Unemployed young male's view: Driving the Durango is eerie. There is a lack of steering feel and with the height of this Dodge you got the feeling that you were not really driving, but floating over the road. It would be unfair to say that the Durango handles poorly. As for all large SUVs, avoidance maneuvers take considerable thought and driving ability. The roll over rate is better than the Lincoln Navigator, but not as good as the Honda Pilot. You might want to check out the latest data at http://www.safecarguide.com/exp/rollover/idx.htm
I felt that the five speed automatic transmission was slow to downshift and certainly had difficultly in demanding situations with the limited power of the 4.7 engine. Daily driving is not a problem until you need a place to park. It isn't that the Durango isn't easy to park; it is the size that makes it difficult because you need a large enough opening.
I found the climate in the back of the SUV easy to control thanks to a set of controls just for those of us in the aft section. I also was impressed by the factory installed DVD system and monitor. It comes with wireless headsets, can play MP3s, and is compatible with most video game systems. The Durango also can be ordered with a 380-watt stereo system with rear subwoofer and Sirius satellite radio. You have to order a variety of other options to get the entertainment package so look to spend over $1200 US with another $300 for the special radio. I personally like the MX satellite radio better than the Sirius, but both are better than local offerings for the traveler.
Other technology offered on the Dodge was a hands-free communications system with Bluetooth technology that recognizes certain cellular phones and responds to voice commands. We didn't test this option, but it is a superior idea for hands free communication when driving.
In terms of sales, I think the Durango is better than the competition. I would go with the HEMI engine for sure, get rid of the useless side steps, and be prepared to spend copious amounts of money every time you fill up the 27-gallon fuel tank. Even with that significant reservoir of fuel the range on a tank of gas is less than 270 miles.
Dad's view: A building is only as good as its foundation, and the Durango is no exception. It has a newly designed frame that is responsible for its kind ride and when combined with the rack and pinion steering, provides an easy driving feeling. Unfortunately for those of us who like to drive rather than aim our vehicles, the steering too light and need time to adjust to the lack of feedback. Connecting the sturdy frame to the road is a torsion bar front suspension and a newly designed coil spring rear suspension with a Watts linkage to control lateral axle movement. The result is notable in its quiet ride and easy disposition.
With a tight turning radius, the ability to tow nearly 9000 pounds, and room for seven, the new Durango is going to be a sales winner if gas prices are not a concern.
Family conference: We can never recommend a SUV unless the buyer is aware of their shortcomings in terms of costs of operation and safety. These are trucks and react differently than cars to dramatic inputs. With that in mind, The Car Family feels that the Durango is probably the best of the large SUVs in terms of ride and room and value. Engine wise the HEMI is the only way to go if you haul a family or tow. For around town or general use the smaller 4.7 engine is adequate. Good job, Dodge and note the five-years/60,000 miles powertrain warranty. For a complete list of all vehicle manufacturers go to http://www.reacheverychild.com/business/auto/index.html
