2000 Dodge Durango R/T from North America - Comments

First, of course this vehicle has had problems. All vehicles with over a 100 thousand miles WILL, regardless of make or model.

The "One Push Down" feature on the drivers door window of the vehicle has never worked for more than a week before being replaced. I am on my 13th electrical relay.

The "Fold-And-Tumble" seat feature in the rear no longer works. Neither of the levers (side or back) do anything. The dealer told me it was a wire that must be bound up under the seat, but said it would be $300-$400 to take both seats apart and replace the cords. (out of warranty of course)

Had to replace the spark plugs and spark plug wires at about 30,000 miles because one was "arching" to the valve cover and ruined in. STRANGE!! Cost: About $250.

Had to replace the exhaust system at 60,000 miles. Put in a high performance system. Cost: $450.

Engine control module went out when I was off-roading a few weeks ago. Do you know how much time and money it takes to get a tow truck to get you out of Boulder Canyon? Not happy. Cost: $850 for tow and computer (ECM).

Last, the suspension always sounds and rides like it's ready to fall off the bottom of the truck. It doesn't leave me with a good feeling when every corner I go around, my Durango sounds like it's literally falling apart at the seems.

This truck is no hot rod. But than again, what 5000lb SUV is for $35,000? You can drag race a Mustang GT and win however.

Overall, I like the truck. Little repairs that keep occurring do shake my confidence.

Now, I have read a lot of reviews on this site where people complain about bad gas mileage. People, come on... when you purchased the vehicle, the window sticker plainly states the these trucks, and they ARE trucks, get between 12 and 16 miles per gallon. You're talking about a vehicle that weighs between 4700 and 5200 pounds. I don't know if you've ever tried to push it, but it's not easy. Also, most of them have all wheel drive. Most cars, even top end models, only have one set of wheels to worry about pushing (or pulling). You have TWO!! Another issue, most of you have a BIG V-8 engine. That's 5.9 liters and 360 cubic inches that are working under there. Those 3 variables don't (and can't) combine to result in good gas mileage. But then again, you all knew that when you bought them. Right?

My last comment deals with ergonomics. You should all know what that is. The seats are great, the leather is thick and high quality, the handling is wonderful for a vehicle this big, it's surprisingly quick, and an absolute blast to drive. Chrysler vehicles are great to drive these days, but none of that matters when it's in the shop.

You can drag race a Mustang GT and win? That's interesting considering that your Durango will run 0 - 60 in 9.3 seconds while a bone stock Mustang GT will hit it in 5.4. With slight mods, the GT will be running 100 before you can hit 60. It was a nice thought though - maybe if the 'Stang is running in reverse.

Um, I believe the gent above who says he beat the Mustang GT. A lot of GT owners don't know how to race it. This gent here obviously knows what he's doing. Hell, I can beat Mustang GTs in a Dakota that has a 5.2L and weighs 3700lbs. cause I took a lot of weight out of it and the motor does 245 to 250 HP after some slight mods such as Gibson cat-back exhaust and K&N air intake. Fords suck.

Later.

I have the R/T model with the uprated PCM (requires premium fuel). I average 14.4mpg in 50/50 driving, which isn't bad. You're right about the suspension. I have stock shocks all around and will be upgrading to Bilstein's this spring. The underbody looks terrible already and I had it undercoated four months ago. Rust everywhere! AHHHH. Gotta love winter.

As much as I'd love to beat a Mustang GT, there's no chance unless I add a ProCharger unit, exhaust, and maybe some NOS. It's too much to do just to beat a stock GT. I figure if two of them race and both blow tires or engines I can tow'm both home.

I own the 2000 R/T with the hi-po pcm. All I can say is OCTANE! I run 12 gallons of CAM-2 in her and I've never noticed such an easy upgrade for power, besides NOS. I wouldn't recommend it unless you run a high flow cat or gut the stock one though. She ran 14.5-14.6 with 5 passes. That ain't bad for a 4999 curb weight, 255hp rated SUV. To the boys at Ford n Chevy, in the 2000 models, I say "What???"

I don't know what ya'll are talkin about, cause my 2002 R/T must have something wrong with it. It will hit 100 mph in 6.2 seconds and it is bone stock. Yeah, it gets 12.2 mpg uphill, downhill, in town, and on the highway. It really doesn't matter, it only gets 12.2 mpg. On the other hand, I have owned fast hot rods and street machines all my life and this truck (Yes Truck) hands down will throw you against the seat if you punch it at 70 mph, squawk the tires kick sideways just like the old muscle cars, only a little different feeling in the gut with the all wheel drive.

I may just tear this motor down just to find out what they have done to it from the factory, cause it doesn't even sound the same as other R/T's I have driven or heard.