2002 DODGE Durango.
There it is, that's what everybody wants. (so it seems): the big matcho look. And the Durango delivers.

That grille and most of that SUV comes from the Dakota pick up truck. So you pretty much know what to expect.

But it still looks pretty nice, even when compared with brand new trucks like the new Explorer or Trailblazer. It might look big, but it's only 4 inches longer than a Camry.
The interior had been redone for 2001. And it looks more upscale. But it is still shared with the Dakota pick up.

It's the old fashion way of coming up with an SUV. You take a pick up truck, close the bed and add 2 more doors. And you charge as much as the market allows you to. This means big profits for american car makers who were all making pick up trucks already.

But recently, the trend has been to provide SUVs with their own platforms. Like the 2002 Fords and GM compact SUVs.

The seats look good in the optional leather, but they are very flat. You can never really use the top part to rest the back of your head, or you will find yourself staring at the ceiling.

But, they are pretty comfortable. The dashboard is simple and well made. The controls are the same as in other Chrysler cars and trucks.

The steering is good too. Not too loose, like the previous Explorer, which felt like a 1975 Ford LTD.
You can have a 3rd row seat for $550. This is great if you have kids. But a bit small for adults.

Once you start the "car", you hear that big V8 rumble. It's kind of fun at first, because most everything else doesn't have that sound. But you hear it a lot.

It has good power, but not much extra. It has 235 hp, but it weighs about 4700 pounds. Compare it to an Acura TL which has 225hp, but weighs 3500 pounds. You do the math...

It won't accelerate like a sport car. Not that you would want to. Turning requires attention. It's easy to drive, but it always feels big.

The ride is actually pretty smooth. Although the suspension design resembles something out of the 1940's.

But like every truck based SUVs, it kinds of giggles over every bumps, even small ones. Especially on the freeway. Most people get used to it, and don't even notice it. But it is wide, and always feels stable.

But the whole thing is never fun to drive. It just moves forward to go somewhere. It's like moving a small house, not driving.
Chrysler is very good at making things very convenient for families, like in their minivans.

The Durango's center console is a good exemple. You can put tons of stuff inside, and it even has a pen holder. It's not finished like a Lexus (or even a Camry), but none of the car is. You'll see lots of exposed screws.

But it is very well put together, and has no rattles.

And it could be very quiet. But the exhaust of the V8 is always noisy. It is NOT a sport car, but it wants to sound like one. And that exhaust is pretty rough.
One last detail I always notice, every time I see one of these trucks. There is a huge gap between the rear bumper and the rest of the body. It looks horrible. And they ALL have it.

It is designed that way. Probably to allow a not-so-precise assembly at the factory.

It would be unacceptable on any car!

It just shows how people are willing to lower their quality standards in order to drive an SUV.
The Dodge Durango is actually pretty pleasant to drive. If you don't try to go too fast. Like most truck based SUV, the driving experience reminds me of a 1970s car.

And if you need to seat 7, there isn't much choice out there. Unless you go for a more expensive full size truck. Or a minivan. Other wise the new Explorer, but beware of quality problems, which the Durango doesn't seem to have.

Also, next spring, both the Chevy Trailblazer and the GMC Envoy will be available with a 3rd row.

Prices start at around $27 000 for a 2 wheel drive. Not cheap. The one I drove was about $ 32 000. And that's without a sunroof. ( you can't get one )

If you only need to carry up to 5 people, almost anything out there in that price range is better.

But if you like the look, and you must have one, please go HERE.

Or look at these:

- TOYOTA Highlander. The best. Front wheel drive, nice ride, drives like a car. And lots of room . But pretty hard to get a good deal.

- GMC Envoy/Chevy Trailblazer. A more modern truck, with better engine and suspension. But beware of first year problems.

- Pontiac Aztec. It looks weird but owners love it! So why not. At least it's fun. 2002 model is cheaper and better looking.

- Jeep Grand Cherokee. Not the newest thing, but still pretty nice. Small trunk, and a busy ride. Good deals.

- Isuzu Axxiom. The best looking SUV out there. And a nice interior too. But truck based. Not as refined as it looks, so drive before you buy.
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