Used 1999 Dodge Durango SUV Consumer Reviews
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Love it!
I've had nothing but fun with my Durango. Compared to other SUVs, it ROCKS! Too many of them lack power, styling, room, etc... Not the Durango. It has all the above. The only thing I would like improved, would be the gas milage, though it's not all that bad when compared to other SUVs.
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.
- SLT 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,999412 mi away
- SLT 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,875662 mi away
- SLT 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,495669 mi away
Would But It Again in a Heartbeat
Bought it new with a 5.2L V8 and have never regretted it. Not even when the gas prices topped $2 per gallon here. It was a huge adjustment since my previous vehicle was a Saturn. But that only took a few days and she's been purring ever since. Sure it rides like a truck, but if I'd wanted a car, I would've bought one. Some minor glitches, otherwise no trouble.
Durango
Spend more time under the car than in it!
Sorry To See The Real Durango Go
I love my 99 Durango. 5 years & 75000 miles and the only problem has been a recurring blow on the cooling feed gasket -- not catestrophic but annoying. Other than that, solid. No creaks, no rattles, great reliability. Of course, I have it in for its 15000 mile pressure oil flush, pressure trans flush, and pressure coolant flush. Nominal maintenance as far as I am concerned... don't want to shell out another 40 grand for a new one! -- All in all, wife and I and foursome have been thrilled.
What am I gonna get now???
I've owned a '99 SLT+ for close to four years now. The only real gripe that I have is that the Durango rides a little too close to the pavement, and its ride with the factory shocks was below par. Its breaks also feel somewhat squishy in harsh braking conditions. Other than that, it's been a great vehicle. The 5.9 is extremely powerful for a vehicle of this size, and a lead foot on the gas pedal will burn a quick hole through your wallet. After sitting in a plethora of comparably equipped SUV's, the interior fit and finish of my truck appeals to me now more than ever. Not one squeek or rattle after 60K+ miles. Based on my experience with three other 4x4 SUV's, this is VERY unusual.
BIG MISTAKE
I WAS HAPPY TO TRADE THIS VEHICLE IN AFTER LESS THAN A YEAR OF OWNERSHIP. WE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH SOME ELECTRICAL SENSORS FAILING. HOWEVER, THE MOST COSTLY & DISTURBING PROBLEMS CAME AFTER THE ENGINE STARTED LOOSING OIL PRESSURE AT LESS THAN 70,000 MILES. THE DEALERSHIP WE TOOK IT TO WAS NO HELP AT ALL. APPARENTLY THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR A NUMBER OF DURANGO OWNERS. LOOK AT CONSUMER AFFAIRS REPORTS CLOSELY BEFORE PURCHASING THIS SUV! THOUGH IT HAD ALL THE FEATURES WE WANTED, IT HAS COST ME A TON OF MONEY. I HAVE REPLACED IT WITH A TAHOE AND GET BETTER MILAGE, SMOOTHER RIDE, MORE POWER, & MORE ROOM.
dodge Durango SLT 4wd
Very comfortable. Great 4wd. Gas hog. Stiff ride. Run extras with stereo and cassette controls on steering wheel. Rear ac and heat is nice.
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.
My Durango
I've driven this vehicle across the country, up mountains, through deserts, floods, wind and rain, and it has always responded with power and control.
Love that Durango
This is my first SUV. I love how it is large enough to take 7 or 8 people out to dinner, or just for a drive. We have taken this vehicle to Michigan 4 times on vacation. I love how it turns on a dime. I plan to sell it and get a new 2005 Durango. I have friends who have got the 2000 and above models, but mine seems to be when Dodge broke the mold.
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.
Christine
Great except for the gas milage.
Great 4X4 or cargo hauler
Great Suv for the long road trip. Not so good to put a DVD in. Handles excellent in the poor weather(I have tested it out in 18+ inches of snow). Fairly easy to get in and out. I have been hit twice in it. Once in the front and it crumpled and took all the impact and the other on the side which caused the door to crumple up and it took most of the impact. Third row seating does not have climate controls or vents and it does get a little stale on long trips unless you get the R/T model which has vents for third row seating.
Looks good, not build good
I have always loved the way Dodge trucks looked. That's what attacted me to the Durango. Now after owning it for 5 years I still like the looks but I had to get a new transmission ($2600) in March of 2003. Now this year front and rear diffs, engine intake and the rear axle/bearings needs replaced (another $3500). I will probably never purchase another Dodge again.
