Dodge Durango

Second generation
Second generation
Overview
Also called	Chrysler Aspen
Production	2003–2009
Model years	2004–2009
Assembly	United States: Newark, Delaware (Newark Assembly)
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size SUV
Related	Dodge Dakota
Powertrain
Engine	3.7 L Magnum V6 (gasoline); 4.7 L Magnum V8 (E85 / gasoline); 5.7 L Hemi V8 (gasoline); 5.7 L Hemi V8;
Transmission	4-speed 42RLE automatic; 5-speed 545RFE automatic; CVT Two-Mode automatic;
Dimensions
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)

First generation
First generation
Overview
Production	1997–2003
Assembly	Newark, Delaware, United States (Newark Assembly)
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size SUV
Platform	Chrysler DN platform
Related	Dodge Dakota
Powertrain
Engine	3.9 L (238 cu in) Magnum V6; 4.7 L (287 cu in) Magnum V8; 5.2 L (318 cu in) Magnum V8; 5.9 L (360 cu in) Magnum V8
Transmission	4-speed TorqueFlite automatic 4-speed RFE automatic 5-speed RFE automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	116.2 in (2,950 mm)
Length	193.5 in (4,910 mm) (2001–2003); 193.3 in (4,910 mm) (1999–2000)
Width	71.5 in (1,820 mm) (1999–2000); 71.3 in (1,810 mm) (2001–2003)
Height	70.0 in (1,780 mm) (2001–2003); 72.9 in (1,850 mm) (1999–2000)
Curb weight	Lua error in Module:Convert at line 272: attempt to index local 'cat' (a nil value). (1999–2000); 4,520 lb (2,050 kg) (2001–2003)

Dodge Durango
Dodge Durango
Overview
Manufacturer	Chrysler Corporation (1997); DaimlerChrysler AG (1997–2007); Chrysler LLC (2007–2009); Chrysler Group LLC (2009-2015)
Production	1997–2009; 2010–2015
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size SUV (1997–2003); Full-size SUV (2003–2015)
Body style	4-door SUV
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive
Related	Jeep Grand Cherokee
Chronology
Predecessor	Dodge Ramcharger

The Dodge Durango is a sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by Dodge. The first two generations were very similar in that both were based on the Dodge Dakota, both featured a body-on-frame construction and both were produced at the Newark Assembly plant in Newark, Delaware. However, they did differ in that the first generation was classified as a mid-sized SUV, while the second generation was classified as a full-sized SUV.

The third-generation Durango, though, is built on the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, features unibody construction, and was assembled at the Jefferson North Assembly plant in Detroit, Michigan, from mid-2010 to late 2015. However, it does retain the previous generation's classification as a full-sized SUV.

First generation (1997–2003)

The Durango was marketed as a sturdy truck-based SUV designed to hold up to seven passengers and tow up to 7,500 lb (3,400 kg) when properly equipped.^[3] The Durango shared a front end, instrument panel, and front seats with the Dakota pickup on which it was based. Original designs of the eight-passenger Durango featured a rear-facing third row similar to many older station wagons. To make room for a more practical forward-facing third row, Dodge shortened the length of the front doors and raised the roof two inches beyond the front seats, allowing for stadium seating. The Durango's roof rack was designed to mask the appearance of the raised roof.^[4]

The 4.7 L Magnum V8 replaced the 5.2 L Magnum V8 engine for 2000; however, the 5.2 was still available in the early 2000 models. 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 hp (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).

Model year changes

For 1999, the Durango was made available with two-wheel drive. A 3.9L Magnum V6 engine was available, but few were sold. Minor changes were made for the second 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 became standard on SLT Plus models, and body-color wheel flares became standard on SLT Plus and four-wheel drive models.

The 2000 model year included a new 4.7 L Magnum V8 engine replaced the 5.2 L Magnum V8 as the standard engine for four-wheel drive models. The 3.9L Magnum V6 engine was no longer available, leaving only V8s for the rest of the production run. The high-performance Durango R/T came equipped with a performance-tuned 5.9 L Magnum V8 and all-wheel drive .

For 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. The transfer case selector on 4X4 models changed from a manual lever on the console to a switch on the dash. The instrument cluster was updated and an electronic vehicle information center was incorporated into the overhead console. For improved rear passenger comfort, a dual-zone climate control system was added as standard equipment. 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.

In 2002, the new SXT version of the Durango was offered as the entry-level trim package. Optional side curtain airbags were added for safety. The 2003 Durango featured minor mechanical changes, most notable was the addition of four-wheel disc brakes.

