The Dodge Durango is a sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by Dodge. The first two generations were very similar in that both were based on the Dodge Dakota, both featured a body-on-frame construction and both were produced at the Newark Assembly Plant in Newark, Delaware.
The third-generation Durango is built on the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, features unibody construction, and has been assembled at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, Michigan, since mid-2010. It continues as a mid-sized SUV .
Video Dodge Durango
First generation (1998-2003)
The Durango was marketed as a sturdy truck-based SUV designed to hold up to seven passengers and tow up to 7,500 lb (3,400 kg) when properly equipped. The Durango shared a front end, instrument panel, and front seats with the Dakota pickup on which it was based. Original designs of the eight-passenger Durango featured a rear-facing third row similar to many older station wagons. To make room for a more practical forward-facing third row, Dodge shortened the length of the front doors and raised the roof two inches (5 cm) beyond the front seats, allowing for stadium seating. The Durango's roof rack was designed to mask the appearance of the raised roof.
The 4.7 L Magnum 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 hp (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 the truck. It boasted a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.1 seconds. The top speed was 142 mph (229 km/h).
Model year changes
For 1999, the Durango was made available with two-wheel drive. A 3.9 L Magnum V6 engine was available, but few were sold. Minor changes were made for the second year, two new paint colors and notable options available including 6-by-9-inch (150 mm × 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 four-wheel drive models.
The 2000 model year included a new 4.7 L Magnum V8 engine, which replaced the reliable 5.2 L Magnum V8, as the standard engine for four-wheel drive models. The 3.9 L Magnum V6 engine was no longer available, leaving only V8s for the rest of the production run. The high-performance Durango R/T came equipped with a performance-tuned 5.9 L Magnum V8 and all-wheel drive.
For 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. The transfer case selector on 4X4 models changed from a manual lever on the console to a switch on the dash. The instrument cluster was updated, and an electronic vehicle information center was incorporated into the overhead console. 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.
In 2002, the new SXT version of the Durango was offered as the entry-level trim package. Optional side curtain airbags were added for safety. The 2003 Durango featured minor mechanical changes, most notable was the addition of four-wheel disc brakes.
In 1999, the following models: 4WD 5.2L V8, 4WD 5.9L V8 hold the best crash test results in this Durango year and manufacturing, with it holding a 6.8 out of 10 total rating.
Trim levels
- 1997-2003 - SLT: Most basic trim level of the Durango from 1998-2000. Included basic features. Midrange trim level of the Durango from 2001-2003. SLT emblem.
- 1997-2003 - SLT PLUS: Most luxurious trim level of the Durango from 1998-2003. Included luxury features. Based on the SLT trim level. Never featured an SLT Plus emblem, but only an SLT emblem.
- 2000-2003 - Sport: More basic trim level of the Durango from 2000-2003. Included basic features. Based on the SXT trim level. Sport decals.
- 2000-2003 - SXT: Most basic trim level of the Durango from 2000-2003. Included basic features. SXT decals.
- 2000-2003 - R/T: "high-performance" trim level of the Durango from 2000-2003. Included luxury and performance-oriented features. Based on the SLT Plus trim level. R/T emblems.
The SLT, SLT Plus, and Sport trim levels offered the 3.9 L Magnum V6 engine as standard equipment (late availability starting in 1999), with the 5.2 L and 5.9 L Magnum V8 engines being available options, later switching to the 4.7 L Power-Tech V8 engine, with the 5.9 L Magnum V8 engine optional. The R/T and S.P. 360 trim levels included the 5.9 L Magnum V8 engine as standard equipment.
