Dodge Durango

See also: Chrysler Aspen
Dodge Durango
Overview
Manufacturer
  • Chrysler Corporation (1997)
  • DaimlerChrysler AG (1997–2007)
  • Chrysler LLC (2007–2009)
  • Chrysler Group LLC (2009-2014)
  • FCA US, LLC. (2014-present)
Production
  • 1997–2009
  • 2010[1]–present
Body and chassis
Class
Body style 4-door SUV
Layout Front engine, rear-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive
Related Jeep Grand Cherokee
Chronology
Predecessor Dodge Ramcharger

The Dodge Durango is a sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by Dodge. The first two generations were very similar in that both were based on the Dodge Dakota, both featured a body-on-frame construction and both were produced at the Newark Assembly plant in Newark, Delaware. However, they did differ in that the first generation was classified as a mid-sized SUV, while the second generation was classified as a full-sized SUV.

The third-generation Durango is built on the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, features unibody construction, and has been assembled at the Jefferson North Assembly plant in Detroit, Michigan, since mid-2010. It continues as a full-sized SUV.

First generation (1998–2003)

First generation
Overview
Production 1997–2003
Assembly Newark, Delaware, United States (Newark Assembly)
Body and chassis
Class Mid-size SUV
Platform Chrysler DN platform
Related Dodge Dakota
Powertrain
Engine 3.9 L (238 cu in) Magnum V6
4.7 L (287 cu in) Magnum V8
5.2 L (318 cu in) Magnum V8
5.9 L (360 cu in) Magnum V8
Transmission 4-speed TorqueFlite automatic
4-speed RFE automatic
5-speed RFE automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 116.2 in (2,950 mm)
Length 193.5 in (4,910 mm) (2001–2003)
193.3 in (4,910 mm) (1999–2000)
Width 71.5 in (1,820 mm) (1999–2000)
71.3 in (1,810 mm) (2001–2003)
Height 70.0 in (1,780 mm) (2001–2003)
72.9 in (1,850 mm) (1999–2000)
Curb weight 4,500 pounds (2,000 kg) (1999–2000)
4,520 lb (2,050 kg) (2001–2003)

The Durango was marketed as a sturdy truck-based SUV designed to hold up to seven passengers and tow up to 7,500 lb (3,400 kg) when properly equipped.[3] The Durango shared a front end, instrument panel, and front seats with the Dakota pickup on which it was based. Original designs of the eight-passenger Durango featured a rear-facing third row similar to many older station wagons. To make room for a more practical forward-facing third row, Dodge shortened the length of the front doors and raised the roof two inches beyond the front seats, allowing for stadium seating. The Durango's roof rack was designed to mask the appearance of the raised roof.[4]

The 4.7 L Magnum V8 replaced the 5.2 L Magnum V8 engine for 2000; however, the 5.2 was still available in the early 2000 models. In that same year, a special AWD performance version called the R/T was released with a 5.9 L Magnum V8. In 1999 and 2000, a limited-edition Shelby S.P.360 version was offered that featured a supercharged version of the 5.9 L Magnum V8 engine. Output is 360 hp (270 kW; 360 PS) and 412 lb·ft (559 N·m) 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 to 60 mph time of 7.1 seconds. The top speed was 142 mph (229 km/h).

Model year changes

For 1999, the Durango was made available with two-wheel drive. A 3.9 L Magnum V6 engine was available, but few were sold. Minor changes were made for the second year, two new paint colors and notable options available including 6 in × 9 in (150 mm × 230 mm) heated rear view mirrors and steering wheel-mounted radio controls. Leather seats became standard on SLT Plus models, and body-color wheel flares became standard on SLT Plus and four-wheel drive models.

The 2000 model year included a new 4.7 L Magnum V8 engine replaced the 5.2 L Magnum V8 as the standard engine for four-wheel drive models. The 3.9 L Magnum V6 engine was no longer available, leaving only V8s for the rest of the production run. The high-performance Durango R/T came equipped with a performance-tuned 5.9 L Magnum V8 and all-wheel drive.