Won't sell my Durango
I bought my Durango a little over 2 years ago and have been pleased. The 5.9L is very thirsty but great power when needed. Ride is trucklike but agile. Too much wind and road noise at highway speeds. Only problems have been a tough-to-fix tranny leak that has added up to $400 and a driver's side power window motor(vehicle now has 87000 miles). Great size but would be nice to have enough for 4 x 8 sheet of plywood/sheetrock. Aesthetically appealing interior and exterior. ABS system poor on snow/ice; I could stop faster without. Have been thinking of selling for less expensive payments but it is too fun to drive and too handy to get rid of.
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.
1999 Durango
Been in the shop many times for various reasons, mostly power window acutators. I've replaced 7 since buying the car and only have 35,000 miles on it. Very poor gas mileage and hard on tires.
First &Last
First Dodge I have owned. Bought new 10/99. Summer of 2000 I discovered the airconditioning stops working on trips over 100 miles. 1st dealer both unable and unwilling to diagnose problem. Out of town dealer discovered problem was a frozen recirc switch. Fix lasted 1yr and the problem reoccured. Now with 55,000 miles wont shift out of 2nd gear and the dealer says it needs a new transmission.
No More Durangos for Me
Realizing that this was a used vehicle when I bought it, I still feel the upper and lower ball joints should have lasted much longer than 65,000 miles. A gas hog from the word go, stutters when it passes a gas station. When the gas prices were reasonable, it was a fun vehicle to drive. However, it is awfully sluggish considering it has a 5.2L V8. Goes really good in the snow. An electrical problem waylayed the local dealership for 10 days over three different visits trying to make the repairs! Rear seat leg room is minimal. Third row seat should be reserved for kids or small adults.
Love the Durango
This is my second Durango. My first was a 2000 model year. Had to get rid of it. Tried other SUV's. Not the same. Only complaint I have is that air conditioning does not work. Always spending money on the A/C. Kids love it too!
Love my Truck
I love my Durango. As a busy mom working full time I don't have time for cramped quarters and minumal interior load. We all have plenty of room for the daily short trips to school and work but plenty of room for the long road trips too. We put bigger tires on it and have as much fun off road as on road. Best vehicle I ever own!
I love my Durango
Had my Durango for over 5 years. I have it serviced every 3 to 4 thousand miles and it hasn't had any mechnical problems.I have had several rear bumper fender benders with no damage being done to my Durango.We drive the family to the mountains at least twice a month it is one of the most comfortable rides I've experienced.I like sitting up high and feel very safe. I'll keep it until it until it gives me it's last mile.
4 Wheeling in a 'Caddie'
My Durango has been a pretty good vehicle. We do a lot of family 4- wheeling and find it quite comfortable. Gas mileage is not high but it has the power and comfort to go 4-wheeling in style.
No Problems, Great Ride
In '99 we bought our Durango after a screw up with the Ford dealership on an Expedition. I'm glad we took the Ford back. We've gone from Portland, Oregon to Jasper, Alberta to Los Angeles, California in the rig and haven't had a single problem with it. It's a pleasure to drive. I only wish it would get a little better gas mileage but I'm not complaining about that too much. Just had it's 30k check up and only found a small water leak by the thermostate. Didn't even notice this myself. Very Pleased!!
Durango does it
The Durango's are very affordable when shopping for SUV's. I've had no major problems with it at all, only scheduled maintenance upkeep. The 5.9 liter motor is great scaling through mountains with lots of power to spare and fuel economy is reasonable
This car is just OK
Although I like driving my Durango and it hasn't had any major problems, the car has some drawbacks. 1) Air circulation- this car does not allow you to select fresh or recirculated air. 2) Power windows stick- intermittently- by the time you get it to the dealer it'll be working again- and they won't fix it until they can replicate the problem- even though Durangos have historically had this problem. 3) The PAINT SUCKS! It chips VERY easily.
Fun to Drive SUV
I purchased my 1999 SLT Durango used with 46K miles. I now have 61k and the car has been flawless. I love the 5.9L V8 engine for get up and go. I like the size of this SUV, not too big and not to small. I love the way the Durango handles on the road and around town. The gas mileage is reasonable, about the same as my last SUV 15 miles per gallon average for city and highway combined. The Durango is one of the best used car values because they can be purchased for a reasonable cost.
