Used 2003 Dodge Durango Consumer Reviews
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built like a Sherman tank
i really do love my Durango. its survived a bad dealership trying to put it in the ground. its been rearended numerous times bulldozed a prius into oblivion and a few random deer into a sticky mess and the only damage its ever taken was a slight dent with a paint chip and a busted light. the engine is super tough pulled a fully loaded trailer across the country. as well as a regular pull of the horse trailer. only problem it ever had on its own was a bad water pump. main cooling fan went out and it never overheated, in phoenix in the middle of the summer. it could probably survive a nuclear bomb, my burnt skeletal corpse still holding the steering wheel and still be running
Best of the best
My 03 Durango is the best suv I have ever owned. I have owned 03 for Ford Escape poor mileage, oil leaks 3 alternators The list goes on and on. My Durango is the best car I have ever owned. In fact I want another one this time a 4 x4. All these reviews talk about bad gas mileage, I get 18 plus around town, if I turn off the AC I get in the low 20s. It is the best value for a used auto you can buy. My Escape was stolen which now was actually a blessing since I got my Durango. I haven't had this much fun driving with so much power ( 4.7 ) since my 1968 Camaro SS. The guy I bought it from purchased it from a buddy who had it sitting in a barn for a year. The lady that owned it didnt check the oil. Well after some partial rebuild this thing screams. I love this auto my only regret is I wish it was a 4x4 but I know with the correct tires and a lift kit you can go anywhere. I hope this helps you in your decision to purchase a Durango. One thing to to consider is the 03s are part of Mercedes partnership with Dodge
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- SLT Plus 4dr SUVMSRP: $8,996492 mi away
- SLT Plus 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,995530 mi away
- SLT 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,495580 mi away
Great SUV, great buy!
I got my '03 Durango a few months ago with 130k miles on it, and I love it. It handles great - not much body roll, feels lighter than it is. Seats are very comfortable, and it has a LOT of power. The drivetrain is very responsive & the engine feels like it's bigger than 287 Cu. In. I DO wish there was more legroom for the 2nd row passengers as I am a big guy & leave my seat very far back. And yes, the gas mileage is poor (13/18 MPG), but I knew it when I bought it (probably why the car was so inexpensive). I like the styling & features of this generation of Durango. I'll write another review after I put some serious miles on it. After 5k miles so far I love it!
Everymans SUV.
I owned an 03 durango SXT and drove it for 8 yrs...luved it...just found an SLT 4WD with 61k original miles. Glad i found it when i did. They are becoming scarce and hard to find in good shape with lo miles. I use it 3-4 days a week and have a second vehicle. This is a good all around vehicle with many nice capabilities. It has 8 cylinders so it will best at 15mpg highway but my total daily commute is only 34 miles. This is a great inexpensive vehicle that can get you and 6 others where you need to go. I love it, highly recommend one. I have driven it to florida and was very happy with the power handling and fuel econemy. All highway for 1200 miles and averaged 18.5 mpg. I will update more after the trip home. Keep your eyes out for low mileage durangos, I prefer the 2003 model.
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Love at 1st sight.