For 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. The transfer case selector on 4X4 models changed from a manual lever on the console to a switch on the dash. The instrument cluster was updated and an electronic vehicle information center was incorporated into the overhead console. For improved rear passenger comfort, a dual-zone climate control system was added as standard equipment. Sound systems were improved on all models and now came standard with SX speakers. Other minor changes include door panels, revised seats, aluminium wheels, and minor changes to trim options.

In 2002, the new SXT version of the Durango was offered as the entry-level trim package. Optional side curtain airbags were added for safety. The 2003 Durango featured minor mechanical changes, most notable was the addition of four-wheel disc brakes.

Trim levels

The SLT, SLT Plus, and Sport trim levels offered the 3.9 L Magnum V6 engine as standard equipment (late availability starting in 1999), with the 5.2 L and 5.9 L Magnum V8 engines being available options, later switching to the 3.7 L Power-Tech V6 engine, with the 4.7 L Power-Tech V8 engines optional. The R/T and S.P. 360 trim levels included the 5.9 L Magnum V8 engine as standard equipment.

Engines

Transmissions

Second generation (2003–2009)

Second generation
Overview
Also called Chrysler Aspen
Production 2003–2009
Model years 2004–2009
Assembly United States: Newark, Delaware (Newark Assembly)
Body and chassis
Class Full-size SUV
Related Dodge Dakota
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase 119.2 in (3,030 mm)
Length 200.8 in (5,100 mm)
Hybrid: 202.1 in (5,130 mm)
Width 76.0 in (1,930 mm)
Height 74.3 in (1,890 mm)
Hybrid: 73.6 in (1,870 mm)

The second-generation Durango was first shown as a concept dubbed Dodge Durango R/T concept at the 2003-2004 Detroit Auto Show. It 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 (180 mm) longer, 2 in (51 mm) wider, and 3 in (76 mm) taller than the previous model. It also offered a third-row bench with three seats, giving it an eight-seat capacity. The design took its styling primarily from the Dodge Powerbox concept, which was itself based on the 1999 Dodge Power Wagon concept, and the 2003-2004 Durango R/T concept.

Debuting for 2004 was a new coil-spring rear suspension for the solid rear axle. A Watt's linkage system is fitted to the rear axle, centering the axle and reducing rear-end skate over rough surfaces, and allowing a lower and wider cargo floor.

Trim Levels

SXT: 2003-2009: Most basic trim level, basic features.

SLT: 2003-2009: Value-oriented trim level, value-added features, optional luxury features.

Adventurer: 2005-2007: Value-oriented and "off-road-look" trim level, value-added features, optional luxury features.

Limited: 2003-2009: Most luxurious trim level, luxury features.

All trim levels offered the 4.7L Power-Tech V8 engine as standard equipment, though the 5.7 L HEMI V8 engine was available on all trim levels, except for the base SXT trim level. The base SXT trim level also offered the 3.7 L Power-Tech V6 engine as standard equipment in place of the 5.7 L HEMI V8 engine option, though the V6 engine option was only available on the base SXT trim level, and only between 2004 and 2007.

The 2004 Dodge Durango was the first SUV in DaimlerChrysler's lineup to introduce the 5.7 L HEMI V8 engine, as well as a new radio design and modernized interior features.

Facelift

2006–2009 Dodge Durango

The 2006 model year featured a facelift that debuted at the Dallas Auto Show in April 2006. It featured a redesigned grille, hood, headlamps, fenders, and wheels. New features included electronic stability control, a tire pressure-monitoring system, rear park assist, and a one-touch turn signal.

In 2006, Chrysler introduced a luxury SUV based on the Durango, called the Chrysler Aspen, for the 2007 model year.

Discontinuation

In October 2009, as demand for full-sized SUVs fell off, Chrysler announced that the shutdown of the Newark Assembly facility, which produced the Durango and Chrysler Aspen, would be moved up to the end of 2009, thereby ending production of the Aspen and Durango for the 2009 model year.[5][6] Production ceased on December 19, 2009.

Chrysler Aspen

Not to be confused with Dodge Aspen.
2007–2009 Chrysler Aspen

The Chrysler Aspen is a full-sized, luxury SUV from Chrysler. Launched for the 2007 model year, the Aspen was based on the Dodge Durango SUV.

