Dodge Durango
| Dodge Durango | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Dodge |
| Production | 1998-present[1] |
| Assembly | Newark, Delaware, United States |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door SUV |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Dodge Ramcharger |
The Dodge Durango is a full-size SUV from Chrysler's Dodge brand. It was introduced in 1998 as a mid-size SUV, and as a replacement for the Ramcharger discontinued in the North American market in 1993, and was redesigned for 2004. The Durango was produced at the Newark Assembly plant in Newark, Delaware until the end of 2008.
1998–2003
| First generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1998–2003 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size SUV |
| Platform | Chrysler DN platform |
| Related | Dodge Dakota |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Template:Auto Lrev Magnum V6 Template:Auto Lrev PowerTech V8 Template:Auto Lrev Magnum V8 Template:Auto Lrev Magnum V8 |
| Transmission | 4-speed TorqueFlite automatic 5-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | Template:Auto in |
| Length | Template:Auto in (2001-03) Template:Auto in (1998-2000) |
| Width | Template:Auto in (1998-2000) Template:Auto in (2001-03) |
| Height | Template:Auto in (2001-03) Template:Auto in (1998-2000) |
The Durango was launched just after the second generation Jeep Grand Cherokee on which it was based. During the late 1980s, Chrysler designers had proposed the durango in 1998 [citation needed], but this was shelved when the Jeep division was about to release the Jeep Grand Cherokee as their flagship SUV. The Durango was marketed as a sturdy truck-based SUV designed to hold up to eight passengers and tow up to Template:Auto lb. The 4.7 L PowerTech V8 replaced the 5.2 L engine for 2000. In that same year a special all wheel drive performance version called the R/T was released with a 5.9 L V8 engine. In 1999 and 2000, a very limited edition Shelby S.P.360 version was offered that featured the 5.9 litre motor (supercharged and making 360 hp), unique wheels, tires, and suspension, and bumpers. It came standard with Viper blue paint with two racing stripes down the center of the truck. It boasted a 0-60 mph time in less than seven seconds.
1998: First model year for Durango, all models only available in 4WD.
1999: The Durango was now available in a 2WD model. Minor changes were made for the 2nd year, two new paint colors and notable options available including 6"X9" heated rear view mirrors and steering wheel mounted radio controls. Leather seats now standard on SLT Plus models, and body color wheel flares on SLT Plus and 4WD Models.
2000: The new 4.7L V8 Engine replaced the 5.2L V8 as the standard engine for 4WD models, along with a new 5 speed automatic transmission. The high performance Durango R/T came standard equipped with a performance tuned 5.9L V8 and All Wheel Drive.
2001: Dodge focused on interior upgrades as Durango's interior trim panels, dash mounted controls, instrument panel, overhead console, and steering wheel were all redesigned. For improved rear passenger comfort, a dual-zone climate control system was now standard. Sound systems were improved on all models and now came standard with 6 speakers. Other minor changes include door panels, and revised seats, aluminium wheels, and minor changes to trim options. The larger 5.9L engine was made available in other trim levels besides the R/T package.
2002: The new SXT version of the Durango was offered as the entry-level trim package. Side curtain airbags were added for safety.
2003: Durango featured minor mechanical changes, most notable was the addition of 4 wheel disc brakes.
Trim levels
- 1998-2003 - SLT
- 1998-2003 - SLT PLUS
- 1999-2001 - Sport
- 2001-2003 - SXT
- 1999-2003 - R/T
Engines
- 1998–2000 — Template:Auto Lrev Magnum V8, 230 hp (172 kW)
- 1999–2000 — Template:Auto Lrev Magnum V6, 175 hp (130 kW)
- 1998–2003 — Template:Auto Lrev Magnum V8, 245 hp (183 kW)
- 2000–2003 — Template:Auto Lrev Magnum V8, 255 hp (190 kW)
- 2000–2003 — Template:Auto Lrev PowerTech V8, 235 hp (175 kW)
2004–2009
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2004–2009, [1] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size SUV |
| Related | Chrysler Aspen Dodge Dakota |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Template:Auto Lrev PowerTech V6 Template:Auto Lrev PowerTech V8 Template:Auto Lrev Hemi V8 |
| Transmission | 4-speed 42RLE automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | Template:Auto in |
| Length | Template:Auto in Hybrid: Template:Auto in |
| Width | Template:Auto in |
| Height | Template:Auto in Hybrid: Template:Auto in |
2004–2006
The second generation Durango debuted shortly before the companion Dakota. Like the Dakota, it has much in common with the large Dodge Ram pickup, including a fully-boxed frame. And like the first generation model, its front grille resembles the Dakota's. It is Template:Auto in. longer, Template:Auto in. wider, and Template:Auto in. taller than the previous model. For this model year, it offered a full third row with three seats, making the Durango an 8 Passenger SUV. The design has also has taken styling cues from the Dodge Powerbox concept as the design look similar except that the front fascia is more normal while the Powerbox had a different look. Chrysler introduced its own version of the Durango, the Chrysler Aspen, for the 2007 model year. The Durango became nearly a full-size SUV this time — although technically it is still classified as mid-size, and the upcoming Dodge Journey on the Avenger platform filled Dodge's mid-size SUV gap as a 2009 model.
