Dodge Durango

Dodge Durango

Manufacturer	DaimlerChrysler Chrysler LLC Chrysler Group (2010–present)
Production	1998–2008 (2009 for hybrid) 2010–present
Predecessor	Dodge Ramcharger Dodge Journey (Europe)
Class	Mid-size sport utility vehicle (1998–2003) Full-size SUV (2004–2009) Full-size Crossover SUV (2011–)
Body style(s)	4-door SUV
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive

The Dodge Durango is a full-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) from Chrysler's Dodge brand. It was introduced in 1998 as a midsize SUV, and as a replacement for the Ramcharger discontinued in the North American market in 1993, and was redesigned to full size for 2004.

The Durango was produced at the Newark Assembly plant in Newark, Delaware until the end of 2008. It then returned in late 2010 on a shared platform with the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and is currently being assembled in Detroit, Michigan.

First generation (1998–2003)

First generation

Production	1998–2003
Assembly	Newark, Delaware, United States
Class	Mid-size SUV
Platform	Chrysler DN platform
Engine(s)	3.9 L (238 cu in) Magnum V6 4.7 L (287 cu in) PowerTech V8 5.2 L (318 cu in) Magnum V8 5.9 L (360 cu in) Magnum V8
Transmission(s)	4-speed TorqueFlite automatic
Wheelbase	116.2 in (2,950 mm)
Length	193.5 in (4,910 mm) (2001-03) 193.3 in (4,910 mm) (1998–2000)
Width	71.5 in (1,820 mm) (1998–2000) 71.3 in (1,810 mm) (2001-03)
Height	70.0 in (1,780 mm) (2001-03) 72.9 in (1,850 mm) (1998–2000)
Fuel capacity	25.7 US gal (97 L/21.4 imp gal)
Related	Dodge Dakota

The Durango was marketed as a sturdy truck-based SUV designed to hold up to eight passengers and tow up to 8,950 lb (4,060 kg) when properly equipped. The 4.7 L PowerTech V8 replaced the 5.2 L Magnum V8 engine for 2000. In that same year a special AWD performance version called the R/T was released with a 5.9 L Magnum V8. In 1999 and 2000, a limited edition Shelby S.P.360 version was offered that featured a supercharged version of the 5.9 L Magnum V8 engine. Output is 360 bhp (270 kW/360 PS) and 412 lb·ft (559 N·m) of torque. Exterior modifications include unique wheels, tires, suspension, and bumpers. It came standard with Viper blue paint with two racing stripes down the center of the truck. It boasted a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.1 seconds. The top speed was 142 mph (229 km/h).

1998: First model year for Durango, available only in 4WD.

1999: The Durango was now available in a 2WD model. Minor changes were made for the 2nd year, two new paint colors and notable options available including 6 in × 9 in (150 mm × 230 mm) heated rear view mirrors and steering wheel mounted radio controls. Leather seats are now standard on SLT Plus models, and body color wheel flares are standard on SLT Plus and 4WD Models.

2000: The new 4.7 L Magnum V8 engine replaced the 5.2 L Magnum V8 as the standard engine for 4WD models. The high performance Durango R/T came equipped with a performance tuned 5.9 L Magnum V8 and AWD.

2001: Dodge focused on interior upgrades as Durango's interior trim panels, dash mounted controls, instrument panel, overhead console, and steering wheel were all redesigned. For improved rear passenger comfort, a dual-zone climate control system was now standard. Sound systems were improved on all models and now came standard with sx speakers. Other minor changes include door panels, revised seats, aluminium wheels, and minor changes to trim options.

2002: The new SXT version of the Durango was offered as the entry-level trim package. Optional side curtain airbags were added for safety.

2003: Durango featured minor mechanical changes, most notable was the addition of 4-wheel disc brakes.