The Aspen was the first truck-based SUV commercialized under the Chrysler brand, although the PT Cruiser was the first truck-based Chrysler brand vehicle as classified under Corporate Average Fuel Economy's (CAFE) regulation. With this introduction, as of 2007, all American automobile brands had an SUV in their range.[7] The truck was unveiled at the 2005 North American International Auto Show. The Aspen came equipped with three rows of seating for eight passengers and available all-wheel drive.[8] It was available in only one trim, Limited.

Engines

Third generation (2011––Present)

Third generation
Overview
Production 2010[1]–Present
Model years 2011––Present
Assembly Detroit, Michigan, United States (Jefferson North Assembly)
Body and chassis
Class Full-size SUV
Related Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Mercedes-Benz R-Class
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2)
Powertrain
Engine 3.6 L Pentastar V6
5.7 L Hemi V8
Transmission 5-speed W5A580 automatic
5-speed 545RFE automatic
6-speed 65RFE automatic
8-speed 845RE automatic (2014/15)
Dimensions
Wheelbase 119.9 in (3,045 mm)
Length 199.8 in (5,075 mm)
Width 75.8 in (1,925 mm)
Height 70.9 in (1,801 mm)

After announcing the discontinuation of the Durango after the 2009 model year, Dodge released an Internet site and teaser photos of the third-generation Dodge Durango on August 16, 2010. The new Durango is built alongside the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee at the Jefferson Assembly Plant in Detroit, Michigan. The new Durango shares not only the assembly line with the Grand Cherokee, but also the running gear, powertrains, and chassis parts. The new Durango features two engines. The base engine is a new 3.6 L V6 engine producing 290 hp (220 kW; 290 PS) and 260 lb·ft (350 N·m) of torque at 4,800 rpm; 90% of peak torque is available from 1,600 to 6,400 rpm. The Pentastar V6 engine is backed by a Mercedes W5A580 five-speed automatic, with Chrysler's controls and the driver-interactive control. The 5.7 L Hemi VVT V8 returned with 360 hp (268 kW; 365 PS) and 390 lb·ft (529 N·m) of torque, which features the 545RFE five-speed automatic. The Hemi V8 also comes with a "fuel-saver" (cylinder deactivation) mode. This feature is primarily used when the vehicle is cruising at constant speeds on level ground.

The wheelbase of the new Durango is longer than that of the Grand Cherokee. It features three rows of seating compared to the Grand Cherokee's two rows.

The 2011 Dodge Durango entered production on December 14, 2010,[1] alongside the second-generation Charger in the 2011 vehicle lineup. It went on sale for general dealership availability in mid-January 2011.

Trim Levels

The Dodge Durango is available in several distinct trim levels:

Express- 2011 only: Base trim level, base features, 3.6 L Pentastar V6 engine only.

Crew- 2011-2013: Value-added trim level, added features, optional luxury features, 3.6 L Pentastar V6 and 5.7 L HEMI V8 engines.

SXT- 2012–Present: Base trim level, base features, 3.6 L Pentastar V6 engine only.

SXT Plus- 2014–Present: Basic trim level, basic features, 3.6 L Pentastar V6 engine only.

Crew Plus: 2011-2013: Luxury trim level, luxury features, 3.6 L Pentastar V6 or 5.7 L HEMI V8 engines.

Limited- 2014–Present: Luxury trim level, luxury features, 3.6 L Pentastar V6 or 5.7 L HEMI V8 engines.

R/T- 2011–Present: Sporty trim level, sporty details, 5.7 L HEMI V8 engine only. First return to the Dodge Durango lineup since 2001.

Citadel- 2011–Present: Highest trim level, luxurious features, 3.6 L Pentastar V6 or 5.7 L HEMI V8 engines.

A Special Service Package has also been available since 2012, and is sold exclusively to Government fleets. It is based on the base Durango SXT trim level, but does offer the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine that the public-market SXT trim level does not offer.

2014 update

Refreshed headlights and grille for 2014

Dodge unveiled its revised 2014 model Durango at the 2013 New York Auto Show. It features sportier-looking lines, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a new design trim similar to the Rallye, with blackened plastic bumper and outline. It also features the LED 'Racetrack' tail lamps also found on the Charger and Dart. On the inside, it features a revised steering wheel and the reconfigurable 7-in (780mm) thin film transistor display first seen on the Dart.