Let me say I bought my 2003 Durango on Craig's List. Nuf said. After weeks of looking at used SUV's and dozens of scams I saw her, Baby Blue! Owner was sketchy, would only text "CASH!", very little English. Got a run around for a week before he admitted his Sis and Bro in law had the vehicle and gave me their number. ( yeah I had to have her ) From the plate in the picture I could run a Car Fax. Leased for 11 years. Who leases a vehicle for 11 years? Someone who loves her! Regular maintenance and AC compressor changed, front shocks, nothing major. I met the Sis and Bro the next day, ( Valentines Day! Serious ) with the text msgs I had with the kid and Kelly Blue Book and offered them the same deal: $2500, cash, bank at the Supermarket was open on Sunday. First time I saw her in person. Started and ran, test drove it with my wife. Oils were all clean, good acceleration and brakes. Smooth ride. It's not often my wife approves of my decisions. She assured me this was a good one is spite of the original poster wanting to meet me with "CASH" in some dark alley. They were at $2800 ( and I would have paid it ). He countered with $2600 and I countered with $2650! Sold!! Worth Every Dollar ! Even with 184,000 the engine is sound and auto transmission works perfectly. Leather interior Does improve with age, but bought some covers to keep them looking good. Power at the expense of Gas Mileage. Huge interior. I needed a big cargo area for my business hauling tools and materials. I could Almost haul a 4 by 8 sheet of drywall in the back, just a little short. Yes I wish the back seats folded Flat! Or easier to remove. I thought I must be missing something, but no, it doesn't fold flat. :( And the split bench in back doesn't "pop" out like most. Bolted down. Made putting seat covers on the bench a pain. Most of all, once I got used to the wide wheel base was the Ride. Smooth! Stable. Plows a bit around the twisty mountain roads where we live but that is the only time it reminds you that you are driving a Truck. I hear the front ball joints asking for attention again ( Replaced at 100,00 I think ). And the second morning I drove it i realized the Heater/AC Fan didn't work. Brrr! Went online and found this was common and easy for even me to fix. Cost me $10 including next day shipping to replace the Resistor under the glove box. Even a Caveman could do it! Some people reported paying $150 to have this done. Don't! I stole this vehicle, paid more than they were asking, and probably should have paid more. Although I plan to do a tune up and oil change before I get the emissions tested I have no doubt it will pass with flying colors. I've ordered Oil and Tranny additives as preventive maintenance ( Not Lucas, this is better ) and for those things that I can't see. But as far as the eye can see she is a beauty, my Baby Blue! I have owned a Pathfinder for the past 14 years. Bought it at 28,000 and she is nearing 240,000. Original. I mean I haven't changed anything but brakes once and oil occasionally. I intend to get 300,000 out of her, but she was getting old and deserved a semi retirement. I still love my Pathy and Nissan in general. But I have been converted! My Inlaws all seem to own Dodge's. Now I see the light! Update 6 months: The new car feel didn't last long. Living in the mountains roads can change in a minute. On my way to town they were fine. Half hour later they were ice. I came upon a line of cars stopped in the road on a blind curve for another accident. I touched the brakes and started to skate. ( Tires were knobby off road not M&S ) So do I hit the line of cars or do I take the other ditch and hit the mountain? I hit the mountain at a pretty good clip taking a little road side marker with me. When I hit the front tire took the brunt of the impact and exploded. I just knew that as I powered it out of the ditch so I wouldn't get rear ended by the next car sliding she was limping badly. I imagined the worse. When I got out and looked, only the tire was blown and the only damage was a little dent in the back door from the marker. This thing is a TANK! But, changing the tire was not an option. All the tire jack equipment was missing. No one had any or wouldn't lend me any. After the other traffic accident was cleared I was left sitting there by myself. Traffic was only going 15 or 20 mph, the tire was still on the rim, screw it and I drove her two miles home. I found a pair of real tires on Craig's and had them installed. No worse for the whole ordeal. She is a Gas Hog! But she also gets up and moves when she needs to. Took me a while to get a smooth acceleration down. Step on the gas and hang on! Easy Girl! And she hauls a load. Still Love Her.
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Reliable, Reliable, Reliable
2003 Durango. only problem was the exhaust manifold leak (spent 300 with 112,00 miles). other than that reliable as can be.
