,000 pounds. Competitive pricing.
Bad news:
Big V8 sucks up lots of gas.
The competition:
Chevrolet Blazer $21,663 – $25,176, Chevrolet Tahoe $23,585 – $31,985, Ford Expedition $28,225 – $34,690, GMC Jimmy $21,786 – $25,855, Isuzu Trooper $26,550, Jeep Grand Cherokee $25,945 – $38,275, Land Rover Discovery $35,000 – $38,000, Mercedes-Benz M-Class $33,950, Toyota 4Runner $20,558 – $34,618.
Standard Equipment:
3.9-liter V6 230 horsepower engine, (5.2-liter V8 230 hp or a 245-hp 5.9-liter V8 are optional), air conditioning, power steering, rear defroster, AM/FM stereo cassette, dual air bags, power front disc rear drum ABS brakes, luggage rack and dual power mirrors.
Gas Stats:
13 City and 17 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP is $25,810 and the model I drove included the optional SLT-Plus Package that includes tilt steering wheel, cruise control, power windows & door locks, keyless entry and aluminum wheels for $1800; skid plates, overhead console, third seat, magnum 5.2 liter 230 hp engine, upgraded tires and interior decor and destination charges added $2,720 and after a Dodge discount of $700 the total came to $29,630.