Dodge product stinks
At first it was love. Now I can't get a divorce fast enough! Rusted window trim replaced (after a fight with dealer) @ 32k. Head gasket and PCM replaced @ 45k, Pinion Bearing replaced @ 55k and needs it again @ 64k along with another PCM. Rear end sounds like an leectric mixer. Dodge won't offer any help. Vehicle has been serviced regularly based on owners manual. The way I was treated @ the dealership bordered on criminal, the manager offered to help me push it off their lot, said it was a "Dodge" problem, not theirs. NEVER AGAIN, DODGE, GOT THAT. Customer satisfaction must not matter...Dodge has pushed me to the foreign market, their loss.
Completely Happy With The Durango
I bought my 1999 Durango brand new in Feb 1999 and have 80,000+ miles on it now. I've had a few routine maintanance things done (tires, battery, and front brake pads), but NO malfunctions or problems of any kind. I haven't been this happy with a vehicle in a long time, and plan on keeping it until I buy another Durango. I've taken it on 3 trips of over 4,000 miles (Route 66 was my favorite) and it performed excellent.
Best SUV
I bought my Durango over five years ago and have had no problems. I service it every 3000 miles with AMSOIL. I've put this vehicle to the test from day to day in town driving to serious off road mountain adventure.
1999 Dodge
We bought it new & have enjoyed driving it. It works great for a big family. Lots of room, leg space, comfortable for the kids. Great in snow, rain, on, off road.
60K Mi Report
Vehicle has performed extremely well through first 60K miles. There was (and continues to be), however, some excessive wearing on insides of front tires. I've checked with other Durango owners and this appears to be a relatively common trait. 5.9 Liter engine pulls loaded two horse trailer though mountains with better than expected results. Have performed following services outside scope of normal maintenance & warranty work: -One brake replacement (to be expected) -One water pump replacement (at 55K miles) at a cost of $1500.00.
99 Durango Underpowered & Poor Fuel Econ
Overall, I like this vehicle. Have 360 cid (5.9L) generating 245 hp with 3.55 rear axle ratio and limited slip differential. One complaint is gas mileage. Although I have meticulously maintained this vehicle from day one, have never achieved sticker stated 16 mpg at highway speeds (55-75 mph). Also, local driving mpg comes in at around 10.5 and not the sticker stated 12 (forget about driving in NYC- 6-7 mpg there). I am neither a leadfoot or a featherfoot.
The not so new Durango
We are a family who drives nothing but classic cars, so, buying this Durango was very difficult - but necessary. Knowing that its painful to buy a new car, this particular vehicle numbed it alot, as its good on gas, great on sleekness, and wonderful on reliability. I am a 21 year old female, and I would trust this Durango to get me across the country from California to Michigan alone without any worries. It's not new, its not a C.P.O., but its got all the space we need, the comfort, reliability and gas mileage we desire. I reccomend this vehicle to anyone, even though I generally am anti-new car. I am impressed.
Frustrating vehicle
Bought the Durango for it's looks, interior room, and power for towing my boat. Did not count on spending lots of money on repairs which still have not been solved. I have owned this vehicle for 10 months and have had to fix or repair the a/c, rear passenger window, clean fuel injectors and throttle body, tune up, rebuild the tranny, and the still unresolved surge in power when at cruising speed. Very frustrating. Two different dealerships on three different visits have not been able solve this problem. Cannot wait to get rid of this yehicle!
Nagging issues, but good SUV
When I noticed the tires wearing unusaully fast, I had the front end alligned. The guy said he had never seen a vehicle so badly alligned, and that it was obviously that way from the factory. The window issues will probably result in a recall. The brake/speedometer sensor in the rear axle housing will most likely go bad at around 44,000 miles. This causes any combination of the following: ABS and/or emergency brake warning light comes on, speedometer stops working, or will only work beyond certain speeds. The sensor is cheap and easy to replace, so don't let them charge a fortune to replace it.
Annoyance
I purchased my Durango in April,1999 because I loved the look of the vehicle. I had problems from the get go - AC leaked on the passengers floor, Rear CLANKED when put in reverse, Rear door wouldn't unlock with remote control open, interior trim panel was not placed back on properly, etc... Stay away from F.Beans, Doylestown, PA. They were very not helpful and made me feel like I was not important. They are far from a 5 star dealership!
