Faults:

My transmission would not shift out of first gear. I found some great advice from previous comments on this site, suggesting that I switch my wiper relay with my trans relay. This move solved my problem.

I had my transmission replaced previously while under warranty at 31,000 miles. Thus I surmised that the mechanics of the transmission itself were good, and I could not possibly need another transmission, thus I heeded the advice found here and consequently feel incredibly relieved. Thank you guys so much.

General Comments:

This has been a great truck once the factory recall items were resolved. (Upper ball joints, gear shift injector).

The brakes could be better though. (Stronger, performance type)

Faults:

Replaced the tires at 70,000 miles.

The driver's seat had minor wear on it when I purchased the vehicle, but Armor-All leather protectant helped a great deal and has prevented further wear.

The rear window switches work intermittently on occasion.

One fastener that holds up the rear window tail light broke, causing a minor rattle.

Front Ball joints were replaced under recall.

Gear shift malfunction replaced under recall.

General Comments:

The car has decent pick-up for its size. The 5.9 litre V8 offers more punch, but the 4.7 accelerates well and has decent fuel economy, I average 17+ MPG combined city/highway driving. Braking and handling is decent for a vehicle the Durango's size, a Grand Cherokee handles better on the road.

The Durango does very well off-road. The larger tires on the SLT are excellent for sand and loose gravel. The suspension is very true to its Dakota frame, so the ride is stiff and sometimes the Durango wallows over larger bumps. The 4X4 engages quickly and without the need to shift into neutral.

I have read a number of reports indicating that the Durango is an unreliable vehicle. I purchased mine used with 54000 miles. It was a dealer return under a state lemon law. The engine had been cutting out randomly. The dealer flashed the engine computer and the problem has not returned in the 30000 miles I have driven the car. I have performed all scheduled maintenance in the manual and the car has been very reliable.

The Durango is a comfortable vehicle, the leather seats don't support the lower back completely, but they fit taller passengers well. The rear seat is comfortable for all but the tallest passengers. The third row seat is meant for smaller people. You would not even know the seat is there when it is folded down, and the trunk space is quite large. There is also a small compartment in the trunk for keeping emergency supplies, very convenient. The many A/C outlets are also very helpful.

Overall, the Durango is a very solid utility vehicle that is capable off-road and rivals larger vehicles in cargo and passenger capacity. I prefer the pre-2004 Durangos because they manage to be mid-size SUV's that offer the utility of larger vehicles. The 2004-present Durangos are too large and do not differentiate the Durango from other vehicles at all.

Faults:

Had a rat in the air box, and brake pads and rotors. Great truck.

General Comments:

Great truck if you take care of it. I beat the crap out of it, but as long as you change the oil and trans fluid, you're all set. Maybe if you take care of it and maintain it, you will be all set, ever thought of that?

Faults:

Transmission wiring shorted out after transmission rebuild. Mechanic told me it was common, but couldn't explain why it wasn't re-routed when rebuild was done.

Transmission needed rebuilding after 122,000 miles for ongoing shifting problems.

Heads needed replacing at 122,000 miles after noticed misfiring at high rpm.

Transmission electrical problems @ 100.00 miles

The fan only really works on high speed. The lower settings seem to be the same low speed.

General Comments:

- The R/T is a blast to drive even after 135,000 mile! Still has quick acceleration and sports car handling.

- I live in Alaska and it handles great in the winter. I can only think of 1 time getting stuck in deep snow.

- All-wheel drive is great when you hit a patch of ice, because the vehicle automatically adjusts. You don't have time to switch to 4WD when you're fish-tailing.

- Heated leather seats are heavenly!

- Lots of room in the back and 3rd row folds flat easily.

- I have towed trailers with topsoil and gravel with it, and the 5.9 is more than enough power to haul them.

- The pre-2004 shape is still my favorite. The bad roadster look is awesome.

- Because of mechanical problems after 100,000 mile, I would probably trade for another if I had to do it again.

- You have to be aggressive with service managers otherwise they will walk all over you. They sometimes come up with vague explanations and it pays to get second opinion.