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Saved my life
I've been from Montana to Michigan 2 round trips alone (female) and didn't feel the highway gas mileage was bad at all. I'm used to driving in snow all my life & a week ago completely totaled my Durango on a very icy bridge (many people have wrecked on this dangerous long, narrow bridge, my stupidity). I thought I was going to go over the railing into the Yellowstone River that night! The Durango slammed from side to side, spun around several times & slammed over & over. I walked away without a scratch on me! The tow truck driver said that I was lucky I was driving a Durango (didn't flip) they are tough! I will go get another. it's worth the safety & never needed repairs 70,000 miles!
upsides and downsides
upsides are comfort,speed, power, as well as control based on wheel base you can park it in the tightest area you ever imagined. handles like a mid range car, with the horsepower of a sportscar and i have driven a 911 turbo. it doe'snt have the acceleration tho. of a 911 turbo. but it has alot of power and go. i am 3rd owner with 129k when bought. and was pleasantly suprised at the handling, with p265/75 tires 16" it drives better than most of the cars i have owned. small to large. and handles better than all of them. downside is the thunk of the trany, thats covered in a service bulliten with the ab code. not a problem. easy fix. a absolute pleasure to drive. would like to buy another one.
Sleeper
I love my Durango. It's fast, looks good, very easy to drive (once you have owned it for about a week). Lots of power, great AWD system. Has everything but a sunroof.
Hands-down: This truck is a winner !
I bought this truck new and the love affair I've had with it hasn't dimmed since. I wanted something that could haul a car trailer & my '67 Fury, as well as maneuver well in the snowy N.Eastern PA mountains in winter. This truck has surpassed every expectation I had. While the mpg. aren't great, it wasn't a factor since I commute by rail 5 days a week. When I travel to the mountains with my 150# dog, luggage, and 3 other people - this truck still gets it done. Comfortably. With 150K on the clock, I've only replaced a fuel pump. I love this truck so much, i can't bear to trade it in. I've promised it to my mechanic, who admires it as much as I do. Say what you want about Dodge, I LOVE mine.
Big suprise
Well, I must say that I have been pleasantley suprised with this vehicle. I have owned an Explorer and this Durango beats it hands down in every way! People are always quick to bad mouth Dodge but it has been my experience that vehicles take care of you when you take care of them...regular maintenance is key. This Durango is very comfortable and driving it around is fun. Great for long trips and also around town. Feels very solid and heavy. After driving this I could never go back to an Explorer, too small, too boring, and I had way too many problems with my FORD. If you are considering buying this vehicle, dont hesitate....trust me!!!
2003 Durango slt 4.7
We bought our Durango new in 2003. It had a couple of issues which were covered under warranty.The exhaust manifold was leaking due to 3 broken bolts.Also,the a/c unit had a few issues. Since then it has been a very capable and reliable vehicle.We have the required maintenance done at the proper intervals and haven't had any issues since warranty expired. I recently got an enclosed trailer to haul 2 snowmobiles.I am pleasantly surprised at how well it tows the trailer. We live in Utah,and towing sleds requires going up hills(mountains). On grades over 6%,I have to put it in 2nd,but it still maintains 40 mph no problem. Overall,we are happy with this vehicle.
MY BEST FRIEND FOR ALMOST 15 YEARS
Rock solid reliable if you care for it. The 4.7 is a brave little unsung hero of an engine. I am at 146,000 miles and still going strong.
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2002 DURANGO
WELL BUILT TRUCK, ROOMY, RIDES GREAT FOR A BIG TRUCK
10 years and counting
I purchased this car when we had our first child back in 06. This vehicle has exceeded my expectations in many ways. The engine and trans are still very strong. I love my Durango and I plan on keeping for several more years. Well for one the resale value is horrible!
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100/100 Review!!
We have owned this car since it was brand new and kept it because we love it. This is our favorite car over any other car we have ever owned.
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It's the best vehicle
and a pleasure driving. The performance and power are great. However it uses too much fuel.
hot ride
This car is fun to drive and does really good off t he road. It gets great gas mileage for being an suv and is one of the most comfortable riding cars I have ever ridden in. It has a lot of room but still is not too big to go places.
Hits the mark.
