2002 Dodge Durango Review
2002 Dodge Durango Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Commodious cabin, newly optional side-curtain airbags and DVD video, capable performance on-road and off, aggressive styling.
Cons
- Some cheap interior trim, high fuel consumption.
What’s new
Like its sibling, the Dakota, the Durango gets a new trim level dubbed SXT that serves as the entry-level Durango. Other improvements this year include side-curtain airbags, a five-speed automatic gearbox and an optional DVD video entertainment system.
Edmunds says
The Durango epitomizes the inherent reasons that SUVs were built -- utility, space and potency.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Dodge Durango Sport 2WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.52 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$297/mo for Durango Sport
Durango Sport
vs
$204/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Previously the only midsize SUV with a third-seat option, the Durango faces new competition this year from the recently revamped Explorer (now with optional third seat) and GM triplets (TrailBlazer, Envoy, Bravada). To counter, Dodge has added a couple of new features such as available side-curtain airbags and an optional DVD entertainment system for rear-seat passengers.
The new entry-level SXT model is no stripper, equipped as it is with 16-inch alloys, a CD player, bucket seats and an appearance group that includes a graphite-colored grille, fasciae (front and rear) and fender flares. Other trim levels, the SLT, SLT Plus and R/T, continue as before.
In spite of sporting comfortably plush seats, the large cabin still earns a few demerits, most notably some hard, shiny plastic trim; chunky A-pillars that hamper visibility; and small stereo controls, problems which plague many Chrysler products.
Durangos can be had in a choice of two- or four-wheel-drive configuration. Either way, the standard powerplant is the contemporary 4.7-liter V8 that pumps out 235 horsepower. Throttle response with this engine is excellent, with power accessible from a broad rev range. For 2002, Dodge has dropped the four-speed automatic in favor of a new five-speed.
If heavy-duty hauling is going to be a regular part of your Durango's workload, the optional (and thirsty) 245-horse 5.9-liter V8 is the best choice. So equipped, the Durango can pull up to 7,600 pounds.
In terms of handling dynamics, body roll is well controlled, and, with the help of the full-time all-wheel drive and responsive, tight steering, enable the Durango to run through twisty two-lane roads with confidence, sans the tippy feeling that some other utes are plagued with. And even when fully loaded with seven passengers, the suspension handles the payload with little effort.
Not trying to be all things to all people, the Durango is a truck-based sport-ute that makes no apologies for its somewhat stiffer ride. But even though the rugged Durango's design dates back to 1998, Dodge has judiciously updated it, allowing it to remain a solid choice for folks who need plenty of seating and hauling capacity in their midsize ute.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Dodge Durango.
5 star(52%)
4 star(34%)
3 star(7%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(3%)
128 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Best of the Best
action_nad, 02/19/2013
2002 Dodge Durango SLT Plus 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)
Have had my Durango for over 4 years now, put over 50,000 miles on it, and to this day with over 148,000 on the odometer, it is still a monster.
Never had any major issues outside of what is to be expected.
Plenty of get up and go for a land yacht, more than enough room for 7 people or 2 people and some luggage.
Perfect for joy riding or road trips.
Towed a 26' trailer with no issues, … and have never gotten stranded off road or in bad weather.
The 360 V8 not only does a great job with working, but playing also.
Have embarrassed more than a few ricers at stop lights.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Love our big black toy
shane138821, 04/06/2013
2002 Dodge Durango Sport 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)
we bought this durango about 6 months ago. When we purchased her, she had 151,000 miles on her and she ran great. now Just from six months time she still runs perfect and has just rolled over 200,000. this truck has never asked us for anymore the common maintnence and a set of shocks. And even with her age and miles i still won't hesitate to run her the 1,800 miles back to the state of … nevada next week. her fuel milage is a bit on the expensive side. but with the raw power and the fact that i can shoot around just about any corner with ease its well worth giving up a few extra bucks in gas.
5 out of 5 stars
I LOVE it!
pennylou99, 01/22/2014
2002 Dodge Durango Sport 2WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)
The gas mileage is horrible.
But other than that.
I love this truck.
I have never had any major issues with it.
Normal repairs.
If you keep the maintenance up on this, your Dodge will run for a long time!
I'm right at 140k miles and the engine is solid.
I drive kinda crazy and needed something that could handle my lead foot.
I'm like to be quick on take offs, so this truck has been … perfect for me!
4.75 out of 5 stars
Great Vehicle So Far
meathead1986, 01/25/2011
2002 Dodge Durango SLT Plus 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)
Bought the Vehicle with about 120,000 on it and have had it for almost a year now. Fuel consumption is on the low side for an SUV but bearable in the fact that I haven't yet gotten stuck in the ND snow that tends to pile up around here.
Having a 3rd row helps ALOT with 3 kids and the ride quality is the best i've experience so far in a REAL SUV.
It is a little noisy when you're standing … outside with it running but inside you can talk normally without yelling while you're cruising down the highway at 75 and I've only done regular maintenance on mine and its had nothing go wrong to date.
only complaint is that with the 3rd row up there isn't much room left for cargo in the back...
2002 Durango Highlights
Sport
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $25,400 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 14 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $297/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 50.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Durango include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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