Used 2002 Dodge Durango Consumer Reviews
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Best of the Best
Have had my Durango for over 4 years now, put over 50,000 miles on it, and to this day with over 148,000 on the odometer, it is still a monster. Never had any major issues outside of what is to be expected. Plenty of get up and go for a land yacht, more than enough room for 7 people or 2 people and some luggage. Perfect for joy riding or road trips. Towed a 26' trailer with no issues, and have never gotten stranded off road or in bad weather. The 360 V8 not only does a great job with working, but playing also. Have embarrassed more than a few ricers at stop lights.
Love our big black toy
we bought this durango about 6 months ago. When we purchased her, she had 151,000 miles on her and she ran great. now Just from six months time she still runs perfect and has just rolled over 200,000. this truck has never asked us for anymore the common maintnence and a set of shocks. And even with her age and miles i still won't hesitate to run her the 1,800 miles back to the state of nevada next week. her fuel milage is a bit on the expensive side. but with the raw power and the fact that i can shoot around just about any corner with ease its well worth giving up a few extra bucks in gas.
- SLT 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,99577 mi away
- R/T 4dr SUVMSRP: $2,995299 mi away
- Sport 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,490312 mi away
I LOVE it!
The gas mileage is horrible. But other than that. I love this truck. I have never had any major issues with it. Normal repairs. If you keep the maintenance up on this, your Dodge will run for a long time! I'm right at 140k miles and the engine is solid. I drive kinda crazy and needed something that could handle my lead foot. I'm like to be quick on take offs, so this truck has been perfect for me!
Great Vehicle So Far
Bought the Vehicle with about 120,000 on it and have had it for almost a year now. Fuel consumption is on the low side for an SUV but bearable in the fact that I haven't yet gotten stuck in the ND snow that tends to pile up around here. Having a 3rd row helps ALOT with 3 kids and the ride quality is the best i've experience so far in a REAL SUV. It is a little noisy when you're standing outside with it running but inside you can talk normally without yelling while you're cruising down the highway at 75 and I've only done regular maintenance on mine and its had nothing go wrong to date. only complaint is that with the 3rd row up there isn't much room left for cargo in the back...
Best SUV ever owned!
This has been a fantastic vehicle. I have owned it since new and now have 105,000 miles on it. The 5.9L engine has been bulletproof and the A/C is still ice cold. The R/T has limited slip differentials and the best traction of any 4-wheel drive I have owned. The exhaust system sounds great and the truck still drives like new. Original Goodyear Wrangler tires lasted 80,000 miles! My only complaint is the fuel economy which is about 12 around town.
Love that RT
Bought it in 2011 w/ 56,000 miles on it, never needed more than regular maintenance on it. Gas mileage leaves a lot to be desired but hey, it's a 5.9 L V8, what really do you expect? Inside and out it's a real looker w/ great performance. Luxury inside and out. Great safety rating as I can attest to, not much can be said for the Toyota Corolla. Still drive it today as a daily driver w/ absolutely no problems up steep hills in deep snow, also no problems pulling a 33' camper up steep hills. All around great vehicle as many other 4x4's will tell you after being pulled out of the snow.
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Well Done Dodge !!
My 2nd Durango.My RT has everything, a powerful engine, full time AWD plus 4HI and 4 LO, when you need it in slick conditions or pulling your boat out of the lake. It comes standard with a high performance exhust, a upgraded suspension and rack & pinion steering so you can really feel the road, unlike some other SUV's. Don't settle for anything less than the R/T if you can afford it. My fuel mileage avg's between 10-11mpg around town and 15 on the highway
Buy the warranty
If you get the option when you purchase this vehicle buy the WARRANTY! I love the looks and comfort of this car BUT it's crazy how unreliable it is! We purchased this vehicle with 112,000 miles on it we have had it for 14 months and the check engine light has come one 6 times and counting for major repairs. The engine blew at 126,000 miles warranty covered it no problem, another 2k miles a cam positioning sensor when out (driving down the freeway 70 miles per hr vehicle shut itself off everything went dead!) another 2k miles after that it needed another cam shaft positioning sensor (engine light came on, stopped to get gas would not start again). Now just got it back from the dealership 3 days ago the check engine light is on again already. I'm ready for a new vehicle but so disappointed because I love this car.
