Used 1999 Dodge Durango Consumer Reviews
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All around great suv
I've had my durango now for 5 years. Let me tell you this has been the best suv I've ever owned. Its realible and tough. It is just what i needed. I've driven it to Florida and back to Louisiana 4 times, with no problems!! Outside of regular maintenance its been no problem. My 1999 durango owes me nothing. I would recommend this suv for anyone. Plenty of power(5.9 liter engine). The gas milage could be better but seriously I have no complaints. 3rd row seat provides more than enough room for friends and family. 4X4, nice ruged but stylish look and bold body style.. A great suv for camping or travel. A 5* hands down.
Old reliable
Gas mileage is well ify it's a v8 keep your foot off the gas u will see14 mpg in city 19 on hwy don't and u can watch the needle drop. Make sure every 15000 miles u drop the trany pan change the trans filter and tighten the bands as long as u do this no trans problem. Make sure u do this that's the reason why this trans got a bad reputation. No one ever did this i am a mechanic of 18 years and a dodge tech i know i have 168000 miles no trans problem. It also states this in owners manual.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
- SLT 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,99595 mi away
- SLT 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,875340 mi away
- SLT 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,500347 mi away
I love this truck!
I bought my 99 Durango last fall. I purchased the vehical with the intent on making it into a mud bogger. I bought the truck from a retired couple that bought it new. They gave me all the recipts and a maintenace log. The truck only had 82000 miles on it! Over the winter I was in a accident with my everyday driver (2010 Silverado) The truck was totaled. I started to use the Durango as an everyday driver. I have NEVER owned a truck that did so well in the snow. I live in Northern Michigan. We get alot of snow! This Durango slices thru the snow at ease. I only had to use the 4 WD 3-4 times. I have since decieded not to turn this truck into a bogger. It's just in too good of shape. Great Truck!
Best of the best; built to last
Bought this truck with 201,000 miles, no problems. Now has 225,000 miles, still no problems. This truck runs so strong like it has only 25,000 miles. It can tow pretty much anything and 4X4 works great. Very satisfied with it. Only like the First Generation models though; Second Generation looks too much like a van. Stick with the 99 - 03 and you'll enjoy it.
1999 Dodge Durango
My mom bought this car new out of the lot back in 1999. She passed on to me with 100,000K when I graduated from high school. Car ran great but gas millage was horrible. The only thing I did not like about this car is that when you would drive it it was very heavy to drive and not smooth. It now has 192,000K and it still has the original tranmission and engine. Ive taken this car to Canada, Mexico and North Carolina and it did great and til this day it still runs great and looks good new too.
Pros and cons
I have really loved owning this SUV! Knew mileage not good when I bought it but traded for versatility, power and looks. Minimal repairs. Have 150,000 and just now replaced upper ball joints and a/c. No other major repairs. Has been on many long trips and through bad weather with no problems. Handles better than other SUVs I've driven. It's been a good, solid vehicle. It's currently 11 years old and still looks great! Hope to have it for a few more years.
Gold
260,000 Original everything from my knowledge. Only 3 previous owners 1 of which being my mother. The SUV is great. Reliable. Good in the snow. Good for having a group of people, family, kids. This vehicle gets a bad rep because people want to treat it like a new SRT version with new V8. Its a older model, I coast the [non-permissible content removed] out of it, never full throttle or force accelerations. This SUV is golden.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
normal upkeep
Have 160,000 miles on car got it new in 1999 work on car was minimal ball joints one sencer on trans, water pump my only complaint was freeze out plugs leaking this should never happen 5.2 motor. Gas mileage 15-18 mpg rides like a truck. Front bumper chips easy and starting to get rust.
Garbage...
I hate this car. I have a '99 Durango and I have had just about nothing but problems with it. I have had to replace everything... the transmition, every single belt that is under the hood, the power window mechanisms, and today i was driving down the highway and looked down and my speedometer was on 0. In other words, the speedometer is broken as well. The check engine light also decides that he's going to join in on the fun every month or so just for the heck of it. Grade A piece of crap. I wil most likely never buy a Chrysler product ever again.
Reason I will never own another dodge
Great motor. transmission started giving trouble at 65k. Electrical problems massive. Switches,window regulators, speed sensors, etc., etc. Brakes crap with defective bearings from dodge.
