I've got a 2003 Durango assigned to me for my job, which involves a lot of forest road driving. I've used it for six days on forest roads, and my impressions aren't all that great. It behaves pretty well in terms of handling on those roads, but the clearance is pretty pathetic, and I get the impression that it's gonna fall apart before the end of the job. It hasn't really been put to the test as far as real off road performance goes. Anyone know of some good reviews I could check out?
http://www.edmunds.com/dodge/durango/2003/review.html
We've got one kicking around the sheriff dept. that's a 02 with the 5.9. They had it converted to 3.92 gears last summer on the advice of one of our mechanics to keep the new tranny from getting torn up- seems pretty powerful they use if for marine patrol hauling the boats and in the winter when the other 3 SUV's are all out on general patrol. I've driven it a couple times- did ok for us but we only did a little deep snow driving.
I drive a similar vintage Dakota V6 stick at work. The thing feels like it's going to fall apart, but it's fun to beat on. Really fun.
I'll second you on the clearance issue, although that's an easy fix, and I've otherwise had a great time throwing my parents' Durango around the local mountain roads.
That review is about what I've experienced, but it doesn't mention off road abilities. Must be 'cause it ain't got 'em. :lol:
Quote from: Tave on July 06, 2008, 07:15:22 PM
I'll second you on the clearance issue, although that's an easy fix, and I've otherwise had a great time throwing my parents' Durango around the local mountain roads.
Can't go liftin' the gub'ment's rigs...
We had a '98 for 8 years and about 120,000 miles. One of the most reliable cars my parents have ever owned, it might feel and sound like it is going to fall apart, but it won't. Of course they get crappy gas mileage (though yours is probably a 4.7l rather than the antiquated 5.2l we had) and don't have much ground clearance, but it was a pretty competitive SUV for its day (in '98 anyway, it was a little long in tooth by '03).
I guess I'll just have to be careful with rocks in the road... :(
Quote from: Psilos on July 06, 2008, 09:57:08 PM
I guess I'll just have to be careful with rocks in the road... :(
Nahhhhh, it's not your car. Have some fun with it! :rockon:
Quote from: Psilos on July 06, 2008, 08:36:34 PM
Can't go liftin' the gub'ment's rigs...
Well, I wouldn't rate it
quite as harshly as you.
I must just be used to my 2WD Ranger, which has more clearance than the big bad 4x4 Durango. :lol:
Though, the stump I didn't run over today might have something to say about that...