1998 Dodge Durango Review
Price Estimate: $502 - $814





+10
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Aggressive Dodge styling, large interior, V8 power, competitive price.
Cons
- Nine cupholders, no refrigerator
What’s new
As the most recent addition to the Dodge truck lineup, the Durango makes quite an entry. Offering the most cargo space in its class, along with eight-passenger seating and three-and-a-half tons of towing capacity, the Durango is the most versatile sport-utility on the market.
For sale nationwide
Vehicle overview
Remember the Ramcharger? Neither do we, with the help of the Dodge Durango. Based on the Dakota platform, the Durango is Dodge's latest attempt at a sport-utility vehicle. And from the looks of things, the Dodge boys have done their homework.
Competing directly with the sales king Ford Explorer is no easy task. But the Durango can seat three more passengers than the Explorer. With its more powerful engine, it can tow more weight. It has better ground clearance. More cargo capacity. Bigger. Stronger. Faster. Less expensive. Sounds like a winning formula.
The Durango is larger than anything else in its class, which explains the expansive interior. Yet it's smaller than the Chevrolet Tahoe or Ford Expedition, so we can't call it full-sized. But the niche is filled. Need more room than an Explorer, Blazer or Cherokee? Don't want to fork over the price of an Expedition? Take a good look at the Dodge Durango; it's the only option.
Although currently available only as a four-wheel drive, a two-wheel drive model is in the works for next year, meaning that even more buyers are soon likely to defect from the competition's ranks. With fresh new styling, superior versatility, and an attractive price, the newest Dodge makes a statement all its own. It says, "Buy me."
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
Not EPA tested for Durango Base
Durango Base
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
See Edmunds pricing data
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Dodge Durango Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
221000 miles on her same motor and tranny
5 out of 5 starsdavid, 10/28/2015
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
I got my 1998 dodge Durango 5.2 L at 20,000 miles on it first it was the only car me and the wife had so we had to be really nice to it then we raised six kids with it then we got a expedition el and the Durango had 100,000 miles at this time it became all mine I have a very heavy foot I treated it like a hot rod now for four years and 120,000 miles and still has the same … engine,tranny,rear end,transfer case and front end and POWER that it did the day I got it takes snow rain mud very well I would never get rid of her I have money set aside just for her if anything ever did go wrong she WILL be fixed we have five cars and this is my go to ride for work or play the only bad thing is with me is I replace tires a lot (heavy foot)
Had some trouble but love the vehicle
3.63 out of 5 starsCaliebear22, 01/09/2009
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
I have had to replace the front differential, tires (regular maintenance). I changed the oil to synthetic, now we are having trouble with ball joints. Gas mileage is OK. I get about 15mpg and I have the 3.18 v8 best engine to get. In town I get 11-13mpg. I overall love this car and it did wonders on a slippery slope while having a trailer attached and the brakes are wonderful. I would … recommend buying this vehicle. I do have tranny problems. It doesn't like 2nd gear and I have the auto.
Adored this car
4.63 out of 5 starsAEpixie7, 08/15/2010
1998 Dodge Durango 4dr SUV 4WD
My parents purchased this car when I was in middle school, and passed it down to me as my first car. We live in an area of heavy snow at times, and I swear this car has gotten me through 2 to 3 foot snow drifts without a problem. It now has 210,000 miles on it, has been in 2 wrecks, but it still runs EXTREMELY well. Very reliable and great in extreme weather. I will sincerely miss it … when the time comes.
The good and the bad.
3.88 out of 5 starscjp, 02/27/2002
1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
Lots of problems with the CV Joints. To check the computer on the vehicle took five minutes, cost $86.
The rotors warped in 10k, just freeway driving.
Most disappointing thing about my Dodge is the Dealerships I have to deal with to get minor repairs or just regular services.
4 wheel system whether it is in "Full Time" or "Part Time" is bad in winter snow, easy to spin out on … this truck.
1998 Durango Highlights
Base
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 18.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | four wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver2 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic 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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