Bad truck, but Dodge itself is worse
I bought this new in 1998 and it's been a rough ride since day one. This truck has stranded me, the wife and the kids at least 5 times in 4 years, We've gone through 5 batteries, 2 water pumps, 2 window motors, a washer pump, a blown freeze plug and a front seat, plus now with 50k miles the dealer says the ball joints are shot, the transfer case is leaking and the cooling system is corroded (even though they serviced it). After the 3 year warranty expired we tried to get Dodge to help us out at least a little bit but they told us to go to hell. Overall a bad car and a worse car company. Avoid at all costs.
I hate this Dodge
I've had nothing but problems with my Durango. It's in the repair shop every other month with a bill of around $700.00 a whack. When I bought it, I wasn't planning on a monthly repair budget. I've had to replace all the major front end pieces, ball joints, tie rods, etc.. The belt has had to be replaced twice, spark plug wires twice, a gasket under the throttle body, one brake rotor, the windows keep sticking and now the u-joints are going out. But I do get to enjoy 18 mpg on the highway, if I'm lucky. :( At only 81,000 miles I should NOT be replacing major mechanical parts. If your planning on buying a Durango, plan on budgeting for monthly repairs and have back up transportation ready.
Fabulous - if you can afford it.
My mother purchased this car for me at 130,000 miles and it ran perfect then. In the winter, this thing is a dream - blizzard? I don't care, 4WD - I'm going to the mall! So-so MPG is worth it. In the summer? No, thank you. MPG plus AC? No. Plus, my AC stopped working at 150,000 miles! The heater is questionable too. It takes longer than usual to defrost the windows in the winter. Also, all of that 4WD use caused driving to become uncomfortably rocky late this winter, prompting a $899 bill to replace four ball joints, tire rod end, and a wheel alignment; front end work common with this vehicle.
Maintenence Woes
I adored my Durango and stood my ground when my father tried to tell me it was poorly built. I have seen the light, Dad is ALWAYS right! It is 5 years old now(and I am still paying payments!), and goes in the shop an average of once a month. If I get it out for less than $500, I am delighted. I replaced the transfer case($3000), speed sensors(3X $300), power window motors, water pump, radiator thermostat, etc, not to mention the typical 'expected' things. Have I mentioned I am on my 4th serpentine belt? I was told they should last 3 years! I think the mechanic has the truck more than I do Anyway, they look good, but I'll never buy another one!
Good and Bad
Very utilitarian. Great for trips and easy to drive around a large metro area. Gas mileage is reasonable. Much better to operate than a large SUV. On the negative side, the transmission went "belly-up", a major expense, the AC has been a problem, and keeping the alignment corrected has been an issue.
Beware of oil Sludge Engine after 90k...
Beware of oil Sludge Engine after 90k, I am an owner of a 99 Dodge Durango. Other than the $30k I paid for it, and the extra $5k I'm having to spend in repairs, it drives decent. The truck has a problem with the oil pump causing the oil pressure to drop which causes the engine to burn out overtime. I found this to be a problem in many Dodge Durangos after going to consumer Affairs and reading about it. It's been over 30 instances of this same problem. If you want to read about it, here's the article http://consumeraffairs.com/automotive/do dge_dur_oil.html
Paperweight
I purchased this car used, primarily for the size, looks, and 4WD. While the 4WD is great in the snow, everything else is a nightmare. It was in the shop 6x in the first 3 mos. The transmission went at 80K, upper ball joints at 82K, brakes at 85K, A/C & heat at 87K, power steering at 100K, leaking oil at 108K. This is the biggest piece of garbage that I have ever owned. I absolutely hate this vehicle. Do yourself a huge favor and steer clear. It's not built to last at all. The room inside & 4WD are great, but the price of repairs and annoyance factors will drive you insane. I can't wait to pick up my new vehicle. Again, stay far, far away.
Will you be 'thumbing it'?
Love this vehicle's design, space, and characteristics. Hate the fact that you might be left on foot! Going on my 'possible' 3rd transmission job in 3 years. If I keep it! Like many before, front passenger window motor, bumper peeling/rusting easily, and now, faced with another transmission job! 2 people depend on this vehicle for work while other "Dodge" in shop (over 2 wks) with no luck on getting it going. I will not buy another Dodge or Ford at this point! Either its something missed in a recall or just wasn't caught by a safety expert that gives a da**. Oh yeah, front upper/lower ball joints both wheels, sway bars, bearings to keep from crashing
This car stinks!!
