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Used 1998 Dodge Durango Consumer Reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars
97 reviews

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Pros
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3 out of 5 stars

Not so bad

nextdoor, 05/01/2002
1998 Dodge Durango 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Tires wear quickly....Drives like a truck. If you need storage space buy something else. Is fun to drive.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Never a Problem

JLM, 10/28/2002
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

There doesn't seem to be much middle ground on the Durango, love it or hate it. I love it, never had one problem and it has been a great family car. Terriffic styling, solid feel, and very versatile with 3 rows but shorter than a minivan. Highly recommend it to anyone.

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3 out of 5 stars

bad rear end

oc dd, 12/10/2002
1998 Dodge Durango 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Does this sound familar. Great looker, nice features, had to have it when I saw it. 58K miles later I get 10.2 gallons per mile, the AC evaporator replaced twice under warranty and once by me. Now it needs a new rear end! My mechanic says it is quite common! It still looks good (other than rust on bottom of window frames).

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Best SUV Ever

Jeff Piotrowskiq, 02/18/2003
1998 Dodge Durango 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I leased my Durango as soon as they came out. It has been an excellent vehicle. In 75,000 miles of driving, I have only had it in the shop twice for any significant repairs (Manifikd gasket, coolant temp sensor). The tires lasted over 50,000 miles. The truck still looks like new!!! I am also one of the few that have actually taken their SUV off-road. The truck was amazing, pulling through mud up to the door handles!!!! What a truck!!! Some day I would love to buy an R/T.

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4 out of 5 stars

Love my Durango

Sommer, 06/19/2003
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I absolutely love my Durango. I am not a big fan of dodge but, I love my truck. It is perfect for a family, it has plenty of room but its not too bulky. It doesn't drive like an SUV. I am very comfortable in it.

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2 out of 5 stars

Piece of junk

G Jacobs, 08/18/2003
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

By 45000 miles I have relpace the A/C, ball joints, full set of breaks, battery, roof rack, tran repairs, sifter knob, and a list of other items to long to recount. Junk.

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4 out of 5 stars

works for me

bubba, 09/03/2003
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

100k miles plus with minor problems. One window motor switch, leaking transfer case seal at 100k, abs speed sensor, ball joints replaced.... no other major problems. used to tow a 25' boat and does it well. i like the car.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

No More Dodge's For Me

TimA, 09/22/2003
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My lease is up in a month and I can't wait. The moment my 36,000 mile warrenty expired the problems started...to the tune of about $4,500 since that time, AC evaporator, power window motor, cracked oil pump, battery and even with regular tire rotation, had to replace 4 tires at 24,000 miles. They look great, they ride nice but whats the use if mechanically they're amess!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

My 4 year old is just fine. .

taass, 03/04/2002
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

When you buy a 4X4 V8 SUV, don't complain at the pump.I use my Durango, but don't abuse it - and pamper it with regular service.Ball joints were my fault.Lesson learned: GREASE JOBS ARE IMPORTANT!!!56,000 miles and running strong. No problems at all. Runs great, looks great.Take care of your car (any car) and it'll last you forever.There's always the occasionaly lemon (yes, even Toyotas and Honas), so don't let one review deter you.It's a great car.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Good vehicle

znn94x, 11/15/2003
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

No problems with my Durango other than the gas mileage, but that is to be expected. Excellent build quality and fun to drive - plus it has the offroad capability if you need it.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

My Durango

Keith, 06/14/2005
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My favorite of all midsize SUVs. Beautiful design. It's much more stylish than any of those boxes on wheels rolling around out there. It has great interior space for cargo and passengers. Best of all it has an incredibly strong and powerful engine. I have done everything from get out of 4 foot snow drifts to pushing disabled cars and towing large boats. Not as quiet as a luxury vehicle but definitely more affordable and practical. By far one of the best car selections that I ever made.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Don't forget your wallet on trips

not a fan, 07/07/2005
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I like the fact that this car has never left me stranded, but I only get 11 MPG in town and 15 MPG on the highway! My keyless entry only works when it wants to, and my security alarm goes off even when it's parked in the garage for no apparent reason! My biggest complaint though is the gas mileage. It's very poor. I could understand if I were pulling a trailer, but not just cruising down the highway.