The 2015 Durango has a new package that will be available for the R/T trim, consisting of a Premium Nappa Leather Group option featuring radar red leather seats, 0.8-inch-lower ride height, black headlamp bezels, HID low beams and LED DRLS, R/T embroidery on the seats (optional), a nine-speaker sound system with a subwoofer, a 360-horsepower 5.7 L Hemi paired with ZF's eight-speed transmission, and a 20-inch Granite Crystal wheel finished in black.[9]

There were no changes made to the 2016 model year, but the Durango did add new packages to their two trims, with the Anodized Platinum package for the Citadel trim and the Brass Monkey package for the Limited trim.[10]

Engines

Model Engine Displacement Power @ rpm Torque @ rpm Years Note
Express 3.6 V6 Pentastar 3,604 cc (219.9 cu in) 290 hp (220 kW; 290 PS) @ 6400 rpm 350 N·m (260 lb·ft) @4800 rpm 2011–
Crew 2011– option 5.7 V8 HEMI
CrewLux 2011– option 5.7 V8 HEMI
Citadel 2011– option 5.7 V8 HEMI
Heat 2011–
R/T 5.7 V8 HEMI 5,654 cc (345.0 cu in) 360 hp (270 kW; 360 PS) @ 5150 rpm 530 N·m (390 lb·ft) @4250 rpm 2011– MDS

Total American sales

Dodge Durango sales

Calendar Year US Sales
1997 20,263[11]
1998 156,923[12]
1999[13] 189,840
2000 173,567
2001[14] 130,799
2002[15] 106,925
2003[16] 108,010
2004[17] 137,148
2005[16] 115,439
2006[18] 70,606
2007[16] 45,503
2008[16] 21,420
2009[19] 3,521
2010[20] 572
2011[21] 51,697
2012[22] 42,589
2013 60,727[23]
2014 64,398[24]
2015 64,186[25]

Chrysler Aspen sales

Calendar Year Sales
2006[26] 7,656
2007[27] 28,788
2008[28] 22,254
2009[29] 5,996
2010[30] 30

Recalls

On August 16, 2012, Chrysler recalled 1,661 2013-model Dodge Durango sport utility vehicles in the United States and Canada because some airbags may not deploy in an accident. The recall affects 1,449 of the seven-passenger versions of the SUVs in the United States and 212 in Canada and other markets.[31]

