1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4x4 review from North America
"Overall, very well worth what I've put into it"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Moisture corrosion of electrical contacts for alarm system (make sure under your floor mat is drying properly as this can and will happen to you) - Warranty repaired.
Water pump at 127,000 miles.
Lower ball joints at 94,000 - Warranty repaired.
Upper ball joints at 125,000 miles.
Evaporator at 123,000 miles.
Other than that, basic maintenance, brakes pads (rotors once because I waited too long), tires, tune-ups, light-bulbs, etc.
General comments?
Not all Durango's are lemons, with over 135k miles and climbing, the work I've had done one mine is what I expected. I plan on buying a new one to replace this next year and by then I should have well over 150k.
Tires average 50-55k miles before I feel they are unsuitable for safety reasons.
First major tune-up was at 94k miles.
Some of the items I didn't like about my 98 (was ordered, not one of those "off the lot" deals) were subsequently corrected in later models.
Suggestions - figure out how much you drive and get the Maximum Care warranty, even though I barely used mine, any time I went to the dealer they took care of the problems with little or no fuss. If your dealer is a problem - find another dealer.
Recommended Reviews:
  | Nice looks, poor reliability |
| She's a beauty but she's also high maintenance!! |
All 1998 Dodge Durango reviews
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.2 Magnum V8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 5 miles |
| Most recent distance | 135000 miles |
| Previous car | Mazda 626 |
| Date of Entry | 27th September, 2003 |