Traditionally a gm owner, I bought my 03 Durango from a family friend because the price was right and it had 3 rows of seating for my growing family. Surprisingly, it gets the same fuel mileage as the rear drive Buick it replaced. In the year I have driven it I have repaired nothing and am very pleased. It does everything I want very well and makes no excuses for being a truck. A bit of a rough ride in the city, but great on the highway. With the great style and capability, I like this truck more than when I bought it. With winters in southern ontario getting more and more wild, the 4wd is great fun. I have started out in snow drifts up to the front grill with ease.
Durango!!
The Durango drives great, excellent power, quiet, very comfortable. Good build quality.
My First- And Last- Chrysler Product
I bought one of these in 2011 with 121,000 on it. For the most part, it was great...except for the leaking coolant. That was coming from a crack in the overflow reservoir, but it just so happened to mask a blown head gasket that- literally- blew up the engine. Still to this day, it's the only vehicle out of around 18 total that ever failed on me catastrophically, not counting classic Beetles.
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The best there is
Went shopping for a new vehicle and after test driving trucks and SUV's from just about every manufacturer the Durango won hands down. Lots of power, looks great and good price after the $4500 rebate.
Great car
Our 2003 gave great service! It finally had a serious engine problem (needs a valve job), but only after 360,593 miles!!!
Needs update but still great
The Durango is a top SUV even though it needs to do a little catching up with Ford and GM. Redesign on the way should fix that and some. The fact that it still can stack up well shows a lot about how good a job Dodge did.
Nice truck - if it's built right
THe 5.9L v-8 is powerful, and the truck moves fast even with 6 passengers and luggage. 3rd row seat is fairly comfortable although legroom is lacking, and there's room behind the third seat which is nice. However, we have needed to replace virtually the entire drive train and continue to have problems. Fortunately, the work was covered by warranty, but the continual problems just aren't worth it.
Great Vehicle, Great Price
We looked around and considered a new Dakota to replace the '92; then my wife saw the Durango and drove it. It was love at first site; she says this is the most delightful vehicle she's ever owned. Plenty of power and room, comfortable to drive. Very smooth shifting, enough creature comforts, appears to be well built. The $4500 incentive doesn't hurt either! Overall a great SUV ended up being too close in price to the Dakota to NOT go with the Durango.
Just turned 280,000 miles. Still runs well.
I bought our Durango 11 years ago with 51K miles on it. We have driven it all over the US with no major failures. Engine and transmission are still strong but engine does burn oil, which is expected with that many miles on it. I live on a ranch and have put it through a lot of towing and tough work. One major gripe I have always had is with the climate control. It's never worked right. I have gone through half a dozen blower motor resistors. The air direction control system always blows out of the defroster to some degree no matter what you select.
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This is a great car
We just baught a new durango sxt yesterday and it is great. Our Cousin is the person who told us about his durango, and he has had his for 4 years with no problems. My dad works at the new jeep plant in toledo and only likes non-foriegn cars(expecially Dodge). We love our new durango. Hopefuly from reading this you will think of buying a Durango too. Thanks! Blade Buchholz
2003DODGE DURANGO SXT4.7L.V8 4x4
RECENTLY PURCHASED THE 2003 DURANGO. DROVE LATE 2002 SNOW STORM AND THE TRUCK HANDLES AWESOME. IMPRESSED WITH THE POWER AND STEERING. HAS ALOT OF GREAT FEATURES BUT NOT TOO HAPPY WITH THE GAS MILEAGE.
Dodge Durango SXT 4WD
Perfect SUV not huge but plenty of ground clearance. Very quick and stable even my 115lb wife likes to drive it. Very roomy inside. Actually a tough four wheel drive truck with a large back end. This is not a just a tall car that you really wouldn't drive over boulders with. My grandkids always want to take the "shorcut" through the desert it's like an amusement park ride.
Durango #1 never an Explorer again!
We had 4 Eddie Bauer Explorers before we purchased our Durango SLT Plus. We will never go back to an Explorer. We have an 8 cyl. and get better gas mileage than we did with a 6 cyl. Explorer. The Durango rides better, preforms better, less road noise, better gas mileage, better stereo system, and is an exceptional value.
