The Dodge Durango is a sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by Dodge. The first two generations were very similar in that both were based on the Dodge Dakota, both featured a body-on-frame construction and both were produced at the Newark Assembly plant in Newark, Delaware. However, they did differ in that the first generation was classified as a mid-sized SUV, while the second generation was classified as a full-sized SUV.
The third-generation Durango is built on the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, features unibody construction, and has been assembled at the Jefferson North Assembly plant in Detroit, Michigan, since mid-2010. It continues as a full-sized SUV.
The second-generation Durango was first shown as a concept dubbed Dodge Durango R/T concept at the 2003-2004 Detroit Auto Show. It 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. It is 7 in (180 mm) longer, 2 in (51 mm) wider, and 3 in (76 mm) taller than the previous model. It also offered a third-row bench with three seats, giving it an eight-seat capacity. The design took its styling primarily from the Dodge Powerbox concept, which was itself based on the 1999 Dodge Power Wagon concept, and the 2003-2004 Durango R/T concept.
Debuting for 2004 was a new coil-spring rear suspension for the solid rear axle. A Watt's linkage system is fitted to the rear axle, centering the axle and reducing rear-end skate over rough surfaces, and allowing a lower and wider cargo floor.
Trim Levels
SXT: 2003-2009: Most basic trim level, basic features.
SLT: 2003-2009: Value-oriented trim level, value-added features, optional luxury features.
Adventurer: 2005-2007: Value-oriented and "off-road-look" trim level, value-added features, optional luxury features.
Limited: 2003-2009: Most luxurious trim level, luxury features.
All trim levels offered the 4.7L Power-Tech V8 engine as standard equipment, though the 5.7 L HEMI V8 engine was available on all trim levels, except for the base SXT trim level. The base SXT trim level also offered the 3.7 L Power-Tech V6 engine as standard equipment in place of the 5.7 L HEMI V8 engine option, though the V6 engine option was only available on the base SXT trim level, and only between 2004 and 2007.
The 2004 Dodge Durango was the first SUV in DaimlerChrysler's lineup to introduce the 5.7 L HEMI V8 engine, as well as a new radio design and modernized interior features.
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