The 99 Durango has plenty of horses to get up and go, but it has been a struggle to keep it on the road. I have had problem with the entire front suspension, the A/C, the air bag, various sensors, the engine was using oil at the rate of a quart every 800 miles, and the last thing is the transmission blew to the tune of $5000. This car only has 70,000 miles on it and I have already put close to $11,000 in repair bills. I am so upside down that I can see China!!
SORRY DODGE YOU SCREWED UP!
Bought the Durango a $1000 under what everyone else was asking and got a great deal. One year later the truck depreciates $3500 bucks, and have had nothing but problems since. Had to put in tranny seals in 2 times now, ball joint are goin out, tie rod ends are going out, exhaust is going out. shocks, minor electrical, squeaky pullys, fog light switch, windshield spayers, differental is acting wierd, Braking is pretty funky as well somtimes the antilocks works somtimes they don't. I am at the point I am scared to keep it any longer. Oh yes and everybodys favorite complaint the HORRABLE gas mialage! 10 mpg.
Piece of Junk is putting it mildly
Dont even know where to start. Bought Durango in 1999 with 8 miles on it (5 miles of it was me test driving). Electric windows went out in first month. Battery about a year later. As soon as warranty expired, the ball joints were replaced twice. AC went out. Had to get a new battery every 2 years. Sometimes, the Durango would start. Other times not. No explanation from the dealer. I couldnt even in good conscience sell this junk. I donated it to my church and got a tax write off. Will NEVER EVER buy a Chrysler made vehicle ever again in my entire life! Look at Consumer Reports for reviews on Chrysler vehicles. Usually at the bottom of the rankings. Again, just garbage! Stay away!!!!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Truly a good buy
I truely love this suv, its been the most reliable and handy atomobile ive evre owned. It seats 7, can get ok millange if your easy on the pedal ( with the 5.9 it will be hard to achive this) and is very sporty for its size. Its been wonderfull in the snow and great on milled of road trips. Over all a pice of metal thats durable, reliable, and fun.
Its a gas sucker
This car is definately a gas hog. Also when driving on the highway it sounds like wind is coming in the front window. Love how it handles and the comfort.
Love that Dingo
I just love my Durango, hubby wants me to get a new one but I want to keep this one. The gas is another issue - yes it sucks. Great for hauling kids - lots of them. Wonderful in the snow. Have had to replace the ball joints in both front wheels twice. But still runs good with 135,000. miles.
Never again
I had an oil absorbtion problem after have this brand new vehicle only 3 months. Repeatedly lost 1 quart of oil over a 1 month period. The tire are absolutely horrible. They wear pretty fast. The window regulators all went out intermittenly and one is permanently fried which cost $225 to replace a relatively cheap part. Brakes are terrible as the brake dust cause the brakes to squeak bad. If you have 7 passengers in the vehicle you can forget about any luggage space and there is virtually NONE!!! Since I work for the #1 Japanese transplant mfg. I know what quality and customer approval means and this SUV doesn't get it done.
Love/Hate Relationship
I bought this car to replace my aging Dodge Caravan and for the purpose of towing a recently aquired boat. Little did I know what I was in for. I love the fact that it is big, but not a monster. It can hold the family or carry lots of stuff and still fit in a parking space. Both the interior and exterior design are nice on the eye, but it drinks gas like it has a hole in the gas tank and has a lot of quirks that require attention. I have almost 97,000 miles and the leather has held up very well. The problems I have had which I have seen in other reviews is the speedo went dead, found out it was the rear a/c sensor. Eats oil with no idea where it goes, window regulators are sparatic.
Dont Buy this Car
I have spent more money in repairs on this, then on my 1990 honda with 230,000 miles. and that is with the trans. going out under warenty.
I'm a Dodge woman, but...
Purchased used in 2005, had to rebuild transmission. The glove box latch tricky then finally broke, passenger side back door mysteriously broke, no one seemed to know how. I suspected the children until I was driving down the road one night and the one behind me suddenly blew up! Not a clue what happened, hoping the dealership will let me know tomorrow. A lot of pinging in the engine when accelerating. Uses oil like crazy. Can't roll the back windows down if going very fast because of the ear popping and noise. I have gone through 2 alternators and the check engine light is always playing tricks.