2007–2009
The 2007 model was reworked to halt a sales decline, debuting at the Dallas Auto Show in April 2006. It includes a reworked front clip with a new fascia, grille, hood, and headlamps as well as updated fenders and wheels. New features include electronic stability program, tire pressure monitoring system, rear park assist, and a one-touch turn signal. The 2007 model also has a reworked floor, third-row seats, and electrical system in preparation for the 2009 hybrid version.
Hybrid
Chrysler started to build the Dodge Durango Hybrid 2009 in fall 2008,[2] featuring the 340 hp (254 kW) Template:Auto L Hemi engine with MDS as well as the new Two-Mode Hybrid system developed with General Motors and BMW. The manufacturer claimed an almost 25% gain overall fuel fuel economy and an almost 40% gain in the city.[3] EPA testing on the Hybrid Durango with the Hemi V8 engine indicates fuel mileage to be about Template:Mpg (city) and Template:Mpg (highway) for 2009 model.[4] The normal (non-hybrid) Durango with the 5.7L Hemi and 4WD gets Template:Mpg (city) and Template:Mpg (highway).[5]
The 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid has a starting MSRP of $45,340.[6] Production of the hybrid models (this included Chrysler Aspen Hybrid as well) began on August 22 2008. Chrysler received approximately 3000 pre-orders from dealers. By early November 2008, 400 of the hybrid S.U.V.’s, including Chrysler Aspen, had already been built.
Discontinuation
On October 23, 2008, Chrysler announced that the shutdown of the Newark Assembly facility producing the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen would be moved up to the end of 2008, effectively ending production of the Durango and Durango Hybrid for the 2009 model year. [7]
Trim levels
- SXT 2004-present
- SLT 2004-present
- SLT Plus 2004-2009
- Night Runner 2005-2007
- Limited 2004-present
- Adventurer 2005-2008
Engines
- 2004–2009 - 3.7 L PowerTech V6, 210 hp (157 kW) at 5200 rpm and Template:Auto lbft at 4000 rpm
- 2004–2007 - 4.7 L PowerTech V8, 235 hp (175 kW) at 4500 rpm and Template:Auto lbft at 3600 rpm
- 2004–2009 - 5.7 L Hemi V8, 335 hp (250 kW) at 5200 rpm and Template:Auto lbft at 4200 rpm (MDS [Multi-Displacement System] equipped for 2006+ 5.7L engines for improved fuel mileage)
- 2007-2009 - 4.7 L flex-fuel PowerTech V8, 235 hp (175 kW) at 4500 rpm and Template:Auto lbft at 3600 rpm
- 2008-2009 - 4.7 L PowerTech V8, 303 hp (226 kW) at 5,650 rpm and Template:Auto lbft at 3,950 rpm (3 valves per cylinder)
Third generation (2010-)
Chrysler will eventually reintroduce the Durango on a car based platform that will be shared with the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the next Mercedes-Benz M-Class for the 2012 model year.[1]
Total American sales
| Calendar Year | Sales |
|---|---|
| 1999[8] | 189,840 |
| 2000 | 173,567 |
| 2001[9] | 130,799 |
| 2002[10] | 106,925 |
| 2003 | 108,010 |
| 2004[11] | 137,148 |
| 2005 | 115,439 |
| 2006[12] | 70,606 |
| 2007 | 45,503 |
| 2008[13] | 21,420 |
References
- ^ a b c [1]
- ^ Bloomberg: Chrysler to Drop First Hybrids, After October Debut (Update2)
- ^
"hybrid: two-mode system". Dodge.com. Retrieved 2008-11-20.
The 2009 Durango HEMI® Hybrid takes that a step further with its two-mode system that integrates a hybrid-electric drive system – which reduces fuel consumption by almost 40 percent[1] while running errands in town<...> The payoff is an increased overall fuel economy of nearly 25 percent.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters:|month=and|coauthors=(help); line feed character in|quote=at position 65 (help) - ^ Chrysler's new hybrid SUVs score a 20/22 mpg from the EPA
- ^ www.fueleconomy.gov, 2009 Dodge Durango 4WD
- ^ Ross, Jeffrey N. (2008-06-17). www.autotropolis.com ""Chrysler announces starting MSRP for 2009 Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid"". Autotropolis.com. Retrieved 2008-06-17.
{{cite web}}: Check|url=value (help) - ^ Edmunds Insideline: Chrysler Kills Durango and Aspen Hybrids
- ^ "Chrysler Group Announces Year-End and December Sales". Theautochannel.com. Retrieved 2009-04-28.
- ^ "Chrysler Group Reports U.S. December Sales". Theautochannel.com. Retrieved 2009-04-28.
- ^ "Chrysler Group Reports December 2003 Sales Increase of 2 Percent". Theautochannel.com. 2004-11-17. Retrieved 2009-04-28.
- ^ "Chrysler Group 2005 U.S. Sales Rise 5 Percent, Highest Since 2000; December Sales Decline In Line with Overall Industry". Prnewswire.com. Retrieved 2009-04-28.
- ^ "Total Chrysler LLC December 2007 Sales Up 1 Percent on the Strength of Retail; Demand..." Reuters. 2008-01-03. Retrieved 2009-04-28.
- ^ "Chrysler LLC Reports December 2008 U.S. Sales". News.prnewswire.com. Retrieved 2009-04-28.
External links