Engines
- 1997-2000 -- 5.2 L (318 cu in) Magnum V8, 230 hp (170 kW) & 300 lb-ft (410 N-M) of torque
- 1997-2000 -- 3.9 L (238 cu in) Magnum V6, 175 hp (130 kW) & 225 lb·ft (305 N·m) of torque
- 1997-2003 -- 5.9 L (360 cu in) Magnum V8, 245 hp (183 kW) & 330 lb·ft (449 N·m) of torque
- 1999-2000 -- 5.9 L (360 cu in) Supercharged Magnum V8, 360 hp (270 kW) & 412 lb·ft (559 N·m) of torque
- 2000-2003 -- 5.9 L (360 cu in) Magnum V8, 250 hp (190 kW) & 345 lb·ft (469 N·m) of torque
- 2000-2003 -- 4.7 L (287 cu in) Magnum V8, 235 hp (175 kW) & 295 lb·ft (400 N·m) of torque
Transmissions
- 42RE 4-speed TorqueFlite automatic - 3.9 L V6
- 45RFE 4-speed RFE automatic (2000-2002) - 4.7 L V8
- 545RFE 5-speed RFE automatic (2003) - 4.7 L V8
- 44RE 4-speed TorqueFlite automatic - 5.2 L V8
- 46RE 4-speed TorqueFlite automatic - 5.9 L V8
Maps Dodge Durango
Second generation (2004-2009)
The second-generation Durango was first shown as a concept dubbed Dodge Durango R/T concept at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show. It 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. It also offered a 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, and the 2003-2004 Durango R/T concept.
Debuting for 2004 was a new coil-spring rear suspension for the solid rear axle. A Watt's 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.
Trim levels
SXT: 2003-2009: Most basic trim level, basic features.
SLT: 2003-2009: Value-oriented trim level, value-added features, optional luxury features.
Adventurer: 2005-2007: Value-oriented and "off-road-look" trim level, value-added features, optional luxury features.
Limited: 2003-2009: Most luxurious trim level, luxury features.
All trim levels offered the 4.7L Power-Tech V8 engine as standard equipment, though the 5.7 L HEMI V8 engine was available on all trim levels, except for the base SXT trim level. The base SXT trim level also offered the 3.7 L Power-Tech V6 engine as standard equipment in place of the 5.7 L HEMI V8 engine option, though the V6 engine option was only available on the base SXT trim level, and only between 2004 and 2007.
The 2004 Dodge Durango was the first SUV in DaimlerChrysler's lineup to introduce the 5.7 L HEMI V8 engine, as well as a new radio design and modernized interior features.
Facelift
The 2007 model year featured a facelift that debuted at the Dallas Auto Show in April 2006. It featured a redesigned grille, hood, headlamps, fenders, and wheels. New features included electronic stability control, a tire pressure-monitoring system, rear park assist, and a one-touch turn signal.
In 2006, DaimlerChrysler introduced a mid-size luxury SUV based on the Durango, called the Chrysler Aspen, for the 2007 model year.
Engines
- 2004-2009 - 3.7 L (226 cu in) Magnum 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) Magnum V8, 235 hp (175 kW) at 4500 rpm and 300 lb?ft (407 N?m) at 3600 rpm
- 2008-2009 - 4.7 L (287 cu in) Corsair V8, 303 hp (226 kW) at 5,650 rpm and 330 lb?ft (447 N?m) at 3,950 rpm
- 2004-2008 - 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)
- 2009 - 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi V8, 376 hp (280 kW) at 5200 rpm and 401 lb?ft (544 N?m)
- 2009 Hybrid - 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi V8, 399 hp (298 kW) at 5200 rpm and 390 lb?ft (529 N?m)
Chrysler Aspen
The Chrysler Aspen is a luxury SUV from Chrysler. Launched for the 2007 model-year, the Aspen was based on the Dodge Durango SUV.
The Aspen was the first truck-based SUV commercialized under the Chrysler brand, although the PT Cruiser was the first truck-based Chrysler brand vehicle as classified under Corporate Average Fuel Economy's (CAFE) regulation. With this introduction, as of 2007, all American automobile brands had an SUV in their range. The truck was unveiled at the 2005 North American International Auto Show. The Aspen came equipped with three rows of seating for eight passengers and available all-wheel drive. It was available in only one trim, Limited.
The 2007 Chrysler Aspen appears in the 2006 movie Deck the Halls.
Due to slow sales, it was discontinued after the 2009 model year.
Discontinuation
In October 2009, Chrysler announced that the shutdown of the Newark Assembly facility, which produced the Durango and the Chrysler Aspen, would be moved up to the end of 2009, thereby ending production of the Aspen and Durango after the 2009 model-year. Production ceased on December 19, 2009.
Third generation (2011-present)
Overview
After announcing the discontinuation of the Durango after the 2009 model year, Dodge released an Internet site and teaser photos of the third-generation Dodge Durango on August 16, 2010.
The 2011 Dodge Durango entered production on December 14, 2010, alongside the second-generation Charger in the 2011 vehicle lineup. It went on sale for general dealership availability in mid-January 2011.