Love my Dodge
We purchased the Durango after looking around at many other models. I loved the looks and power. We tow a very large camper as well as a farm tractor, and use it for other work around the farm. Have had no problems until now. Transmission is starting to give trouble. Everything still works great and we have the SLT plus. Still use it when we need to carry 7 people. nNver been stuck yet, thanks to 4WD.
Intake Gasket
Bought it used off a Ford lot. Noticed it using oil within 2 weeks but no oil leaks. Had to go to the dealer once a week or so to have oil added so that they could "chart" the oil use. Finally had to insist that they fix it or take it back. Ended up being a bad intake gasket. I see from the other reviews (and heard from a Dodge dealer mechanic) that this is common in the 5.9 liter engines. I have an occasional rattle in the rear end on hard acceleration (like the differential is "slipping") Anyone out there had rear-end problems with the 4WD Durango? Wind noise with the window cracked is very bad at highway speeds.
100,000 piece of crap
Transmission went out at around 70,000 miles. I've had to replace the front end, rear window motor, water pump, idle air controller, and now my sun roofs motor crapped out. Huals great, love the 4WD. The gas mileage stinks but that's what I get for driving a 5.9ltr V8. I love the leather and 3rd row seating.
Funner than a rodeo
This is my first 4wd vehicle and I have to say that the ride is different than the Lexus RX300 I was driving. It is far better suited to the climate I live in. I have not suffered from the dreaded stopping on a hill and not being able to creep forward due to tire slipage. The 11.7 mpg city hurts a little, but overall a far more usfull vehicle. The third row seating w fold up second row makes for great movie watching for the kids on long drives. gives them lots of play room and still gives you room for a couple suitcases behind the third row.
My Dodge
I prefer this body style compared to the new 2004 Durango.
Large SUV feel in a small package
Purchased our 5.2L new in 1999. This has been a wonderful vehicle. Yes, it rides a little stiff, but so do most other SUV's manufactured back then. However, the stiff ride allows for great cornering ability. Everyone knocks the gas milage. Have you checked other V8's fuel economy? Have you replaced your air filter? We just added a K&N air filter and are now getting 20 mpg on the highway! That's a 2 to 3 mpg improvement. As for the power....WOW! Passing has never been easier! And the pinging has all but disapeared. The truck has been nearly trouble free. Complete the scheduled maintenance and you shouldn't have any major problems.
99 durango
I love the roomy interior, the comfort and the drive. I have had only 1 problem and that being using a automactic car wash the water gets in the distibutor and the car has to dry out a few minutes before starting.
The worst money can buy
I bought my ragedy piece of crap in july of 1999. I wanted to get rid of it a year later. I've have two transmissions replaced, a selnoid replaced (whatever that is), fuel lines and gauges replaced. I've taken it to the dealer est. 20 times, mostly for poor performance, lack of power which of coarse they can never seem to find the problem. The gas milage is ridiculous, the power is horrible, esp from a 5.9 liter V8 engine. I hate this SUV so much that im increasing my monthly payments so i can pay it down and trade it in. PLEASE, IF YOU EVER THOUGHT OF BUYING A DURANGO.....DONT. GET A TOYOTA.
good so far
brought slt so far no problem, enjoy driving, very bad on gas, rear air don't cool like i would like. very good on the hwy
great truck
I have put over 60k miles on this truck in 2 years. I absolutely love it! It has the looks and performance I need. Would definitely recommend to anyone considering an SUV. Gas mileage is a little low (15-16 average) but what do you expect from a V8 SUV? Great comfort for long trips.
Not satisfied
I've owned my Durango for 3 1/2 years. It is great for transporting the family and hauling things. The breaks are still good after 31,000 miles. I would not by another one though because of the gas mileage and I had it to the dealer 5 times for the master cylinder, 4wd light, serpentine belt, clicking in steering wheel, and the head gasket (twice).
