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."