My visual scan of the Durango's exterior design revealed a sharpening of the rounded-edge theme of last year's model. Most
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| The overall appearance of the Durango is modern, aerodynamic and clean. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
noticeable in today's edition are the heavily sculpted front fenders, which emphasize the large "Ram style" front grill that has become synonymous with Dodge trucks. The new Durango's square'ish theme ends with a pair of bullet-shaped taillights at each rear corner. The overall appearance is modern, aerodynamic and clean. A quick exterior panel inspection found accurate gapping and precise door and hood fit, which speaks well of the Durango's assembly quality.
The new Dodge is also significantly larger than last year's model. For 2004 the wheelbase has been extended by 3-inches (7.6 cm). The overall length is greater by a significant 7 inches (17.8 cm), and the width has grown by a notable 5 inches (12.7 cm). The increased exterior dimensions translate into more accommodating human and cargo space.
In addition to immediately detecting the added real estate, I quickly grew fond of the Durango's splendid driving position. The front seats hold their occupants in high regard, literally. From the driver's seat a commanding view of the roadway and surrounding environs greet all who pilot the new Dodge.
As impressive as a fully loaded Durango Limited may be, much to its credit Dodge supplied me with the more reasonably equipped SLT
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| Regardless of trim level, the Durango cabin is very nicely executed - barring the all-too expansive use of hard plastic. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
version. That meant no leather, no dual-zone climate control, no premium audio system and no DVD or navigation setup. Basically my test unit was a real world, middle of the range Durango, which is probably most representative of what the typical Durango buyer will order. Regardless of trim level, the Durango cabin is very nicely executed - barring the all-too expansive use of hard plastic. Comfort and convenience abounds and every detail is well though out. Take for example the large, clear gauge cluster viewed neatly through the upper half of the steering wheel. Center stage is a large speedometer, flanked on the right by a slightly smaller tachometer and on the left by a gauge split between fuel and engine temperature readouts. The dials feature black markings and needles set against white backgrounds. Interestingly, the backgrounds glow a translucent green when the headlights are switched on.