On July 24, 2015, Chrysler recalled all 2014-2015 Dodge Durangos with the 8.4-inch touch screens due to security concerns with the software that controls the vehicle. The vulnerability was discovered by software engineers Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek and initially posted on Wired. This vulnerability could allow hackers to remotely access and take over a variety of features, including those key parts of driving via a vulnerability in the Uconnect infotainment system.[32][33]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Chrysler Group LLC Celebrates Start of Production of 2011 Dodge Durango at its Jefferson North Assembly Plant". media.chrysler.com (Press release). 14 December 2010. Retrieved 2 February 2016.
  2. ↑ "Dodge SUVs". dodge.com. Retrieved 2014-11-12.
  3. ↑ "Top 10 Vehicles for Towing" Edmunds.com, retrieved on 2010-02-08. Archived August 31, 2009, at the Wayback Machine.
  4. ↑ "Developing the 1997-2003 Dodge Durango interior". Allpar.com. Retrieved 2015-07-17.
  5. ↑ "Edmunds Insideline: Chrysler Kills Durango and Aspen Hybrids". Edmunds.com. 23 October 2008. Retrieved 2 February 2016.
  6. ↑ Ramsey, Mike (2009-10-23). "Chrysler to Cut 1,825 Jobs on Early Plant Closure, Output Trim". Bloomberg.
  7. ↑ McLane, Jenny (2005). "Chrysler Aspen Boasting the Chrysler Design". Retrieved April 27, 2008. As per the Chrysler Aspen’s introduction, all American automobile brands have a SUV under their wings.
  8. ↑ 2008 Chrysler Aspen - Driving Dynamics - Drivetrain Archived February 12, 2015, at the Wayback Machine.
  9. ↑ Johnson, Davey G. (27 March 2015). "Sammy Hagar is Stoked: Dodge Now Offering Radar Red Leather on 2015 Durango R/T". Car and Driver. Retrieved 9 February 2016.
  10. ↑ "Dodge Durango Now Available With Brass Monkey, Andonized Platinum Appearance Packages" from FCA Authority (February 17, 2016)
  11. ↑ "Record Sales Year for DaimlerChrysler's Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler And Plymouth Brands". theautochannel.com.
  12. ↑ "1998 Sales of SUVs". wagoneers.com. Archived from the original on 2001-06-01. This information from the September 1999 issue of Four Wheeler magazine, page 18.
  13. ↑ "Chrysler Group Announces Year-End and December Sales". Theautochannel.com. Retrieved 2009-04-28.
  14. ↑ "Chrysler Group Reports U.S. December Sales". Theautochannel.com. Retrieved 2009-04-28.
  15. ↑ "Chrysler Group Reports December 2003 Sales Increase of 2 Percent". Theautochannel.com. November 17, 2004. Retrieved 2009-04-28.
  16. 1 2 3 4 "Dodge Durango Sales Figures". goodcarbadcar.net. January 1, 2011. Retrieved 2014-11-12.
  17. ↑ "Chrysler Group 2005 U.S. Sales Rise 5 Percent, Highest Since 2000; December Sales Decline In Line with Overall Industry". Prnewswire.com. Archived from the original on June 5, 2009. Retrieved 2009-04-28.
  18. ↑ "Total Chrysler LLC December 2007 Sales Up 1 Percent on the Strength of Retail; Demand...". Reuters. January 3, 2008. Archived from the original on February 3, 2009. Retrieved 2009-04-28.
  19. ↑ "Chrysler Group LLC Reports December 2009 U.S. Sales". www.CheersandGears.com. Retrieved 2010-01-05.
  20. ↑ "Chrysler Group LLC Reports December 2010 U.S. Sales". www.CheersandGears.com. Retrieved 2011-01-04.
  21. ↑ "Chrysler sales shoot up 37% (26% for 2011)". allpar.com. Retrieved 2012-01-04.
  22. ↑ "Chrysler Group LLC Reports December 2012 U.S. Sales Increased 10 Percent" (Press release). Chrysler Group LLC. 3 January 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2016.
  23. ↑ "Chrysler Group LLC Reports December 2013 U.S. Sales Increased 6 Percent – Best December Sales in Six Years; Full-Year Sales Up 9 Percent – Strongest Annual Sales Since 2007" (Press release). Chrysler Group. 3 January 2014. Retrieved 2 February 2016.
  24. ↑ FCA US (5 January 2015). "FCA US LLC Reports December 2014 U.S. Sales Increased 20 Percent...". prnewswire.com. Retrieved 2 February 2016.
  25. ↑ "Dodge Durango Sales Figures". www.goodcarbadcar.net. Retrieved 2016-02-09.
  26. ↑ "Chrysler Aspen Sales Figures". goodcarbadcar.net. April 29, 2013. Retrieved 2014-11-12.
  27. ↑ "Total Chrysler LLC December 2007 Sales Up 1 Percent on the Strength of Retail". CheersandGears.com. January 3, 2008. Retrieved 2009-01-05.
  28. ↑ "December 2008 Sales: Chrysler LLC". CheersandGears.com. January 5, 2009. Retrieved 2009-01-05.
  29. ↑ "Chrysler Group LLC December 2009 Sales". CheersandGears.com. January 5, 2010. Retrieved 2010-01-05.
  30. ↑ "Chrysler Sales End The Year Up 17% - December Sales Rose 16%". Autospies.com. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  31. ↑ "Chrysler recalls 1,661 Dodge SUVs for airbag issue". Reuters. Retrieved 2 February 2016.
  32. ↑ "Chrysler recalls 1.4 million hackable cars". CNN Money. Retrieved 2015-07-24.
  33. ↑ "Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler maker recalls 1.4 million vehicles amid car hacking fears". Digital Trends. Retrieved 2015-07-24.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Dodge Durango.
Dodge truck timeline, North American market, 1970s–present
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0123456789 0123456789 0123456789 0123456789 012345
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Mid-size SUV Durango
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After Fiat S.p.A. acquired Chrysler LLC in 2009, models of trucks and cargo vans were no longer designated as Dodge, but exclusively as Ram. A timeline of these models can be found here.
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