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R/T Go
I have an R/T and love it. It has the old car rumble to it and has the feel of a sport car in a SUV. I traded in a 1999 Durango and this was the first repeat buy for me in 35 years of buying cars. If you are looking for a fun drive this can be it.
Love my Durango!
We bought this Durango as 2nd owners from a rental liquidator and were worried. But we have had no problems what-so-ever. I trust this vehicle in the Alaskan elements with my children on board. It's been a wonderful family vehicle. I feel very safe with the side curtain airbags in the both the front and back seats. I couldn't live without the third row seat! The cargo area is spacious enough for our two dogs, or a full Costco run, and has made a conveinent diaper changing station on more than one occasion! We've taken excellent car of our Durango, but I have to say it has taken even better car of us.
Love it!
I've had great luck with my Durango. Only complaint is that the balljoints had to be replaced but that is common with these. Other than that, it's been flawless. I've got about 100,000 miles on it, no issues. The 4.7L V8 is a great engine!
chrome pat. blue durango
I just got a used 02 durango and this thing is great! before i had this i just bought a 99 expedition and it was ok but to bulky and like 90,000 miles so i took it back and got the durango. it's been a great suv ( looks like a truck! ) and i have a chrome grill, metallic gray bumpers, and rt performance tires. it's only a slt + with a 4.7 v8 magnum engine but it's still has a lot of power like my 87 iroc z28 camaro. a plus with this awesome truck is that it has a hundred miles below 60,000 miles so ain't to bad and the new durangos (04 - 09) arn't the best and they don't like a truck but my 02 durango has a great black, tan, and wood interior and that's cool looking. GET ONE!
My Durango
My SUV is great... The only problem I have right now is the gas prices. I have the 5.9 and it loves gas. I test drove it for 2 yrs before actually purchasing one. Maintenance work I have had done is minor.(E.G., oil changes, serpentine belt was the biggest) Hauls our camper wonderful, and oh all the kids. Could use a little more room in the 3rd row.
It's been a great vehicle
Beyond some difficulty with the front suspension in the first few years, this has been a dependable vehicle. I really like the size -- it is big enough for dogs, garden equipment, and moving. Compared to the newer (bigger) SUVs it is pretty nimble. I was surprised by comments on fuel usage. On my last long trip I got 18.3 mpg, and because the throttle body needed cleaning, it wasn't even running that smoothly. Some efficient driving habits will probably drive up anyone's mileage, because I'm not doing anything special.
Good car, but expect major problems
I bought a brand new 2002 Dodge Durango SXT. I loved the car, I owned it for close to 8 years and just recently sold it. I pampered that car, kept the car well maintained but I still had major mechanical issues fairly early. At 66K miles the transmission went out. The Primary Control Module died a year later. The fan clutch went out 3 different times, had to replace the radiator, upper and lower radiator hose and at 180K the torque converter went out, which means the transmission was soon on its way out. I definitely did not want to waist more money into repairs so I let it go. I probably will not ever own another Chrsyler made vehicle for the rest of my life. The quality just stinks.
Awesome, except...