Money Pit
I do not recommend this vehicle to anyone ... I bought it with the intention of keeping it for 10 years, therefore I serviced it accordingly at an authorized Dodge service shop. Without warning or indication the trans went out at 65k miles and again at 130k miles. I can't believe it cause I never tow anything, go off- road, or skip services. All in all it was a pile of crap from the get go - I called Dodge today to let em know Im' unhappy - and since it is out of warranty - I have to pay for the repairs on my own. Lesson learned - Dodge is a big no no in my future. Sorry guys I really did give you an opportunity to help me out - perhaps you can rip another poor sucker off and stay in busines
Don't make this mistake
A completely aweful vehicle. The reliability is horrendous and the service from the dealerships will blow your mind it is so bad. I finally punted mine and am so much happier with the Suburban now. Check the reliability ratings and reviews and heed their advice: Stay away at all costs. Dodge doesn't receive poor marks for nothing. If you buy a Durango you will regret is for years to come.
One of the Worst Vehicles I Have Owned
This joke of a SUV averages 10 mpg around town, on the highway maybe 14 mpg. It has a variety of odd squeaks and assorted noises that the dealer cannot find and repair. My wife drives this vehicle around town, never offroad - the rear leaf springs snapped, which cost close to $1000.00 to replace. A power window sensor malfunctioned preventing the window from operating - $300.00 to repair. The power mirrors are now malfunctioning. The transmission is slipping. Overall this vehicle sucks - I'll never buy another Chrysler product.
My Durango has a nickname OUCH$
I really do like it after approximately 30,000 dollars yes 30k. New crate eng, radiator, 2 wtr pmps, fuel pump, brake lines, axle bearings/seal rear, rear replaced, headlight switch, drvr dr motor, etc etc. Now it rides better than the day I bought it, and I still for some strange reason just like it! Go figure. Oh did I say transmission replaced too. LOL tears of joy. Ps. Pass. Side mirror and heater box need diverter switch /core next. Hahaha .
great family suv
bought it with 24000 miles. the barrey died the first month. dealer replaced it. Then the driver side window would not work, motor cable was stuck.The speed sensor went out,easy to fix part cost very little.Of course this happen after the warrenty went out.A year latter the barrety died again, had to buy another one.beside this its a great suv.good power,plenty of room. gas mileage not bad on trips(5.2engin) abit noisey when first starting. wife loves her durango.O' the goodyear tires are crap,donot wear will.
Bad Choice
I have had numerous problems with my durango and have found the people at the dealership unhelpful. I also have gone to different Dodge dealerships but I find they all have crap service. When it rains, I have had problems with acceleration. Sometimes when I stop and acclerate nothing happens. The first time it happened I was stuck halfway across a busy intersection. I kept trying to accelerate and when it eventually kicked in I went into a spin. I have gone to several dealers and they tell me there is nothing wrong. I have no faith in my truck and am planning to get rid of it shortly. STAY AWAY FROM DODGE!!
Happy W/My Durango
After reading some very negative reviews, I thought I should throw in my two cents. I purchased a 1999 Model Durango used 2 years ago and have not had any problems with the vehicle.
The Durango is a WINNER!!
I bought this used...never had a minute's trouble with it. Had heard negative comments from others but the test drive sold me after trying imports that are too narrow. Powerful 5.9 engine, great manuverability. The leather and suede interior looks great. Love the overhead AC for the rear. Never use the 3rd seat. Added 16" wheels. My next car will be definitely be a Durango!!
Durango
Spend more time under the car than in it!
Love it .........
Bought with 34K miles June 02. I'm the 2nd owner of this Durango. With 40K miles, still love it. Lots of room & comfort. Power to spare pulling a trailer. [2nd Dodge I've owned, 1st was an 84 W150 4X4 trk, now with 295K miles!] No problems to speak of with my Durango..yet..hope none to happen. Except for the usual items expected to be replaced from normal use. The gas mileage doesn't bother me, you have to expect to get low MPG with the vehicle weight & engine size (5.9L). There has to be some compromise. I've had some noises in the front end & checked them out, nothing found. I've just accepted them for now. Hopefully, nothing will come of them.
Save your money and buy a decent car
Engine oil pressure problems from early on. At 23,000 dealer claimed engine sludge problems caused by my failure to perfrom appropriate maintenance. Been in shop at least four times for the same problem and Dodge refuses to repair under warranty saying problem caused by "shody" maintenance. Will probably have to resort to "sueing" to get repaired so I can sell. "Stay away from Durango and Dodge unless you are a masochist." No dealer or manufacturer support.