Trim levels

• 1998–2003 - SLT
• 1998–2003 - SLT PLUS
• 2000–2003 - Sport
• 2001–2003 - SXT
• 1999–2003 - R/T

Engines

• 1998–2000 — 5.2 L (318 cu in) Magnum V8, 230 hp (170 kW)
• 1999–2000 — 3.9 L (238 cu in) Magnum V6, 175 hp (130 kW)
• 1998–2003 — 5.9 L (360 cu in) Magnum V8, 245 hp (183 kW)
• 2000–2003 — 5.9 L (360 cu in) Magnum V8, 250 hp (190 kW)
• 2000–2003 — 4.7 L (287 cu in) PowerTech V8, 235 hp (175 kW)

Second generation (2004–2009)

Second generation

Production	2003–2008
Assembly	Newark, Delaware, United States
Class	Full-size SUV
Engine(s)	3.7 L (226 cu in) PowerTech V6 4.7 L (287 cu in) PowerTech V8 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi V8
Transmission(s)	4-speed 42RLE automatic 5-speed 545RFE automatic
Wheelbase	119.2 in (3,030 mm)
Length	200.8 in (5,100 mm) Hybrid: 202.1 in (5,130 mm)
Width	76.0 in (1,930 mm)
Height	74.3 in (1,890 mm) Hybrid: 73.6 in (1,870 mm)
Related	Chrysler Aspen Dodge Dakota

2004–2006

The second generation Durango debuted shortly before the companion Dakota. Like the Dakota, it has much in common with the large Dodge Ram pickup, including a fully-boxed frame. It is 7 in (180 mm) longer, 2 in (51 mm) wider, and 3 in (76 mm) taller than the previous model. For this model year, it offered a full-size third row bench with three seats, giving it an eight-seat capacity. The design took its styling primarily from the Dodge Powerbox concept which was itself based on the 1999 Dodge Power Wagon Concept.

Debuting for 2004 was an all-new rear suspension with coil springs and a solid rear axle. A Watt linkage system is fitted to the rear axle, centering the axle and reducing rear-end skate over rough surfaces, and allowing a lower and wider cargo floor.

2007–2009

2007–2009 Dodge Durango

The 2007 model was reworked to halt a sales decline, debuting at the Dallas Auto Show in April 2006. It featured a redesigned grille, hood, headlamps, fenders and wheels. New features included electronic stability program, tire pressure monitoring system, rear park assist, and a one-touch turn signal. The 2007 model also featured a reworked floor, third-row bench, and electrical system in preparation for the 2009 hybrid version. In 2007 Chrysler introduced its own version of the Durango, called the Chrysler Aspen.

On October 13, 2008, Chrysler announced that the shutdown of the Newark Assembly facility producing the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen would be moved up to the end of 2008, effectively ending production of the Durango and Durango Hybrid for the 2009 model year.

Hybrid

Chrysler started to build the Dodge Durango Hybrid 2009 in fall 2008, featuring the 340 hp (250 kW) 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi engine with MDS as well as the new Two-Mode Hybrid system developed with General Motors and BMW. The manufacturer claimed an almost 25% gain overall fuel fuel economy and an almost 40% gain in the city. EPA testing on the Hybrid Durango with the Hemi V8 engine indicates fuel mileage to be about 20 miles per US gallon (12 L/100 km/24 mpg_-imp) (city) and 22 mpg_-US (11 L/100 km/26 mpg_-imp) (highway) for 2009 model. The normal (non-hybrid) Durango with the 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi and 4WD gets 13 mpg_-US (18 L/100 km/16 mpg_-imp) (city) and 19 mpg_-US (12 L/100 km/23 mpg_-imp) (highway).

The 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid has a starting MSRP of $45,340. Production of the hybrid models (this included Chrysler Aspen Hybrid as well) began on August 22, 2008. Chrysler received approximately 3,000 pre-orders from dealers. By early November 2008, 400 of the hybrid SUVs, including Chrysler Aspen, had already been built.

