1999 Dodge Durango SLT 5.9L/360

Summary:

Car is what I expected it to be and has done everything I asked of it...I'd buy it again

Faults:

So far only one minor problem: when the car has not been run for a while, the headlight dimmer switch gets some corrosion on it and may not switch the bright lights on immediately. A few clicks of the dimmer and everything works great.

General Comments:

I bought this car used from a Chevy dealership in Cheyenne, WY while on a trip out West (my Chevy pickup blew the engine and I needed to be at my destination the next day). I needed a vehicle that would be comfortable to drive, have 4 wheel drive, and be powerful enough to pull a 6x14 trailer loaded with electronic equipment. This vehicle fit the bill.

Very quick car... lots of fun to drive.

Very comfortable to drive around town and on long trips.

Lots of space.

Good quality.

Great stereo system.

Great off-road (mountain trails) as well as in snow and on beaches (sand).

Mileage is a sore point, but about what I expected (13mpg in town, about 19 on the highway)...it's a 4x4 with a big V-8 so it's what I expected.

Fog lights are only so-so...maybe a higher wattage bulb would help.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th September, 2005

1999 Dodge Durango 4x4 SLT 5.9L V8

Summary:

Big roomy lemon, but nice in snow (when it works)

Faults:

I bought this SUV used from the biggest dealership in the Phila PA area in August 2002, with ~ 18,000 miles on it.)

Nov/Dec 02 - blows transfer case and chain goes through pan. replaced.

Jan 03 - water pump goes out. replaced.

March 03 - heater core goes. replaced, but heat never the same again.

June 03 - drivers window sometimes works, sometimes doesn't - still not fixed, as always works when it gets to dealership.

June 03 - air conditioner not working (won't blow). Takes 3 visits to dealership to figure out there is some grounding screw loose somewhere by the floor? fixed at end of summer.

Nov 03 - internal lights no longer go on when you open any door except drivers.

Feb 04 - water pump again goes.replaced.

Sept 04 - transfer case again blows a chain through pan. replaced. Problem is this time I'm on vacation 1000 miles from home, and have to sit in a hotel in Indiana with a 1 yr old for 3 days.

General Comments:

You tell me... would you buy another one of these for $32,000?

I have never seen a car with more problems. I have read that the main problems I had were common for this suv (transfer case and water pump). I fear inspection time. I fear keeping it past the extended warranty. I'd sell it, but 3yrs later and I still owe more on it that they want to buy it back for.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 3rd August, 2005

8th Sep 2005, 12:26

I purchased my 99 Durango brand new and I still had problems, upper and lower ball joints, engine gaskets leaking oil, fuel filter went, etc... also the trans seems to strain when its cold until the vehicle is warm. I can't trade it in now because its not worth anything, I just use it for my second car when I need to go to the lumber yard or to pick up something. It is a nice looking vehicle, but poorly made, and this is why I will never purchase a dodge/chrysler product EVER! So good luck and I hope you don't have any more problems.

1999 Dodge Durango SLT 5.2

Summary:

Nice style, nice ride, but the worst vehicle I have ever owned for reliability

Faults:

First problem was the front wheel bearing assembly, had to replace it twice to date.

Next it was the water pump, cooling lines and new serpentine belt.

Then it was the transfer case that broke apart.

And now it is a new transmission.

I have owned a Dodge Ram 2500 van and had to replace the transmission in it.

I owned a Chrysler 5th Ave and had to put two transmissions in it.

General Comments:

Dodge/Chrysler obviously has a major problem with their transmissions and they continue to insist that there are no problems.

Would never buy another Dodge/Chrysler product.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th April, 2005