Dodge Durango

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Dodge Durango
2004–2006 Dodge Durango ST
Manufacturer Chrysler
Production 1998–2009,
resumes 2012.
Assembly Newark, Delaware, United States
Predecessor Dodge Ramcharger
Class Mid-size SUV (1998-2003)
Full-size SUV (2004-2009)
Full-size crossover SUV (2011-)
Body style(s) 4-door SUV
Layout Front engine, rear-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive

The Dodge Durango is a full-size SUV from Chrysler's Dodge brand. It was introduced in 1998 as a mid-size SUV, and as a replacement for the Ramcharger discontinued in the North American market in 1993, and was redesigned for 2004. The Durango was produced at the Newark Assembly plant in Newark, Delaware until the end of 2008. The Durango will return in 2012 on a shared platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Contents

[edit] 1998–2003

First generation
2001–2003 Dodge Durango
Production 1998–2003
Class Mid-size SUV
Platform Chrysler DN platform
Engine(s) 3.9 L (238 cu in) Magnum V6
4.7 L (287 cu in) PowerTech V8
5.2 L (318 cu in) Magnum V8
5.9 L (360 cu in) Magnum V8
Transmission(s) 4-speed TorqueFlite automatic
Wheelbase 116.2 in (2951 mm)
Length 193.5 in (4915 mm) (2001-03)
193.3 in (4910 mm) (1998–2000)
Width 71.5 in (1816 mm) (1998–2000)
71.3 in (1811 mm) (2001-03)
Height 70.0 in (1778 mm) (2001-03)
72.9 in (1852 mm) (1998–2000)
Related Dodge Dakota

The Durango was marketed as a sturdy truck-based SUV designed to hold up to eight passengers and tow up to 6,700 lb (3,039 kg). The 4.7L PowerTech V8 replaced the 5.2L Magnum V8 engine for 2000. In that same year a special AWD performance version called the R/T was released with a 5.9L Magnum V8. In 1999 and 2000, a very limited edition Shelby S.P.360 version was offered that featured a supercharged version of the 5.9L Magnum V8 engine. Output is 360 BHP and 412 lb-ft 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 0-60 mph time of 7.1 seconds. The top speed was 142 M.P.H.

1998: First model year for Durango, available only in 4WD.

1999: The Durango was now available in a 2WD model. Minor changes were made for the 2nd year, two new paint colors and notable options available including 6" X 9" heated rear view mirrors and steering wheel mounted radio controls. Leather seats are now standard on SLT Plus models, and body color wheel flares are standard on SLT Plus and 4WD Models.

2000: The new 4.7L PowerTech V8 engine replaced the 5.2L Magnum V8 as the standard engine for 4WD models. The high performance Durango R/T came equipped with a performance tuned 5.9L Magnum V8 and AWD.

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. For improved rear passenger comfort, a dual-zone climate control system was now standard. Sound systems were improved on all models and now came standard with 6 speakers. Other minor changes include door panels, revised seats, aluminium wheels, and minor changes to trim options. The 5.9L Magnum V8 engine was made available in other trim levels besides the R/T package.

2002: The new SXT version of the Durango was offered as the entry-level trim package. Side curtain airbags were added for safety.

2003: Durango featured minor mechanical changes, most notable was the addition of 4 wheel disc brakes.

[edit] Trim levels

  • 1998–2003 - SLT
  • 1998–2003 - SLT PLUS
  • 1999–2001 - Sport
  • 2001–2003 - SXT
  • 1999–2003 - R/T

[edit] Engines

  • 1998–2000 — 5.2 L (318 cu in) Magnum V8, 230 hp (172 kW)
  • 1999–2000 — 3.9 L (238 cu in) Magnum V6, 175 hp (130 kW)
  • 1998–2003 — 5.9 L (360 cu in) Magnum V8, 245 hp (183 kW)
  • 2000–2003 — 5.9 L (360 cu in) Magnum V8, 250 hp (186 kW)
  • 2000–2003 — 4.7 L (287 cu in) PowerTech V8, 235 hp (175 kW)

[edit] 2004–2009

Second generation
2004–2006 Dodge Durango SLT
2004–2006 Dodge Durango SLT
2007–2009 Dodge Durango
2007–2009 Dodge Durango
Production 2003-2008
Model year(s) 2004–2009
Class Full-size SUV
Engine(s) 3.7 L (226 cu in) PowerTech V6
4.7 L (287 cu in) PowerTech V8
5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi V8
Transmission(s) 4-speed 42RLE automatic
Wheelbase 119.2 in (3028 mm)
Length 200.8 in (5100 mm)
Hybrid: 202.1 in (5133 mm)
Width 76.0 in (1930 mm)
Height 74.3 in (1887 mm)
Hybrid: 73.6 in (1869 mm)
Related Chrysler Aspen
Dodge Dakota

[edit] 2004–2006

The second generation Durango 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 (177.8 mm) longer, 2 in (50.8 mm) wider, and 3 in (76.2 mm) taller than the previous model. For this model year, it offered a full-size third row bench with three seats, giving it an 8 seat capacity. The design took its styling primarily from the Dodge Powerbox concept which was itself based on the Dodge Power Wagon Concept.

[edit] 2007–2009

The 2007 model 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 program, tire pressure monitoring system, rear park assist, and a one-touch turn signal. The 2007 model also featured a reworked floor, third-row bench, and electrical system in preparation for the 2009 hybrid version. In 2007 Chrysler introduced its own version of the Durango, called the Chrysler Aspen.