... for the predictably dismal fuel economy. If you get one, USE PREMIUM GAS! Interior is clean, but a little cheap looking. I love the exterior styling, and the engine noise is addicting when revving, yet quiet when crusing at low engine speeds. The only notable problem we've had is a malfunctioning transmission speed sensor. The AWD is a lifesaver in Iowan winters, and, with it's ride height, has proven a useful vehicle when hunting. Lots of cargo room! And a fair tow rating (approx 5,000 lbs) increases versatility. And despite weighing 3 tons, doesn't feel too ponderous.
weak towing, crappy heads
Bought my durango for 9 g's with 32000 miles. for 30000 miles no problem. Started falling apart at 60000 miles. The window regulators are constantly breaking. Had an overheating problem at 70000 miles while towing 2000 pounds (and thats a maybe). No big deal so I thought. Changed out the cooling system and still overheating. You guessed it, blown heads. I loved this car until now. Time to move on. Never again will I buy a dodge gas vehicle. Seems there diesel's are the only thing worth it.
2002 Durango R/T
We bought our Durango with 126,000 miles on her. The transmission needed replacing, the heater hose and the upper and lower radiator hoses all needed replacement. The radiator and the thermostat were both shot. The front brakes, the power booster and master cylinder on the Durango needed replacement and so did a wheel hub. The brake hoses had been replaced by the previous owner in the two years prior to my purchasing the vehicle. There are still problems with the heater as the rear of the truck only blows cool air from the vents. Not too great in the winter time. There were other minor problems with the truck, but after sinking a small fortune into it I'm hoping it will hold up for years.
NOTHING BUT GOOD THINGS
After reading all the other review I had to say how great my dodge has been to me!!!!! I got my 02 durango in 03, i still have it but I'm looking to trade it in. I have only had a few minor problems. Something pertaining to the module that controls all the lights in the truck went out but it was still under warrenty. The certain part wasn't covered but I fussed and the dealership paid for it. I was surprised to read so many reviews were people have had bad experiences with their durangos.
Great SUV
The truck is a solid 10. It has a great ride and you feel like you are in a lux truck with lots of room. highly recommended
Great SUV
Bought this vehicle new in '01. Have had zero problems and I'm very happy with the performance of the 4.7 engine. Towing a 17 foot boot is a non-issue. The gas mileage is ok. The paint has put up with the everyday use and its kept outside 24/7. The rear end is a little loose in the snow while in 2wd. Other than that a real nice ride for this car. Plenty of go when needed.
JD's Dodge Durango
After 10 years in an Explorer I thought I'd try the Durango - I'm pleasantly surprised. It rides like a truck - but then it is a truck - so you get what you bought! It's tough and powerful - plenty of torque and a strong bottom- end performer. The 4 wheel drive system is the best I've ever experienced - easy to engage/disengage and quiet. Good power curve and comfortable shift pattern. It looks good and performs even better. I'll be keeping my Durango as long as I did my Explorer, maybe longer!
So far so good
This vehicle had 125,000 miles on it and that's not a typo. Was a little wary of purchasing a vehicle with this amount of mileage on it but so far it's been an amazing vehicle. traded in my girlfriends Nissan 240 sx for this in light of having another child and needing a 3rd row seat. after putting over 5 thousand miles on it it still runs very good. my only complaint is the brakes. They work too well. I'm not as confident braking it as i should be because the anti lock works so well that if you push down even slightly too fast you'll snap everyone's neck with how harsh the stop is. took a lot of getting used to but other than that have no complaints about the vehicle.
Love my Durango
I just traded my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee for a 2002 Durango. I took it on a 2000 mile road trip this weekend and the Durango performed flawlessly. It is not as bad on gas as I thought it would be and it is the most comfortable SUV on the market. The V8 is excellent and the interior room is fabulous
My SUV
My Durango belonged to my grandmother who worked on the assembly line in Detroits Dodge factory so it means a lot to me. It runs like a dream my friends love it we call it the Dragon! Smooth ride gr8 handing reminds me of my BMW around turns, keep up with the oil changes, rotate the tires for stability. Acceleration is AMAZING better than the 2010 BMW X5 mine has 72,600 on it put 1,300 on it this weekend on a trip from VA to Detroit and it was gr8 very reliable. Ive seen Durangos with 190k on them. gr8 SAFE 1st car for high school/college students. Ive been in 2 front end collisions in it and walked away from both without a scratch even on the 40 mph collision the medic was shocked
"D"
I had just bought my 2002 R/T Durango and am enjoying it. I personally love the unique look of the Durango. Previously, I bought a 2001 and not even a month later I was hit on the side and it saved the lives of my children in the middle section seating. I and my family miraculously walked away from the accident w/out a scratch. (actually we had to climb out of the windows 'cause we couldn't open the doors!) Although it's a gas guzzler, in comparison to mini-vans and cars, I wouldn't hesitate to state that this vehicle was worth the protection for my family.