Very Nice
I purchased this vehicle based on its appearance and previous reviews about towing capacity and frame design. It has nice, aggressive lines. It handles well whether on or off road. Previous vehicle was Ford Explorer and wanted something with a larger engine for towing. Plenty of space for cargo inside as well.
Excellent Suv
I have the Durango 5.9 R/T. It's beyond everything I expected it to be. Dodge has really came through by producing a Suv, that is "just right". This baby packs enough power to easily pull 7,000 pounds, and yet it seems that the big hefty engine is still asking for more. It's also a sharp looking ride. I get compliments on this thing quite often, and I have not yet added anything to it, nor have I made any modifications. It's all stock. Now that says a lot. Now I am really praising Dodge for their new redesigned 2004 Durango. It's 7inches longer, 4inches taller, and three inches wider than the ones that are out now. Great job Dodge, keep up the good work!!
Good car
I got screwed by the dealership... The sold me a demo saying they were going to discount it $2k and then they secretly added it back in and smooth-talked me into believing they were honest until I went home and double checked the math. But this car has been reliable as hell even though it has been a gas hog. I blame the dealership and Dodge Headquarters for not responding to my complaint... but the vehicle itself is not to blame.
Good truck for me
This is my first SUV and I am very pleased with the performance, handling, and looks of the vehicle. Although I am skeptical from reading other reviews, I have had no problems with the vehicle. I purchased a 24 foot enclosed race car trailer (with stabalizing bars and sway bar control) and have had no problem with towing power, weight of 7300lbs. My only complaint is the narrowness of the vehicle. Even with adding extended mirrors it is difficult to see around the trailer. Due other reviews in Edmunds, I opted to buy the full extended service warranty. Looked at an '05 Expedition and my Durango had more interior cargo length (not width) and was easier to load.
We’re a Dodge Family
This is my 2nd Durango. Both cars had over 175k miles each. Great car, lots of room, great handling (my 2nd car was iffy on wet pavement). My biggest issue with the Durango is the transmission. It’s not an expensive car to maintain but you obviously replacing a transmission is not a cheap fix. I’m downsizing to a Journey but I will be keeping a close watch on the transmission.
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Great car..ONLY IF Retrofitted to modern standards
I took the durango after my dad bought a new car. All in all, it is a good car, except for the factory faulty oil gasket leading to high oil consumption and bad engine sounds as a result. The gas mileage is a major burden, but in exchange you get RAW power, and a decent 0-60 on the R/T. For safety reasons, my stock headlights which were both ugly outdated even at the time of the 2003 release, were retrofitted with LED's and projector housings. I consider this a MUST, especially for winter. A full LED replacement of the headlights is the VERY first thing I would do. The interior is comfortable, seats put hearts in my eyes, but the cluster, stereo, and dashboard looked like obsolete eyesores. After retrofitting the cluster with glow gauges and new needles, and the environmental controls with ice blue LEDs, and installing a touchscreen, it looks like it came right from the future. The cons is it starts out kinda ugly and obsolete, however the pro is this is an easy fix. Everything is easy to access and a complete LED retrofit is also more affordable than most SUVs/pickups. I would recommend this car, along with the retrofits. The retrofits are actually quite fun. The Durango has raw power and nearly unlimited customization potential. The easy customization is why I love it so much!
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Right Sized SUV
Have enjoyed this vehicle immensely. It is comfortable, tows heavy loads with ease, great for long trips with wife and kids, and for short trips with the added in-laws (3rd row). Manageable gas mileage from the 4.7L V8 - 16-17 around town and 18-19 on the highway. Bought used and driven over 50000 miles and planning to double that. Only one problem to note - blower motor resistor bank - which I easily replaced.
Best SUV out there
This car is fun to drive and ver reliable. We have taken this car across country while pulling a 5th wheel and never had any problem and it still had great power.
