2005 Dodge Durango Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
With its tough-truck styling, available Hemi V8 and roomy interior, the Durango offers an appealing combination of power, comfort and utility. If you don't mind its big thirst at the pump, it's a great value.
Pros
Strong V8 engines, agile handling, excellent ride quality, capable off-road, lots of cargo capacity, simple controls.
Cons
Lousy mileage, sloppy fit and finish, needs more second-row legroom and storage, no stability control or parking sensors.
What's New for 2005
Two trim levels have been added -- SXT and SLT Adventurer. The SXT features roof rails, running boards and side moldings. The Adventurer includes a Thule roof rack, side steps, slush mats, cargo liner and organizer and unique wheels. Cloth heated seats are standard on all models this year (except the Limited, which sticks with leather heated seats). A full-screen navigation system is newly available.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Satisfied
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Dodge Durango SLT Rwd 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I have owned my Durango for 18 months with no problems. I also own a grand Cherokee Laredo 4.7 2006. Both are excellent vehicles but if you are going on a long trip the Durango is the way to travel. People always comment on the mileage but I have yet to see a vehicle with the toughness and comfort and good looks these have that get good mileage. If you want safety and Peace of mind in a vehicle I suggest an SUV. Try putting 5 people and their luggage in a econobox, and see how you feel after a day of driving.
Favorite Features
Security and storage room.Good looks and comfort.
Suggested Improvements
Floor shifter.Electric opener for the rear hatch.
Not for a family with small children!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 3 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 1 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 1 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Dodge Durango SXT Rwd 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Well first off the gas mileage is a joke, do not buy if you have any sort of commute to work or you'll be averaging $70 every 4 days on gas, crazy! Second, I have 5 kids (6, 2, and 18 month old triplets) and getting them in and out of this vehicle is awful, such a pain. I can't even go anywhere because no stroller but an umbrella stroller would fit. The interior is falling apart without even harsh use. All in all if we didn't have but a couple kids and worked 5 minutes away then it would be manageable but we are getting rid of this Durango ASAP!
Favorite Features
Tall ride, get up, and smooth steering. Pretty good sound system.
Suggested Improvements
Everything else.
Nice Family car.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Dodge Durango SLT Rwd 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Engine and power train are excellent. 4.7 liter delivers good power. Average 16.5 MPG in mixed driving. Not great but delivers what is advertised. Overall ride is very good. Nice sturdy feel. Very smooth on flat roads very truck like on bumpy roads. Very nice family vehicle. Seats 7. Plenty of room for storage with 3rd row seats folded down. Overall this has been a great purchase.
Favorite Features
Steering easy and smooth, 6 CD changer very nice. Rear air and heat great for back seat passengers. Overall package. Well built,comfortable and nice handling. Sounds great when you get on the gas.
Suggested Improvements
Gas mileage around 20 MPG. Slightly more room in back with 3rd row seats up.
Cracking
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 3 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Dodge Durango Limited Rwd 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)
Review
This SUV is nice but the seat interior is terrible it cracks all up around the seat and seat belt. The bumper seem to be loose and and if in an accident it seem like It'll crack right up!?! There needs to be a recall on the seats. I also have the ABS light on which has been explained to me as a recall?
Favorite Features
The space is pretty good I wish I had the 3rd row seat though.
Suggested Improvements
The seats and the bumper
Bad Decision
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 3 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 3 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 3 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Dodge Durango SLT Rwd 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I bought this truck because it was my best bang for the buck and it was safe for all the kids. It was and it is. The truck has really disappointed though. Cheaply built, I have rust already, chrome door handles are falling apart. Strange dash lights go and off. Cruise control works, then doesn't. And don't do like I did and get one without traction control. This thing fishtails in snow like a 68 Camaro (whether in AWD or 4WD). On top of all that, the resale value seems to be tied to some sort of very heavy financial based anchor. I like the Hemi and it always starts, so there's the positive. I should have spent 8k more and purchased a GM product.
Favorite Features
The Hemi motor.
Suggested Improvements
Send Durango owners an apology and some sort of trade in check so they can get out from under them
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2008 Dodge Durango
- 2007 Dodge Durango
- 2006 Dodge Durango
- 2005 Dodge Durango
- 2004 Dodge Durango
- 2003 Dodge Durango
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