Great Ride, Mechanical Nightmare
Bought a used 2002 Durango Sport at 95k miles. Was immaculate inside and out. The good: Fit my large 6'5 frame comfortably. Fit my 6'6 twin sons well too. Nice controls and easy ride on all terrains. The bad: Constant overheating. Replaced fan clutch and thermostat within a month of owning it. Still would overheat. After 10k miles of use, blown head gasket. I will NEVER buy another Dodge vehicle again. Sad, because I really liked the SUV. Not worth the mechanical problems that are SURE to happen.
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Still going
I love my Durango even though it only 2WD. I have been the one and only owner. I used to live in Hawaii and really didn't see a need for 4wd until I moved to PA. Anyway My wife and I get a good tuneup on the regular. We've had a few bumps on the road but they have been few and far in between. Most of our issues has been the mechanics didn't know what the heck they were doing. In Hawaii for example our mechanic told us that spark plugs only need changing every 2 years or something. Month later the truck stalled. Come to find out the spark plugs had burned out along with the wires. Overall I've really love it. It's not too big or too small. Just right.
lemons
don't buy any dodge or chrysler products. they are all lemons!!! my durangos transmisson is no good and dealership(security dodge of amityville ny) refuses to honor the srvice warranty last time i buy an american car. japanese car better build. after i pay it off i will trade in. buy a honda!!!
Love this truck
I love my Durango. I have a 99 SLT w/ the 5.9 . The ride is smooth and comfortable. The power always seems to be on tap, especially when your crusing around 55mph. The only problem I've had was an oil leak problem with it at 25k miles (which has been fixed), but haven't had any other problems beyond that.
Power Packed
My wife and I traded in her gutless Toyota 4-Runner (purchased before we were married) for a 2001 Durango with the 5.9L engine and the R/T package. Shortly after we moved from Maryland to Oregon (3200 miles). We towed my Mustang on a flat bed trailer, with both cars fully loaded. The Durango did it easily and at 85mph most of the way. We averaged 10mpg@85mph and 13mpg@65mph, while towing.
Great short term car
First car I ever owned and I will never own another Dodge again. As I approached 100K several things started breaking (mechanical AC pump, transmission governor and governor solenoid, and now the brake interlock solenoid). The AC pump and interlock solenoid I can understand, but the powertrain warranty failed to cover an essential part of the transmission? Also the interlock solenoid can only be fixed by replacing the entire steering column as the part is NOT offered separately. Once they start to go they just go. Poorly designed and what good is a warranty that really covers next to nothing? Parts are too expensive and unreliable to make this a smart buy.
Durango R/T
No breakdowns except for standard service calls. One emission sensor failed during warranty.
Excellent Vehicle
I've put about 40,000 on my Durango thus far and must say I love it still. Rugged, nice ride with plenty of creature comforts for the family. The 4.7L engine is more than adequate. Only repair I've had to do so far is replacing a cracked vacuum hose. Beyond that, it's been a very reliable vehicle.
3rd SUV I've Owned, and the BEST
Bought the SXT in 2005 and am still driving it daily. Love the engine and the look that is distinct vs Explorer, Trailblazer, etc. Great cargo room and perfect for weekend trips. Tows the 18 foot bass boat and trailer with ease. I owned a 1989 Blazer and a 1996 Explorer, and this has been MUCH better than the Blazer ever was, and even better than the Explorer (which was also very very good). In 4.5 years, I've just had oil changes, brake pads, and tires. Not a single maintenance issue outside of those regular ones. Drinks a lot of fuel, but I knew that going into the deal. I highly recommend this vehicle and will likely buy another Durango (hope they didn't change it too much).
