Test Drive Dodge Durango since 2004 SUV

Will not dull?

At one time the American company Chrysler was characteristic of their own way. While competitors produced huge rear-wheel drive sedans, the future component of Daimler-Benz also built large LH-series cars, but with front leading wheels. The company's SUVs have always differed significantly from other American cars of this type.
 
The first full-fledged (and most importantly) gland to the unknown ledity class of large vehicles of increased traffic was carried out in 1998. It was then that the Dodge Durango was launched into the series, built on the basis of a rather popular Dodge Dakota pickup. We note that consider this car with a competitor of such huge machines as Chevrolet Tahoe, at least incorrectly: Durango's dimensions are located just between Full Size and medium-sized Ford Explorer SUVs. Why the Americans sent their warrior to fight on this front, we still have to figure out.
 
Some characteristics
 
Body type
SUV
Doors
5
Number of places
5 - 8
Length
4910 mm
Width
1810 mm
Height
1804 mm
Wheelbase
2944 mm
Acceleration up to 100 km / h *
9.1 C.
Max. speed*
180 km / h
* Data for a car with a motor of 4.7 liters.
 
Look at Durango, immediately a man is right! Moreover, pumped, harsh. Front SUV clearly succeeded! But at the bottom of once again we do not advise him. Not only is the feed is very rounded, so also lanterns from Caravan spoil the picture: collective farms! Since when did the Americans fall to the level of our manufacturers, allowing themselves to use the same optics for the Volga, Gazelle and Muscovite? However, about tastes, as they say, do not argue. It is important that the body is reliable, and Durango is just the same. Corrosion for him is a very rare phenomenon: it happens that red spots arise on the edge and corners of the rear door. The electrician works fine, but not safely: there are minor malfunctions from time to time, mainly unsystematic. In addition, the Lights Durango, like most Americans shine worse.
 
One of the most attractive traits of the car is simplicity. And she pushes some buyers: many for the money they want to get more expensive and high-quality interior. In this regard, Durango is definitely inferior to European and Japanese cars of increased traffic: the finish materials, the design is all worked out sufficiently ax (the devices are drawn at all). But in terms of the spaciousness of the salon, the model will give odds to any medium-sized SUV! In addition, it is impossible to say that it is poorly staffed: an electric car, good music, air conditioning (if you met Durango without all this, then you are not Durango). Options are also convenient to use: large buttons, each in its place. However, individual elements cause surprise, for example, headlamp managed by a plunger, like the Updated Chrysler Saratoga and New Yorker, as well as the ACAP selector, made on the old American tradition in the form of a kocher. Yes, the identity here is above the roof, however, almost without prejudice to functionality.
 
The simplicity of the design influenced and on the sensation from the ride. The suspension from Duranango is rather tough, it is not able to provide a heavy machine with good smoothness (on the irregularities of the car jumps) and decent handling. But you feel that you are going on a solid and reliable SUV, despite the fact that Durango's dimensions are less than Tahoe or Expedition. And on maneuverability, stability on the highway, yes, in principle, the Duranango is noticeably superior to the full-size American SUVs. It is difficult for the dynamics: provided that the model is equipped with a V8 motor, acceleration will delight the driver who is accustomed to the first one. Especially in this regard, very rare modification of Shelby SP360 with a supercharger (we are not sure if there are such cars in our country).
 
The line of engines in Durango is quite extensive, all units are distinguished by a large working volume and a fairly simple design. The smallest motor has six cylinders, 3.9 l volume and 180 liters. With. The next in the table of ranks is 220-strong V8 5.2 liters (after 2000 it changed its silent 4.7-liter engine silent, greater power, with a more modest fuel consumption and less weight). The most powerful power unit with a working volume of 5.9 liters and 250 horses, in addition to Durango, was installed on the Grand Cherokee of the first generation, as well as on the Pickup Dodge Ram. The most surplus engine consumes a lot of gasoline, but absolutely non-propelled to its quality, and in addition, it takes a heavy cargo car. Whatever the motor standing under the hood, you can count on its painless operation, as well as to a huge resource. The sores in most small and mostly concern the cooling system (in the extreme heat, individual copies can be stirred stronger than it is necessary, and sometimes fails of the Vussophy of the fan, the stove radiator flows).
 
Durango four-step automatic gearbox. The problems in them happen quite rarely. But with handouts there are no, brittle from birth, it is impossible to call them, they come into disrepair as a result of illiterate operation. And this happens often. The fact is that the car is equipped with two different full drive systems: the base distribution with marking 231 reports the power to all four wheels only on off-road (the system of permanent full drive is proposed as an option), and the owners of the machines with such a transmission drive with a connected front axle bridge on asphalt. As a result, strong wear of tires and, worse, killed razdatka. Another problem Bridges: The unrelated hosts forget to change oil into them, and this leads to a rapid death of the aggregates (by the way, the gearboxes consume only the original MOPAR oil).
 
The suspension has a large dodge strong enough: with a normal ride about what it is, you can forget. True, if you often carry sweaty trailers (and the crawled V8 simply provoke on it), then it will be enough to say goodbye to the rear shock absorbers. The other is not good, characteristic mainly for older models, rear springs. For older copies, this detail was a weak link, and if the previous owners did not change it at one time, it would have to make a new owner of the car.
 
Durango is simple, durable, powerful and reliable car. However, Americans apparently in the ultimately considered the release of the intermediate version of the model, which is not related to the middle class, nor to the full fat men, dullness. Otherwise, it is difficult to explain why in 2004 a new car appeared, belonging to the size class Jumbo already without any discounts. But is there really bad Durango of the first generation? By no means. The American SUV is beautiful and comfortable in its own way. In addition, it is clear that Chrysler tried to prepare a shared cocktail: a model with a slightly smaller salon than Full Size, and riding properties, only a little inferior to more compact American jeeps.
 
Advantages and disadvantages of the model
 
Advantages
Easy design
Powerful and reliable motors
Acceptable level of reliability
Flaws
Easy design
Appearance for an amateur
Primitive salon
 

A source: Magazine cars and prices August 25, 2008