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3.13 out of 5 stars

^@!%&! Ugh!!!

ANTIDURANGO, 12/12/2003
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

If I could curse here I would! Where do I start! How is it this piece of S... has less than 80k miles and the transmission goes? How about the window motor? Fuel Pump, power steering, A/C? These are not typical wear and tear items! If you are reviewing this, please take my advice, NEVER EVER BUY THIS SUV! OK, so I was like you too, I really liked this SUV. My sister had one and ran into the same Window and tranny problem. I was stupid and didn't take her advice. NEVER EVER AGAIN!!!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

an excelent SUV

edmundov, 01/09/2004
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is a very strong vehicle, I´m very happy with my Durango

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2.88 out of 5 stars

P.O.S.

eray, 02/07/2004
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I will never purchase another Dodge product in my entire life!!! I have owned it for about 4 yrs and have sunk nearly 6K in fixing it! It now has only 80K miles. The rear bearings went out at 37K miles. The water pump, window motor, radiator, upper and lower control arms (replaced them twice!), tyrods, ball joints, and factory cd radio have all been replace. I highly recomend no one ever purchasing this vehicle.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

98 Dodge ok

Handcuff, 03/04/2004
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The 98 Durango is a good suv but has a serious gas problem.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Nice SUV

Pac_man, 03/09/2004
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had very good luck with my Durango. I love the flexibility and styling. The ride can be a little rough and the gas mileage is terrible, but other than that it's a great SUV. If they sold the same truck with a diesel, I would buy it in a second.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Durango

Max Weltzin, 03/10/2004
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Excellent design, agressive looks.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Wish I could afford to drive

brokefromgasprices, 05/08/2006
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love my Durango; it has every feature including the sickest aftermarket sunroof I've ever seen. This SUV is the most beautiful on the market in my opinion. But I just can't afford to drive it ever. I haven't been out of town since owning it! This SUV is so plush and comfortable, with a tight turning radius and a ride like a Cadillac, like you're driving around sitting on your couch. Infinity speakers stink though. I blew out the side ones within a week. My Durango reminds me of something seen in a classic car collection. It should be looked at and admired for its beauty and quality but never ever driven. I'll miss it when it's gone but I love to drive too much to keep it.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Love my Dodge

ushowilook, 03/24/2004
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

First, dodge vehicle i ever owned and all i have to say is I LOVE IT.

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2.63 out of 5 stars

Money Pit--Slick looks, sickly quality

My Dodge Is Junk, 07/09/2006
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The gas mileage I expected (around 12), the trips to the shop are ridiculous-- water pump, heater blower, power driver's seat motor, head gasket, rear a/c, etc etc etc. I can't believe a vehicle that stickered for $37K can be such a piece of junk at 100k miles. Had 100K warranty thank God, but even then the dealer said clunking noise in tranny reverse is normal, whistling noise in heater blower is normal...words can't describe my disappointment. On my way to go trade it for a Nissan Murano

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2.5 out of 5 stars

Never Again

Kelly L, 05/11/2004
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I loved it at first, but then I hit 70k miles. YIKES!! Needed a whole new transmission for the tune of $3,600. Now the A/C evaporator has a leak - $1,100. Have had to replace radiator, water pump, thermostat, ball joints, etc. Has a minor oil leak - who knows where that will lead. On the positive, has great room for the 2 car seats and all of their gear, but am now looking into a mini-van, which is what we were trying to avoid in buying the Durango!! Poor gas mileage.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Great SUV

JTIP, 06/09/2004
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love this suv. It looks better than all others in my opinion, the towing ability and power are superb,have owned for 3 years now and no problems other than new brakes. A lot of issues that happen to used vehicles are from a lack of maintenance. No ball joint problems here,but we don't take off road. Only thing we added was remote start, lighted running boards, and new Michelins. The tires make a huge difference in ride quality. Would buy another one!