• SXT 2004–2009
• SLT 2004–2009
• SLT Plus 2004–2009
• Night Runner 2005–2007
• Limited 2004–2009
• Adventurer 2005–2008

Engines

• 2004–2009 - 3.7 L (226 cu in) PowerTech V6, 210 hp (160 kW) at 5200 rpm and 235 lb·ft (319 N·m) at 4000 rpm
• 2004–2007 - 4.7 L (287 cu in) PowerTech V8, 235 hp (175 kW) at 4500 rpm and 300 lb·ft (407 N·m) at 3600 rpm
• 2004–2009 - 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi V8, 335 hp (250 kW) at 5200 rpm and 370 lb·ft (502 N·m) at 4200 rpm (MDS equipped for 2006+ 5.7 L engines for improved fuel mileage)
• 2008–2009 - 4.7 L (287 cu in) PowerTech V8, 303 hp (226 kW) at 5,650 rpm and 330 lb·ft (447 N·m) at 3,950 rpm

Third generation (2011)

Third generation

Production	2010–
Assembly	Detroit, Michigan, United States Toluca, Mexico
Engine(s)	3.6 L Pentastar V6 5.7 L Hemi V8
Transmission(s)	5-speed automatic W5A580 545RFE
Wheelbase	119.9 in (3045 mm)
Length	199.8 in (5075 mm)
Width	75.8 in (1925 mm)
Height	70.9 in (1801 mm)
Related	Mercedes-Benz M-Class Mercedes-Benz R-Class Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2)

On August 16, 2010, Dodge released an Internet site and teaser photos of the third generation of Dodge Durango. The new Durango is built along side of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee at the Jefferson Ave. Assembly Plant in Detroit, Michigan. The new Durango shares not only the assembly line with the Grand Cherokee, but also the running gear, powertrains, and chassis parts. The new Durango features two engines. The base engine is a new 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 290 hp (220 kW/290 PS) and 260 lb·ft (350 N·m) of torque at 4,800 rpm; 90% of peak torque is available from 1,600 to 6,400 rpm. The Pentastar V6 is attached to the Mercedes W5A580 five-speed automatic, with Chrysler's controls and the driver-interactive control. The 5.7 L Hemi VVT V8 returns with 360 hp (270 kW/360 PS) and 390 lb·ft (530 N·m) of torque, which also features the 5-speed automatic found in the V6. The HEMI V8 also comes with a "fuel-saver"(cylinder deactivation) mode. This feature is primarily used when the vehicle is cruising at constant speeds on level ground.

The wheelbase of the new Durango is longer than that of the Grand Cherokee. It features three rows of seating compared to the Grand Cherokee's two rows.

The 2011 Dodge Durango entered production on December 14, 2010, alongside the second generation Charger in the 2011 vehicle lineup. General dealership availability is expected for early to mid-January 2011.

Engines

Model	Engine	Displacement	Power @ rpm	Torque @ rpm	Years	Note
Express	3.6 V6 Pentastar	3,604 cc (219.9 cu in)	290 hp (220 kW/290 PS) @ 6400 rpm	350 N·m (260 lb·ft) @4800 rpm	MY2011-
Crew					MY2011-	option 5.7 V8 HEMI
CrewLux					MY2011-	option 5.7 V8 HEMI
Citadel					MY2011-	option 5.7 V8 HEMI
Head					MY2011-
R/T	5.7 V8 HEMI	5,654 cc (345.0 cu in)	360 hp (270 kW/360 PS) @ 5150 rpm	530 N·m (390 lb·ft) @4250 rpm	MY2011-	MDS

Total American sales

Calendar Year	Sales
1999	189,840
2000	173,567
2001	130,799
2002	106,925
2003	108,010
2004	137,148
2005	115,439
2006	70,606
2007	45,503
2008	41,420
2009	3,521
2010	572

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Dodge Durango

• Official site

[[Category:Trucks built in Mexico