[edit] Hybrid

Chrysler started to build the Dodge Durango Hybrid 2009 in fall 2008,[1] featuring the 340 hp (254 kW) 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi engine with MDS as well as the new Two-Mode Hybrid system developed with General Motors and BMW. The manufacturer claimed an almost 25% gain overall fuel fuel economy and an almost 40% gain in the city.[2] EPA testing on the Hybrid Durango with the Hemi V8 engine indicates fuel mileage to be about 20 miles per US gallon (12 L/100 km; 24 mpg-imp) (city) and 22 miles per US gallon (11 L/100 km; 26 mpg-imp) (highway) for 2009 model.[3] The normal (non-hybrid) Durango with the 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi and 4WD gets 13 miles per US gallon (18 L/100 km; 16 mpg-imp) (city) and 19 miles per US gallon (12 L/100 km; 23 mpg-imp) (highway).[4]

The 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid has a starting MSRP of $45,340.[5] Production of the hybrid models (this included Chrysler Aspen Hybrid as well) began on August 22 2008. Chrysler received approximately 3000 pre-orders from dealers. By early November 2008, 400 of the hybrid S.U.V.’s, including Chrysler Aspen, had already been built.

[edit] Trim levels

  • SXT 2004–present
  • SLT 2004–present
  • SLT Plus 2004–2009
  • Night Runner 2005–2007
  • Limited 2004–present
  • Adventurer 2005–2008

[edit] Engines

  • 2004–2009 - 3.7 L (226 cu in) PowerTech V6, 210 hp (157 kW) at 5200 rpm and 235 lb·ft (319 N·m) at 4000 rpm
  • 2004–2007 - 4.7 L (287 cu in) PowerTech V8, 235 hp (175 kW) at 4500 rpm and 300 lb·ft (407 N·m) at 3600 rpm
  • 2004–2009 - 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi V8, 335 hp (250 kW) at 5200 rpm and 370 lb·ft (502 N·m) at 4200 rpm (MDS equipped for 2006+ 5.7L engines for improved fuel mileage)
  • 2007–2009 - 4.7 L (287 cu in) flex-fuel PowerTech V8, 235 hp (175 kW) at 4500 rpm and 300 lb·ft (407 N·m) at 3600 rpm
  • 2008–2009 - 4.7 L (287 cu in) PowerTech V8, 303 hp (226 kW) at 5,650 rpm and 330 lb·ft (447 N·m) at 3,950 rpm (3 valves per cylinder)

[edit] Discontinuation and future

On October 23, 2008, Chrysler announced that the shutdown of the Newark Assembly facility producing the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen would be moved up to the end of 2008, effectively ending production of the Durango and Durango Hybrid for the 2009 model year. [6]

The third generation of Durango has been rumored to appear within the 2012 Dodge lineup, returning in production by the end of 2011. According to the company plans, the new Durango would feature an SUV platform Dodge is currently working at, but would much rather be a full-size CUV instead, its truck place presumably taken by 2012 Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee in the lineup.[7]

[edit] Total American sales

Calendar Year Sales
1999[8] 189,840
2000 173,567
2001[9] 130,799
2002[10] 106,925
2003 108,010
2004[11] 137,148
2005 115,439
2006[12] 70,606
2007 45,503
2008[13] 21,420

[edit] References

  1. ^ Bloomberg: Chrysler to Drop First Hybrids, After October Debut (Update2)
  2. ^ "hybrid: two-mode system". Dodge.com. http://www.dodge.com/en/2009/durango/hybrid/two_mode_system/. Retrieved 2008-11-20. "The 2009 Durango HEMI Hybrid takes that a step further with its two-mode system that integrates a hybrid-electric drive system – which reduces fuel consumption by almost 40 percent[1] while running errands in town<...> The payoff is an increased overall fuel economy of nearly 25 percent." 
  3. ^ Chrysler's new hybrid SUVs score a 20/22 mpg from the EPA
  4. ^ www.fueleconomy.gov, 2009 Dodge Durango 4WD
  5. ^ Ross, Jeffrey N. (2008-06-17). "www.autotropolis.com "Chrysler announces starting MSRP for 2009 Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid"". Autotropolis.com. http://www.autotropolis.com/cs/blogs/auto-news/archive/2008/06/17/Chrysler-prices-hybrid-SUVs-under-_2400_46_2C00_000.aspx www.autotropolis.com. Retrieved 2008-06-17. 
  6. ^ Edmunds Insideline: Chrysler Kills Durango and Aspen Hybrids
  7. ^ Upcoming changes in the Chrysler lineup, November 2009
  8. ^ "Chrysler Group Announces Year-End and December Sales". Theautochannel.com. http://www.theautochannel.com/news/press/date/20010103/press033497.html. Retrieved 2009-04-28. 
  9. ^ "Chrysler Group Reports U.S. December Sales". Theautochannel.com. http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2003/01/04/152240.html. Retrieved 2009-04-28. 
  10. ^ "Chrysler Group Reports December 2003 Sales Increase of 2 Percent". Theautochannel.com. 2004-11-17. http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2004/01/05/175827.html. Retrieved 2009-04-28. 
  11. ^ "Chrysler Group 2005 U.S. Sales Rise 5 Percent, Highest Since 2000; December Sales Decline In Line with Overall Industry". Prnewswire.com. http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/01-04-2006/0004242655&EDATE. Retrieved 2009-04-28. 
  12. ^ "Total Chrysler LLC December 2007 Sales Up 1 Percent on the Strength of Retail; Demand...". Reuters. 2008-01-03. http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS217066+03-Jan-2008+PRN20080103. Retrieved 2009-04-28. 
  13. ^ "Chrysler LLC Reports December 2008 U.S. Sales". News.prnewswire.com. http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/01-05-2009/0004949198&EDATE=. Retrieved 2009-04-28. 

[edit] External links