2003 Dodge Durango Consumer Reviews

It's the best vehicle

Written by: Christopher Harringt on 06/24/2008

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Durango SXT 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)

Review

and a pleasure driving. The performance and power are great. However it uses too much fuel.

Favorite Features

the engine,and transmission

Suggested Improvements

fuel economy

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Peppy

Written by: billy on 06/22/2008

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Durango SXT 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)

Review

Makes getting on a crowded highway feel safe. Great acceleration, but as you might expect, you can watch the fuel gage go down. Also, as a city resident, this mid size, narrow SUV is great for squeezing down narrow streets and parking. Spent about $300 over 2 years above routine maintenance which is not bad. Bought truck with 30,000 and now have 50,000. Overall like the dodge (this is my 3rd) and I think dodge gets a bad rap most prof. reviewers (consumer ratings are always higher).

Favorite Features

acceleration, sturdy/safe feel, mid size and smooth/quiet highway ride, exterior design

Suggested Improvements

mpg (but you have to give to get)

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Beauty, Brawn and Bling

Written by: Family Hauler on 05/14/2008

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Durango SLT 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)

Review

This 2003 SLT 4.7L is my second Durango. I previously had a 2000 SLT with 5.9L V8. I bought this one used with 49K miles Dodge Certified (still bought the extended warranty)and have now passed through 83K with only one $200 repair for an emissions control sensor. Truthfully, the gas mileage isn't great, but the 4.7 L is much better than the 5.9 L I had in the 2000. I recently added an after market cold air intake system ($230- 279) from K&N or Airaide. The K&N are Calif Air Resource Board (CARB) exempt, meaning street legal in all 50 states and comes with documentation. They promised a +8hp. I got +2-3 mpg with improved throttle response, and meatier underhood sound.

Favorite Features

4.7L V8 and four wheel ABS disc brakes.

Suggested Improvements

Cold Air Induction System and adjustable front and back sliding middle seats.

0 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Not Good, But Not Bad

Written by: SBF on 02/25/2008

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Durango SLT 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)

Review

Bought the truck used, had 52k on it. Comfortable ride, good looks, and compliments from a lot of people. Really like this design, the '04 and up look too square and bulky. Interior is designed well. Gas mileage is normal for a 5.9L V8 about 15-17 mpg on the highway. Disappointed that the water pump went out at 59k. Cruise control is acting up too, but nothing I can't fix. With gas prices soaring and seeming to never quit, will consider a crossover for a next SUV, no reason to have a V8 powered SUV, don't do any towing and the it's the wife's daily driver.

Favorite Features

Interior is designed well. Rear air conditioning and heat has come in handy for rear passengers. Third row seat has come in handy when extra people need a ride or if you're driving the kids and their friends around.

Suggested Improvements

250hp is not enough, though torque is good. Should have had the 5.7L Hemi in it. Could also find a couple more MPGs to squeeze out of the engine. Better plastics on the interior, seems a little too econocar.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Liked it so much bought another

Written by: rmoore on 01/10/2008

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Durango SLT 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)

Review

I bought this vehicle for my wife several years ago. It was a 1999 with a 318 cid. This thing is a horse. Plenty of power when you need it. Although the third seat is only big enough for young kids it has great space. The looks of this truck is great. Traded it in on a mini-van. Worst mistake I have ever made. So I just bought our second, it is a 2003 and it is even better than the one we had before. I personally have never had any problems with a Dodge vehicle. Luck of the draw? Maybe, but this is a quality truck.

Favorite Features

Leather, looks, engine

Suggested Improvements

Bring back the old style

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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2003 Dodge Durango SXT 4X4

Written by: Dodge Man on 10/09/2006

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Durango SXT 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)

Review

This truck is the best on i've owned. The truck before this was a Ford exporer and I can't believe the difference. Dodge has done a wonderful job with their SUV and I'm a buyer forever

Favorite Features

V8, smooth shifting, and all around fun truck to drive.

Suggested Improvements

None

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Worst car I have even owned!

Written by: Jennifer on 10/05/2006

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Durango SXT 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)

Review

This is the worst vechile I have ever owned. I bought it brand new and have had to bring it to the dealer 10 times to fix non-routine maintence items. Brakes went out, check engine light is on all the time and the dealership can't fix it (brought in 5 times), AC broke twice, wind shield wiper motors broke. Only 40K miles! I wouldn't wish this SUV on my worst enemy.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

4 out 9 people found this review helpful

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Never Again

Written by: George on 07/29/2006

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Durango R/T 4WD 4dr SUV (5.9L 8cyl 4A)

Review

Owned R/T for several months now and regret trading in my Infiniti for it. Had 32K when purchased and had tie rod problems from the day I drove off lot. Wife broke down 3 days after purchase. Went back to have driver side window switch replaced due to failure, Window came off track At 44k transmission started slipping on highway at 65mph. Took to dealer and whole transmission needed to be replaced over $2k. Lucky I bought extended warranty but still cost me $425 out of pocket. Still doesn't feel right. Slips now when rear end hits any bump on highway. I am going with my wife this week to get rid of it and buy a foreign car. American cars are just not up to the quality level.

Favorite Features

Lots of pwer. That's about it.

Suggested Improvements

Reliability. Transmission failure at 44k is unacceptable, Amrest storage button always failing. Broken window switch and now off track. Buy extended warranty if you get any Durango. Gas milege is worse you think it will be.

3 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Love my Durango

Written by: hart on 07/03/2006

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Durango SXT 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)

Review

I enjoy my Dodge Durango 4.7 auto 4x4 air and all the xtras! I have figured out how to get over 20 plus on fuel mileage. This has me sold on further Dodge investments

Favorite Features

Versatile. Fun to drive. Can travel both on and off road with the family

Suggested Improvements

More options for the 4.7. I made most all my parts to get better fuel mileage out of it

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Nice Ride

Written by: NICE RIDE on 01/31/2006

Vehicle

2003 Dodge Durango SXT Rwd 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)

Review

I bought this car about a year and a half ago. it barely had 14000 miles on it and was in perfect condition. I paid $15.5k for it and got it for a steal. I had heard a lot of bad things about the Durangos but for the price, I could not pass it up. I have driven this car across the country twice and have not had ANY problems with it.

Favorite Features

The v8 engine definitely has power. This car rides so smooth that you honestly can not tell the difference between 10mph and 100mph.

Suggested Improvements

The only inprovement i would suggest is to make the back seats just a little bit bigger.

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