03' R/T Ride
The 2003 Dodge Durango R/T is a fitting departure for a class of SUV that has completely stumped the comptitors. In short, and SUV/Sports Car with an excellant engine conbination of HP (250 stock - 295 expandable @ 3800-4000 RPM) and torque (350 - 380 @ 3000RPM). No other vehicle in it's class can touch it's performance, comfortable ride, and looks..... and it rival's even the large SUV's in internal comfort and amentities. With a towing capacity of 7000#, there's not much I can't do. With 2003 being the final year for the R/T (welcome the 2004 5.7 Hemi Durango), this model is destine to become a classic.
Poor Quality & Reliability
Within the first 2,000 miles, the Durango has been returned to the dealer for warranty repairs to the a/c system, transmission, rear differential, weatherstrips, and seat cover material. The Durango SLT with the 5.9 engine was built very poorly and has very poor quality and reliability. I have no confidence in the vehicle's long-term reliability or dependability.
Meet my dodge Betsy
It's a v8 so it does burn gas. But I would never give it up if I had descent income to support the gas and up keep! It needs a oil change an the front end needs aligned, and it needs a battery from where Iv had it parked for the past 6mo. It has heated seats!
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Good but not great
I used to own a Subaru WRX but when my wife became pregnant I decided I needed something a little bigger. We had looked at a Grand Cherokee we liked but I decided to purchase the Durango. I enjoy owning the Durango but there are so many small things that always catch my attention. Minor noises when I start the engine, the way it idles, the way it accelerates sometimes, etc. I am always afraid something is breaking. I am probably just paranoid because so far I have had to take it to the dealer every month to have something fixed. I think my best purchase may have been the warranty.
Durango Bob
The Dodge Durango was always one of my favorite SUVs. It was a vehicle that I coveted. It has turned out to be everything that I had imagioned it to be. Fun to drive, stable, comfortable and it didn?t hurt that I got a terrific deal. The 70,000 mile warranty is a real selling point. All I have to do is put gas in it! (So they said.) All this for $3,000 less than the sticker. As they say "Tax, title, warranty-out the door!"
COOL
THIS IS A GREAT DURANGO.
Liked it so much bought another
I bought this vehicle for my wife several years ago. It was a 1999 with a 318 cid. This thing is a horse. Plenty of power when you need it. Although the third seat is only big enough for young kids it has great space. The looks of this truck is great. Traded it in on a mini-van. Worst mistake I have ever made. So I just bought our second, it is a 2003 and it is even better than the one we had before. I personally have never had any problems with a Dodge vehicle. Luck of the draw? Maybe, but this is a quality truck.
Great Suv
Great SUV no problems.77.000 miles still going strong,We have a 1998 Durango and it has been a great Suv.
2003 Dodge Durango--First 1000 miles
This Durango XST is my first SUV and followed driving a Toyota Avalon for the last three years. So far, I'm delighted with the car. It handles well, is quiet, and fun to drive. On our first distance trip, I drove for about 200 miles without stopping or getting out of the car; my ability to ambulate upon getting out was better than I've had with other vehicles. The transmission has performed very smoothly shifting down and up with scarcely noticeable change except on the tachometer. The instrument panel seems well laid out and is easy to understand. Exterior styling with the wheel well shields and running board are very pleasing.
Great SUV
Looked at several SUV's everything from Durango to Yukon,after we drove a Durango we knew it was the SUV that we wanted,we were searching for a white SXT.Union Dodge had exactly what we wanted at a good price and an excellent sales team.We love it !!!!!
Awsome
Bought my Durango in March 07. It only had 49000 miles, it now has 64000 miles. good power and reliability, i drove from MD to PA on several occasions the ride was very comfortable. drove cross country from MD to KS towing a nissan PU and the towing and power were excellent. the best SUV i have driven. better then the ford and chevy lines. the MPG is something to be disered about 12.5 to 13 miles to gallon, but i knew this when i bought it. the body still is tough looking but also classy. best SUV out there.