1999 Dodge Durango SLT 5.9L V8

Summary:

Awesome people; boat; kayak hauler and off-road vehicle

Faults:

Replaced battery at 125,000 miles (4 years)

ABS processor failed at 100k miles (not repaired)

Replaced ball joints and related parts at 135,000 miles (5 years)

General Comments:

I have been very happy with this truck. I drove 25k miles per year for the first 4 years of ownership in hot Texas, now about 10k miles per year in the Pacific North West.

I tow a 6,500lb boat a couple of miles every few weeks (this is above the recommended tow capacity) and have not had a problem. (I use 4WD Low setting).

It has always had oil and fluids changed when recommended and all regular services.

I had ball joints etc. replaced at around 135k miles, a reasonable duration given the service I have put this truck to.

Only major problem that I have not resolved is ABS does not work. I hated the ABS processor anyway, it is far too slow to be truly effective and I now operate the vehicle with perfect brakes - but no ABS.

Mechanic friend says that many owners neglect maintenance and suffer (or sell to sufferer!) as a consequence.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st May, 2006

1999 Dodge Durango SLT Plus 5.9L 360

Summary:

The most multipurpose capable vehicle on the road

Faults:

AC/Heat Door Jammed and would not switch.

Passenger Rear Power Window Motor Never Works.

Low speed reading sensor for under 10mph speedometer readings.

Head Light switch replacement for fog lamps.

General Comments:

This car over all has been a very excellent vehicle for my family. It is the most capable and luxurious vehicle that I have owned. The gas mileage has never been good, but if you compare it to a truck that is able to tow as much as this thing can then it is very close maybe 2 to 4 mpg difference. This in a years time does not equal a huge savings for the capacity that you get with this vehicle. I love the turning radius. I love the 7 passenger seating. I love the horsepower of the 360. And living on a farm I love having the 4wd with the 31x10.50 wheels when I need it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd March, 2006

1999 Dodge Durango V8 magnum

Summary:

So far so good

Faults:

The check engine light comes on and the engine has less than 6 thou. on it. For some reason every now and then the battery goes dead. It is not the battery, it was check. What could cause this? The ign. switch is in right spot and all lights are turned off. Has anyone had this prob. new trany also. Security light comes on also. How can I get that thing off of there? pain in my, but. It flashes when we elect. lock the doors.

General Comments:

I don't like how the ign. switch is made. You can take the key out at any spot. I don't understand the lock mode either.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 29th December, 2005

1999 Dodge Durango SLT 5.9V8

Summary:

Good truck for me!

Faults:

ABS Sensor went bad around 75000 miles Replaced $132.

Ball Joints replaced at 85000 miles

Replaced $650.

General Comments:

Well my Durango has done OK for the most part. This is my second post on this site. The first when I purchased the Truck a couple of years ago. The ball joint issue I was ready for because of the post on this web site. Thanks to everyone for the information. That has been the only problem since the sensor situation shortly after purchase. I have had no problems with the engine or oil pressure so far. Hopefully that continues to be the case.

The truck has never let me down yet. I do take good care of it. Change the oil faithfully every 3000 miles, replaced the factory air filter with a K&N and I did see a difference in performance. I take it to goodyear in my area and they also use a engine flush every time they change the oil to keep the engine clean.

The next thing that I will be doing is replacing the shocks all around maybe in the spring time. I also plan to put some new rims on the truck. I have to say, a Durango with some nice rims on it looks amazing. Very unique look compared to the status quo! I don't really drive it rough either. That's just me! It is a truck though so you should be able to take it to the limit and not have to worry about it falling apart like some people have experienced. It fits the family well and can haul everything that I need.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st December, 2005

29th May 2007, 12:25

Wrote this back a couple of years ago. Currently my 99 Durango has 104,000 miles on it and still running very well. Got my serpentine belt changed and new Goodyear Fortera tires. The ride is very smooth, but those tires are large and seemed to have hurt my mpg ave. I'm between 11-12 mpg in town and 13 on the high way. I was doing a little better before tire replacement. What I gave up in mpg I received in driving comfort and safety. In the snow in PA. I did not have to put my truck in 4 wheel at all. The new tires gripped very nicely and I have not spun out once. This was a problem before. I hope my luck continues. The truck is continuing to do well for me and my family and does not feel like a 99 in 2007.