2003 Dodge Durango SXT 4x4 4.7 SOHC V8

Summary:

Very nice SUV for the money, however it has its minor problems

Faults:

Rear drivers' caliper failed at 35k, 3 days after we bought the truck. Was replaced under the 90 day dealer's warranty.

Blower motor resistor pack failed at 50k, replaced with new one, and started to fail at 72k again, only high speed works now at 75k. Can no longer use heat now due to strong burning smell & smoke emitting from the heater vents.

Upper ball joints are creaking, need to be replaced. Previously were replaced under a recall.

Camshaft position sensor failed at 55k.

General Comments:

Other than the problems we had, it's pretty reliable. It rides nice, aside from the ball joints creaking when turning. It's got plenty of pep for a 4500lb SUV, enough to give the little rice rockets in town a scare. The gas mileage... not so good. I'd say it averages 13-14 City, but Highway is pretty good.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st January, 2009

2003 Dodge Durango RT 5.9

Summary:

This SUV is junk

Faults:

May 2008:

ABS module

Rear wheels brake cylinders

Rack and pinion

June 2008:

Driver's side power window motor

July 2008:

Transmission

Worn front driveline

August 2008:

Upper radiator hose

September 2008:

Transfer case

Left hub bearing

October 2008:

Right front CV joint.

General Comments:

Lots of power, but not worth the money or time to consider buying one.

Not reliable. Be prepared to buy stock in a rental car company.

I also have a 1989 Honda Accord that has 320,000 miles that has been more trustworthy than this pile of metal, which would be of more use in a scrap pile.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th October, 2008

2003 Dodge Durango SLT+ 4.7 Magnum

Summary:

A great powerful SUV

Faults:

When I came off the freeway, the steering wheel got stiff, but went away after away. It was because there was too much power steering fluid in it, and it got a couple of air pockets in the system.

General Comments:

It's a great SUV. Big, but not giant such as an Expedition.

It looks the best in the Patriot Blue color with a silver metallic trim and a chrome grill.

I raced a new Audi and the Durango won, and this is only a 4.7 liter.

Great power for an SUV and most cars.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th October, 2008

2003 Dodge Durango SLT+ 4.7

Summary:

A safe tough vehicle that drives larger than it is, but very comfortably

Faults:

Nothing wrong except that this vehicle is not recommended if you plan on doing your own maintenance.

General Comments:

Lots of torque power.

Hard on gas in the city, but very reasonable on the highway.

Absolutely recommend a regular service schedule; not something you can let slide, especially concerning transfer case fluid changes.

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

Review Date: 24th July, 2008

2003 Dodge Durango SLT 4.7L

Summary:

It is a zero

Faults:

The front right wheel fell off at 50,000 miles. Defective wheel bearing.

Of course I got that wonderful engine knock at 70,000 miles. Sludge build up. Unless you change the oil every 500 miles, you will get sludge build up in a Durango.

General Comments:

Daimler Chrysler had a great opportunity to capture a significant market share with the Durango. Right vehicle at the right time.

However, the engine has a design flaw that permits oil sludge to build up in the engine. My mechanic says it is a defective oil screen.

Instead of owning up to it and making the repairs, Chrysler took the big corporation hide behind the lawyer tactic.

Makes one suspicious about Chrysler and Mercedes in general.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th June, 2008

2003 Dodge Durango LST 4.7 Magnum

Summary:

Excellent

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

This has been the best car I've ever owned.

I change my oil every 3,000, and had the transmission flushed at 50,000 just as preventive maintenance.

But overall I love this truck; 4hd is great, and the comfort is awesome. I will have this truck till the end.

My cousin has the same one, and he has 250,000 miles. And never had a problem.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th February, 2008

2003 Dodge Durango SLT Plus 4.7 V8

Summary:

Roomy, comfortable, and fun to drive

Faults:

Only problem I've had is the left tail light going out and I don't mean just a bulb, but the whole thing was fried.

Other than that, no problems.

General Comments:

I love our Durango.

It's quick off the line and great at passing slow vehicles when I need to.

It's got enough room for our family of 5 plus room for two more.

I bought it from a dealer 1000 miles away and when I drove it home, it was the best drive I've ever had. Usually on long drives, my back starts to hurt and I get very uncomfortable, but not once did I have a problem like that while driving the Durango.

The only negative thing I could say is that the gas mileage is terrible, but that’s the trade off for having something this nice.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th January, 2008