The third-generation Durango is built alongside the Jeep Grand Cherokee at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, Michigan, sharing the assembly line, running gear, powertrains, and chassis parts with the Grand Cherokee. The wheelbase of the Durango is longer than that of the Grand Cherokee. It features three rows of seating compared to the Grand Cherokee's two rows.
Trim levels
The Dodge Durango is available in several distinct trim levels:
Express - 2011 only: Base trim level, base features, 3.6 L Pentastar V6 engine only.
Crew - 2011-2013: Value-added trim level, added features, optional luxury features, 3.6 L Pentastar V6 and 5.7 L HEMI V8 engines.
SXT - 2012-present: Base trim level, base features, 3.6 L Pentastar V6 engine only.
SXT Plus - 2014-present: Basic trim level, basic features, 3.6 L Pentastar V6 engine only.
Crew Plus - 2010-2013: Luxury trim level, luxury features, 3.6 L Pentastar V6 or 5.7 L HEMI V8 engines.
Limited - 2014-2016: Luxury trim level, luxury features, 3.6 L Pentastar V6 or 5.7 L HEMI V8 engines.
GT - 2017-present: Sporty trim level that replaces the Limited trim, 3.6 L Pentastar V6 engine only.
R/T - 2011-present: Sporty trim level, sporty details, 5.7 L HEMI V8 engine only. First return to the Dodge Durango lineup since 2001.
Citadel - 2011-present: Highest trim level, luxurious features, 3.6 L Pentastar V6 or 5.7 L HEMI V8 engines.
SRT - December 2017 for the 2018 model year: will include a 6.4 L V8.
A Special Service Package has also been available since 2012, and is sold exclusively to government fleets. It is based on the base Durango SXT trim level, but does offer the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine that the public-market SXT trim level does not offer.
Powertrain
The third-generation Durango features three engines. The base engine is a new 3.6 L 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 engine is backed by a Mercedes W5A580 five-speed automatic, with Chrysler's controls and the driver-interactive control. The 5.7 L Hemi VVT V8 returned with 360 hp (268 kW; 365 PS) and 390 lb?ft (529 N?m) of torque, which features the 545RFE five-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.
Updates
Dodge unveiled its revised 2014 model Durango at the 2013 New York International Auto Show. The 2014 Durango was redesigned with sportier-looking lines, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a new design trim similar to the Rallye, with blackened plastic bumper and outline. The tail lights were reworked to feature a single LED 'Racetrack' tail lamp similar to the Charger and Dart. On the inside, Dodge added a revised steering wheel, instrument cluster, rotary shift knob, and a reconfigurable 7-in (780mm) thin film transistor display first seen on the Dart.
The 2015 Durango received a new package available for the R/T trim, consisting of a Premium Nappa Leather Group option featuring radar red leather seats, 0.8-inch-lower ride height (20 mm), black headlamp bezels, HID low beams and LED DRLS, optional R/T embroidery on the seats, a nine-speaker sound system with a subwoofer, a 360-horsepower 5.7 L Hemi paired with ZF's eight-speed transmission, and a 20-inch (510 mm) Granite Crystal wheel finished in black.
There were no changes made to the 2016 model year, but the Durango did add new packages to their two trims, with the Anodized Platinum package for the Citadel trim and the Brass Monkey package for the Limited trim.
For 2017, the Dodge Durango Limited trim is discontinued and replaced by the new GT trim and the Base SXT trim level will now be available with 5 passenger seating in 2 rows.
Total sales
Dodge Durango sales
Chrysler Aspen sales
Recalls
On August 16, 2012, Chrysler recalled 1,661 2013-model Dodge Durango sport utility vehicles in the United States and Canada because some airbags may not deploy in an accident. The recall affects 1,449 of the seven-passenger versions of the SUVs in the United States and 212 in Canada and other markets.
On July 24, 2015, Chrysler recalled all 2014-2015 Dodge Durangos with the 8.4-inch (210 mm) touch-screens due to security concerns with the software that controls the vehicle because it could be hacked. The vulnerability was discovered by software engineers Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek and initially posted on Wired. This vulnerability would allow hackers to remotely access and take over a variety of features, including those key parts of driving via a vulnerability in the Uconnect infotainment system.
References
External links
- Official website
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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