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Capable truck minor glitches...

we-dogee, 11/14/2004
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I start by saying, I love this truck. I needed a vehicle that would be capable 4wd conveyance. And the "D" has shown it's grit. From the beaches of Hatteras to the muddy farms of the MD's Eastern Shore, the D has always done the job. Things have not been perfect. First there was the mysterious cracked side view mirror. A mystery until I discovered a Durango Owners Forum online and found that the 98 D had a Mirror glass temper problem. The Dis also a bit under powered electrically. It needs a better alternator from the git go. And she's known to be heavy for the smaller brake set they opted for... Alas, it may be a wiring harness that causes us to part.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Chili-Pepper Sweet

Bob Gintoft, 03/14/2005
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We really have enjoyed our Durango! Its comfortable on long trips, has great looks, is reliable, and fun to drive no matter what the weather.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

By far the best vehicle I have ever owned

Sandy Sherman, 03/23/2005
1998 Dodge Durango 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We have a 1998 Dodge Durango and it is by far the best vehicle we have ever owned. It fits the whole family comfortably and best of all, we have not had one thing wrong with it. We love our Durango.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Versatile

RCV718, 04/04/2005
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love everything about this car EXCEPT the gas mileage (I'm averaging 12 in a mix of city and highway). Starts right up in freezing temperatures, the 4wd plows right through the snow, and the car is very comfortable for long commutes. At about 90k now, and it has an exhaust leak, needs new shocks and brakes, and seems to have some sort of electrical problem with the lighting system. As it is a higher mileage vehicle, I am not surprised. The 318 is a tough engine, you can't kill it - no problems with the tranny yet.

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2.25 out of 5 stars

Never again a Dodge

amstad, 03/17/2003
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had the Dodge Durango since 98. It has broken down 5 times already. All window motor sensors needed to be replaced. The waterpump broke two times. Tranmission seals needed to be replaced. It is a mess. Never again will purchase a dodge.

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2.75 out of 5 stars

I will never buy another

Joe, 08/24/2006
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased my 1998 Durango with only 42K miles on it. At first it was great until the brakes started to squeak after 2 weeks. I tried 3 different brands of brakes pads and bought new rotors but they still were making the noise. I gave up. Then 2 months later the transfer case seals started to leak which I later found to be a common problem. That was a $300 repair with only 50K miles on the truck. I liked the room and the looks but with such poor gas mileage and build quality, I cut my losses. Never again. The truck also developed quite a bit of surface rust. The truck was sold after 11 months of ownership. So much for Dodge.

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4 out of 5 stars

Bought Used, Wrecked Once, Still Keeping

redhight, 09/03/2006
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

1st SUV, 1st Dodge. Tow pkg, 5.9 eng, w/23k miles. Drove everywhere on/offroad, towed trailer, horse, moving van. Lowered the back seats and hauled firewood, hay, camping gear. Rearended a 1-ton p-up 4 yrs ago, got it fixed and she's fine! Loaned it out to friends and family, too. Just under 130k miles now. Needs tie-rod, ball joint, front end align and heater-core replacement. Except for gas mileage woes, virtually no maintenance on this Durango but oil/radiator fluid changes and brakes. Drove at avg. speeds of 65+ After 7 yrs it's still going with less than $4k in repairs? Is there a problem? Nope. Will pass it to my daughter when I'm done.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

My Durango

JimmyD99, 05/05/2003
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great Vehicle, great looks, reliable. No major defects, no mechanical breakdowns. Great power, accelleration. 3rd row a must.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Durango rocks

DurangoMan, 10/26/2007
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We bought our 98 Durango in 2000. It has been the coolest vehicle we've ever had. It's a minivan on the inside and a 4x4 truck on the outside. We've had reasonable repairs....trans seal, axle seal, ball joints, battery, and brakes (new calipers and rotors). It now has 96,000 miles and starts and runs perfect. I can't say enough about it. It's just awesome. Our dog even likes it!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Green Durango

Intellectual, 05/14/2003
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This truck has never given me any problem in the 5 years I've owned it other that the battery dying in the middle of a deer hunt. Gas mileage is fairly typical of other SUV owners I've talked to, and it is tolerable if you keep your foot out of it.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

So disappointed...

nocallady, 03/08/2002
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I am sad to say I am selling my Durango. When I bought it, it was love at first sight, but that has now faded after a series of problems. Brakes & tires needed replacing after 30K,the rear differential at 50K, and now, due to a slovenly oil change shop,just replaced the transfer case because they left the plug off. After a month,the chain had overheated and was rattling around loose tearing up everything inside. For a vehicle that had such a butch appearance, it really is a sickly 90lb weakling.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Dodge Durango