Actually a 1998
I actually own a 1998 SLT with a 5.2 engine. I have 46000 and am thinking of trading it in on a new Durango. It has plenty of room, rides nice on and off road and I have had very few problems.
Pretty good
For the most part, I'm happy with the vehicle. Fun to drive, has enough power, looks nice, easy to maneuver, controls are all accessible, sound system is fine. A few problems -- AC is abyssmal (I live in PHX and on a hot day it literally cannot get the car cool, even after an hour drive), sometimes the car slips out of gear, struggles a bit to wake up on a cold morning (and cold is relative in PHX).
Damn good SUV
I have to say we bought this SUV and it already had 90,000 on it. Was a little worried about the millage but 2 yrs latter no worries at all. Are Durango currently has 123,000 and drives and looks new. Normal cost to operate tires, oil, mostly preventive maintenance. I live in upstate NY and the winters are very harsh and the 4x4 comes in very Handy. We only put it in 4wd when needed. We have a family of 6 and got sick and tired of the mini van thing and this took its place very admirably. Will never go back. Besides once you drive this in the winter you wont want anything else. Took this SUV everywhere.
Hooked on Dodge Durango R/T
Purchased 1st Durango 1999 SLT 4X4. Loved this one. I put 95,000 miles in 3 years. I purchased a 2002 R/T this one is awesome. Ride and handling is great - no going back to the SLT. I am sold on the R/T !!
dodge still with transmission problems
transmission will spend more time on the floor of the shop than in the vehicle
Time to Trade
I like the sport car type driving this Rango has, I removed the Du on the back. I have not had the problems that everyone has noted. 73k I do all the maintenance. Because of the 5.9 slug blogs I used a produce called Auto RX. I just removed the valve cover today 10/21/10 very clean. But because of the comments on transmission problems I am thinking of something else and not a Dodge. Murphy might be just around the corner because of this post. I might chop it up and call it ART, or have a fund raiser shoot out. All in the name of Government Bailout. Now you got me going.
Get the warranty
I had my Durango for 5 years, in fact I got it right before gas prices went nuts! After about a month filling the tank wasn't fun anymore, but I still loved driving it. I loved this car and put it through its paces during the time I had it. Great handling, lots of power, and really nice and comfortable interior. I loved having this car.
Durango eats gas
Have my durango , no problem this suv eats gas otherwise fun to drive ,comfortable
doge are lemons
I bought a 2001 dodge durango and it has been nothing but trouble. It has spent more time in the shop then on the road.It had had trasmission problems, power stering problems,engine problems,power windows problems, ext. I would cleary recomend a FORD SUV to anybody!!!!!
Durango's are good vehicles
Durango has good pick up and engine power when needed. It handles quite well and is compact enough to fit in tigh places. Interior is some what compact. The fold down seats are a plus with the third row it seats 7-8 passengers.
Traded it in
Horrible gas mileage. After 25,000 miles made way too much noise.
Great SUV
I have owned four SUV's, and three trucks and by far this is the best.
I Love This R/T
I Just traded in my 98' SLT for the R/T. I can not believe the difference between the two. If i didn't know any better i would think I was driving a sports car. It seems that this bad boy soved all the problems of the old SLT. I no longer have the constant problems with my rear breaks. I dont squeal around corners or break the rear end loose on turns. Well done.!!
Off Road
I was in an accident which totaled my previous Durango but I bought another one because of hoe well I was protected from major injuries.
Looking Forward
I'm 14 now i the only thing i've been looking at to drive is the Durango. I've looking at it on every site i could find and Durango SLT looks like the perfect car.