2000 Dodge Durango SLT 5.2 Fuel Injected

Summary:

Comfortable affordable SUV with reliability issues in the front end and drivetrain. Be prepared.

Faults:

Replaced Both U-Joints on either end of drive shaft at 80K. Problem was probably at least partly my fault, as I tow a double axle equipment trailer, and I think I put too much weight on the tongue, causing, in this order, unbalance in the front end, causing "scalloping" of the front tires (visible) which in turn put a bunch of vibration into both the suspension and front end.

Normal replacement of pads and rotors. I gather from comments that brakes go quickly on this truck, but doing front brakes a little more often (always front) is really no big thing.

Replaced both front axles at 85k. Probably related to the vibration from the tires, (see above) as it happened about the same time. Now (at 100K) I guess from the noise I am about to replace a front wheel bearing, a well known problem in this truck.

General Comments:

Like everone else, I love the power and look of the vehicle, and I use and love the tow capacity. This is a TRUCK! and it acts like a working vehicle should.

I know it sounds like a lot of thinks to deal with, but I don't use a dealer, and with my mechanic, none of this has been that big a deal, nor do I think a truck with 100K miles, the way I use it, should be flawless. I guess I'd feel differently if I lost an engine, but I suggest, along with oil changes, that everybody try Sea Foam, or the Castle equivalent engine cleaner, frequently. Both the tranny and the engine in this truck apparently need a little extra attention, and every time I've used either of these products as a treatment, the performance increase is unreal and immediate. I like Dodge, I like the vehicle. I'll put up with the little stuff, since everything else in this class costs an extra $10K, or is a glorified minivan.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th December, 2003

2000 Dodge Durango SLT 5.7

Summary:

Good buy so far for $15,500

Faults:

So far the actuator needs repairing for a loud noise that it makes when using the remote unlock. (only had the truck for 8,000mi).

General Comments:

I love the leather seats and the awesome power.

The only thing I really don't like is the expensive scheduled maintenance. The dealerships that I have gone to always start off at $300 as compared to my Moms Escape's maintenance is $158 for the same service.

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

Review Date: 21st December, 2003

2000 Dodge Durango Sport 5.2L V8

Summary:

I believe I've got a winner

Faults:

I bought this 2000 Dodge Durango (Red) about a month and a half ago. At the time it had verifiable 18,400 miles on it. In the short time I've owned it, there have been no problems of any significance.

The only one I've had was that the AC/Heater fan controls weren't moving the flaps to change the air flow properly. I found it to be a loose wire connection and all works fine now.

General Comments:

The Durango is a great highway performer. In the city it turns and corners great. Fantastic pickup.

Gas mileage has varied from 14 city to 17 highway, on the low side, but probably OK for a 318 engine.

It has great passenger space inside and with no 3rd seat lots of cargo area.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th December, 2003

2000 Dodge Durango SLT 5.9

Summary:

Perfect!

Faults:

Over the years that I've had this car, the problems have been minor. The window motor in 2 windows went out and I had to replace the tail light.

General Comments:

I have gone through plenty of cars in my time and never fallen in love with one. I cannot find one thing that I don't like about the Durango. I absolutely love the performance. Other large Suv's can't come close to it's turning ratio. It's never hesitated to get up and go, and it'll take a beating like a champ. I take it off-roading all the time and I've never had to use a wench. I'm the one pulling people out of tight spots. It's not even a 4 wheel drive! It's the most comfortable vehicle I've ever owned. Now I'm waiting for the Hemi model to come out. I wouldn't trade this car for the world!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th November, 2003