2000 Dodge Durango SLT review from North America
"A gamble"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The Durango started making a light knocking noise while turning and accelerating at the same time. The 12,000 mile check was due when I mentioned it to Rainier Dodge, in Olympia, WA. Their service department said they would check it after they replaced the transmission fluid.
Upon pick up, the service person said they did not hear the noise when they test drove the vehicle. Note: they did not drive it before the service. He proceeded to inform me the fluid was dirty and that the new fluid probably fixed the noise.
Approximately seven days after the service the transmission failed on the road about one mile from my home. It has now been three weeks since they towed it back to the dealership.
I have a family member that had the same transmission problem back in 1998. Not only have I heard stories about the transmissions, I am an example. Not to mention the full story of how unprofessional, indifferent, and sloppy the dealership was in handling the fall-out of the situation. If they are an example of a 5 star service dealer, Dodge needs to re-think their definition of "service".
General comments?
I have been thoroughly happy with the performance, handling, and comfort of the Durango, up to the transmission failure.
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| A Matchbox car would have been a better investment |
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| An enjoyable vehicle that suits my needs--but be prepared to work on it |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 2000 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.7 Magnum Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 0 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 1700 miles |
| Most recent distance | 12000 miles |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Fox |
| Date of Entry | 2nd October, 2001 |