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