Trim levels

1997–2003 - SLT: Most basic trim level of the Durango from 1998-2000. Included basic features. Midrange trim level of the Durango from 2001-2003. SLT emblem.
1997–2003 - SLT PLUS: Most luxurious trim level of the Durango from 1998-2003. Included luxury features. Based on the SLT trim level. Never featured an SLT Plus emblem, but only an SLT emblem.
1999–2000 - S.P. 360: Based on the Durango R/T trim level and designed by Shelby, added a body kit and more performance features. Based on the R/T trim level. SHELBY and S.P. 360 decals. R/T emblems deleted.
2000–2003 - Sport: More basic trim level of the Durango from 2000-2003. Included basic features. Based on the SXT trim level. Sport decals.
2001–2003 - SXT: Most basic trim level of the Durango from 2000-2003. Included basic features. SXT decals.
2000–2003 - R/T: Most "high-performance" trim level of the Durango from 2000-2003. Included luxury and performance-oriented features. Based on the SLT Plus trim level. R/T emblems.

The SLT, SLT Plus, and Sport trim levels offered the 3.9L Magnum V6 engine as standard equipment (late availability starting in 1999), with the 5.2L and 5.9L Magnum V8 engines being available options, later switching to the 3.7L Power-Tech V6 engine, with the 4.7L Power-Tech V8 engines being available options. The R/T and S.P. 360 trim levels included the 5.9L Magnum V8 engine as standard equipment.

Engines

1997–2000 — 5.2 L (318 cu in) Magnum V8, 230 hp (170 kW) & 300 lb-ft (410 N-M) of torque
1999—2003 3.9 L (238 cu in) Magnum V6, 175 hp (130 kW) & 225 lb·ft (305 N·m) of torque
1997–2003 — 5.9 L (360 cu in) Magnum V8, 245 hp (183 kW) & 330 lb·ft (449 N·m) of torque
2000–2003 — 5.9 L (360 cu in) Magnum V8, 250 hp (190 kW) & 345 lb·ft (469 N·m) of torque
1999–2000 — 5.9 L (360 cu in) Supercharged Magnum V8, 360 hp (270 kW) & 412 lb·ft (559 N·m) of torque
2000–2003 — 4.7 L (287 cu in) Magnum V8, 235 hp (175 kW) & 295 lb·ft (400 N·m) of torque

Transmissions

42RE 4-speed TorqueFlite automatic - 3.9L V6
45RFE 4-speed RFE automatic (2000–2002) - 4.7L V8
545RFE 5-speed RFE automatic (2003) - 4.7L V8
44RE 4-speed TorqueFlite automatic - 5.2L V8
46RE 4-speed TorqueFlite automatic - 5.9L V8

Second generation (2003–2009)

The second-generation Durango was first shown as a concept dubbed Dodge Durango R/T concept at the 2003-2004 Detroit Auto Show. It 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. It also offered a 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, and the 2003-2004 Durango R/T concept.

Debuting for 2004 was a new coil-spring rear suspension for the solid rear axle. A Watt's 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.

Trim Levels

SXT: 2003-2009: Most basic trim level, basic features.

SLT: 2003-2009: Value-oriented trim level, value-added features, optional luxury features.

Adventurer: 2005-2007: Value-oriented and "off-road-look" trim level, value-added features, optional luxury features.

Limited: 2003-2009: Most luxurious trim level, luxury features.

All trim levels offered the 4.7L Power-Tech V8 engine as standard equipment, though the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine was available on all trim levels, except for the base SXT trim level. The base SXT trim level also offered the 3.7L Power-Tech V6 engine as standard equipment in place of the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine option, though the V6 engine option was ONLY available on the base SXT trim level, and only between 2004 and 2007.

The 2004 Dodge Durango was the first SUV in DaimlerChrysler's lineup to introduce the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine, as well as a new radio design and modernized interior features.

Facelift

2006–2009 Dodge Durango

The 2006 model year version 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 control, a tire pressure-monitoring system, rear park assist, and a one-touch turn signal.

In 2005, Chrysler introduced a luxury SUV based on the Durango, called the Chrysler Aspen.

Discontinuation

In October 2009, as demand for full-sized SUVs fell off, Chrysler announced that the shutdown of the Newark Assembly facility, which produced the Durango and Chrysler Aspen, would be moved up to the end of 2009, thereby ending production of the Aspen and Durango for the 2009 model year.^[5]^[6] Production ceased on December 19, 2009.

Chrysler Aspen

2007–2009 Chrysler Aspen

The Chrysler Aspen is a full-sized, luxury SUV from Chrysler. Launched for the 2007 model year, the Aspen was based on the Dodge Durango SUV.

The Aspen was the first truck-based SUV commercialized under the Chrysler brand, although the PT Cruiser was the first truck-based Chrysler brand vehicle as classified under Corporate Average Fuel Economy's (CAFE) regulation. With this introduction, as of 2007, all American automobile brands had an SUV in their range.^[7]^{[unreliable source?]} The truck was unveiled at the 2005 North American International Auto Show. The Aspen came equipped with three rows of seating for eight passengers and available all-wheel drive.^[8] It was available in only one trim, Limited.