1999 Durango
Bought in order to haul increasing number of grandkids- only one (that I could afford) with 3 seats. Used mostly on fairly extended trips but sometimes around town especially in the winter. Only problem was a blown head gasket covered under warranty. Still have original tires, shocks, and brakes. Everything works with no problems. Mileage is decent at 55 but not at 70.
love my Durango
everyone in the family love to drive this vehicle. Comfortable for driver and passenger. Only mechanical problem was driver's side power window failure just outside of 30k/36mo warranty. Cost was $200. No other problems. Pulled trailers in soft sand. Great truck.
My Durango
has towing pkg which gives it slow acceleration, poor gas milage(14mpg, a little stiff but fun to drive. really tight turning radius very easy to manipulate in traffic, roomy.
Satisifed
I have had my 99 Durango for 6 years now. I am satisfied with it although not ecstatic about it. I would recommend getting an extended warranty after the manufacturers runs out. I bought one for $1300 that covers everything with no deductible for 4 years and I have used about $1200 in warranty so far after 2 years. Not a lot of problems, however, SUV's are not as reliable as cars, and have more expensive repairs. I have never had another SUV to compare. The serpentine belt is definitely an issue with mine. I have 67k miles and need to replace the belt for a second time. 4WD light was broke twice. Rear ended a car from behind doing about 5MPH and not a scratch on my vehicle.
It's been a great truck
I have a 5.2L, 4WD, with Tow Package, 3rd seat, front and rear air. I now have 69,000 miles on it and while it is only rated for 5700 pounds, I pull my boat a couple of times a year which weighs 7200 pounds (dry) on the trailer. My only complaint with my Durango is that I have to use 89 octane, or it "pings" slightly when you accelerate quickly (could be from pulling my boat???).
What's the problem?
Bought 2 identical Durangoes for my company at the same time. We've had some problems, but all were relatively minor. I believe Dodge suffers from a bad reputation and this is reflected in some of the reviews. My father's 2 new Chevy P'ups had their transmissions replaced- one of them twice. My wife's Infiniti needed a transmission at 15k. But who'd call a Chevy or an Infinit a piece of junk? As for gas mileage, yeah, I think it's a little low but I've got the 5.9 and I've still gotten as much as 17.9 on the highway. I've crossed the Continental Divide in my Durango and I was passing every car I had the chance to. How many other vehicles that'll haul 7 people can do that?
Less than two weeks
I bought my durango and drove it home from the dealership and noticed a check guage light come. Oil pressure guage and new oil pump were replaced. It took 6 days to get problem square away. drove the vehicle for 4 days and it would not crank. this time alternator. Of course I'm disgusted for owning a suv for 2 weeks and have only driven it for 4 days. to top it all off three of the speakers were shot during my four day drive.
Nice vehicle Poor engine
A good vehicle. I have had several engine problems the last 14 months. I will not be able to keep this vehicle after the warrenty runs out. I would go broke fixing it. Very disapointing!!
pos
anything with 4-wheel drive is fun to drive in the snow. we have lost our transmition, it took 3 weeks to get back only to have more problems with the obd. its going tomm. a`nd i am getting a nissan maxima
Overall excellet auto
I have owned my car for 4 years with no major problems and have loved every minute driving it
Never again a Dodge!!!
At first, I fell in love with my Durango. It's power, stylish looks, big tires, good handling were all fun until: The rear tailgate latch broke, a psngr. door wouldn't unlock (no fix), a loud chirping from the rear couldn't be fixed, the a/c stopped working from some electrical problem (they managed to fix this 1), then the engine stalled on several occasions and the dealer (after having my Durango for 3 wks) couldn't fix this 1! This almost got me and a dealership mechanic in a few accidents! I traded it in ASAP. I should also mention that the dealership where I bought the Durango treated me like I was some kind of criminal. Never again will I buy a Dodge!
BEEN HAPPY SO FAR!!
Bought used with 27K on it, now have 57K. Driver's window motor replaced, pinging (as others described) is obvious with mine too. Now have ABS light on?? Overall, I'm happy with the truck 11MPG (5.2L) all South Florida city driving. I'm just ready for something bigger, too bad Dodge doesn't make anything, their loss.