Great car if you want to pay to fix it
Upper and lower ball joints, bearing in left and right sides.
New radiator.
5 transmissions.
The engine is still good, and runs great after repairs.
Has been a really great car, and is very reliable.
Takes me anywhere I need to go. Has been through snow and mud.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 18th January, 2012
Very reliable, but think only a mechanic should own one for repair cost purposes
Replaced upper and lower ball joints. Tires almost fell off at 110k miles; still had stock parts.
Replaced water pump at 99K miles; was leaking coolant.
Replaced fan clutch at 130k miles; was about to fall off and go through the radiator.
Oil sending unit failed at 134k miles, causing the oil light to turn on and the oil gauge to drop to 0 psi. Had to get the truck towed to avoid possible engine damage.
Replaced intake gaskets at 140k miles. Started using a lot of oil, and started spark knocking under a load, then the dealer had to re-flash the PCM with up to date software. Problem solved; no more spark knock or oil usage.
Truck will pull anything that fits behind it.
It handles well for a SUV.
Haven't encountered any 4x4 problems so far; still works well.
AC is still cold.
All the windows and locks have worked very well with no problems.
Plenty of interior room.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 6th November, 2011
Expensive
Something is definitely wrong with the cooling system.
5 water pumps.
3 radiators.
Now the heater core is leaking.
Replaced transmission.
Ball joints and tie rods.
Other than all the expensive repairs and replacements, I liked the Durango.
Great vehicle, except for all the repairs and cooling system replacements.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 9th December, 2010
172K miles and I won't let her go
Replaced the water pump twice, A/C compressor, tensioner and idler pulleys, upper and lower ball joints, rotors, complete power steering system, transmission, rusted out running boards.
My Durango has taken me many places, and to all those out there that hate them, I have one thing to say. "Know what you are getting into before you purchase a vehicle". I knew that the Durango is high maintenance, I also knew that if properly taken care of, she would run for well over 200K miles.
My truck is tough, fun, safe, and will drive over pretty much any obstacles that are in her path.
Overall I would say that the 98 Dodge Durango is my favorite vehicle so far, "I have owned 13". If you are looking for a car that is easy on the pocketbook, this one is not for you. But if you enjoy driving and accept the fact that mechanical parts occasionally break, then I think you will love the Durango as much as I do.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th October, 2009
Definitely, one of the best purchases we ever made!
Just the typical wear and tear that happens to a vehicle that has so many miles on it. It is definitely NOT good on gas!
We absolutely got our money's worth out of the truck! It never had any major problems, other than the typical wear and tear. Very dependable, wonderful family truck.
Although it was never really good on gas, trading it in was hard to do! I really enjoyed owning this vehicle! GREAT BUY!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 29th July, 2009
I love my 98 Durango
- The spare tire did not fit my front rim, even though it was a 15" rim, so I got a spare that matched the rest from an auto swap yard.
- The tranny uses ATF+4. Please don't go to an oil change place to replace this or it will mess up the tranny. Also, with the front skid plate to protect the engine, I found oil change places won't take it off to check the front differential fluid, so it runs low; get your hands dirty and check it.
- The front tires wear out faster than the rear, so change them around every 6 months. By the way, set the tire pressures at 42 each. It works better for turns, tire wear and gas mileage is up to 20. Very nice.
- I am at 145k and only now have to replace shocks. Also the serpentine pulleys are starting to squeak so I will be replacing them soon.
- I replaced the serpentine at 120k.
- Belt tensioner wore out around 110k.
- I've had no problem with anything underneath, but I do change fluids religiously.
- I've used this car to move 3500 miles, day to day work, and our family only has this Durango. We love our Durango, and it's cheap cheap cheap to maintain. Totally comfortable and pulls my friends cars when they break down like they weigh nothing.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 2nd May, 2009