AKAK666, 05/08/2003
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

A great SUV! It fits almost anything and yet still feels like a smaller car! Its amazing, sometimes I forgert Im driving an SUV!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Happy so far

Durango Driver, 05/20/2003
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Had my 1998 Durango about a year and half. It has been the best vehicle I have owned. It has some quirks (keyless entry does not work periodically), but it has been very dependable.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

rev1

jv, 03/12/2002
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My wife just loves the truck, it is powerful and fun to drive, and it hs all the safety features she neds.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Maroon Durango

Beckster, 06/09/2003
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I use to buy a new vehicle about every year. My '98 Durango is great. I've had no mechanical problems, ride is comfortable, this is the only vehicle I've ever owned where I've been completely happy with it, even after 5 years (my main reason for holding on to it so long).

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3.5 out of 5 stars

Fun Truck to Drive

Robert520, 06/23/2003
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Love this SUV but I anticipated problems and was smart enough to buy extended warranty. Window lifts have been replaced 2 X per window, AC evaporator went out, battery died at 24 months, steering column replaced, seat track replaced (rocking chair syndrome), speed sensor, all four speakers and some other items to many to count. I still like the vehicle though and my wife thinks it's junk. What's you expect, she drives a Camry.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Get your own

Love It, 03/19/2008
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This SUV is almost perfect. It's large, it powerful, great design, comfort like a spendy luxury, reliable as they come and very fun. I had to replace a $3 valve in the AC, a battery and the normal brakes and tires in the 8 years i have had it. Other than that all my paycheck goes toward gas but its worth it.

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2.88 out of 5 stars

"trouble"

ky-fan, 03/17/2002
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I was initially attracted to the Durango for its body style and size. Since buying it i have experienced considerable trouble with it. In the last year I have replaced the wheel bearings, brakes,and rotors. We've also had wiring trouble and are currently experiencing oil pump failure. although i love the body style i would not recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Long Term Friend

AGF, 03/27/2002
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My wife was the driving force in buying the Durango, although as an old MOPAR fan, I didn't need much persuasion. The experience over the last 84,000+ miles has been pleasureable. Reliability, availability and maintainability has been exceptional. After 75,000 miles had a ball joint and wheel bearing go bad, both covered under extended warranty. Brake wear has been phenominal. Original rear brakes and second set of front pads will last until 100K. Gas mileage could be better, but going to all synthetic fluids (engine, differentials, tranny) brought the average mpg up by 3. Durable. Interior is flexible and durable. Great truck with great support.

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2.88 out of 5 stars

Lousy Reliability

lee1340, 04/01/2002
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My wife loved the car at first. Delightful to drive off-road however, we rarely used the 4 wheel drive system. When it was needed, it failed immediately. On the way back from Reno, Dec. 2001, the 4X went out and it had to be towed into Roseville, Ca. In Jan. 2002, we experienced the same repeated problem. In Sept. 2001, I had the 4X system gone over by the dealer to avoid such a problem. Then I discovered they don't put gaskets in this car. They use RTV only. Maintenance problems are rediculous for a 4-year old vehicle.

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2.88 out of 5 stars

Should have bought a Chevy

scott281, 04/01/2002
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought my truck new in ’98. Thought it was great! That feeling is long gone. The mpg is awful! I average about 10.5 mpg. My highest mileage recorded was only 13.9 driving from SF to LA @ 70mph. I only have 31K on the truck and about 6 months ago the transmission started to go bad. And now just spent $1700 to have the whole thing rebuilt. The shop said it was the 6th Durango transmission they had rebuilt in the last eight months! Overall, I’m really disappointed with the truck. Should have listened to my friends and bought a Chevy!

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4 out of 5 stars

Dang good Durango

Steve, 03/03/2019
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Excellent vehicle, good comfortable ride for 4wd

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

1998 durango

D.Hop, 10/05/2023
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great Truck. Got it 3years ago 123,000 Original miles. Now I have 140k No issues!!! Better than my new cars!!

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1.75 out of 5 stars

bad luck with the durango

tara mcGahey, 02/13/2003
1998 Dodge Durango 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

My car has been one big headache. I have pages and pages of repair and repeated repair bills.

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