1998 Dodge Durango Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Based on the Dodge Dakota, the popular mid-size pickup, the 1998 Dodge Durango is an SUV that has the attitude and power of a full-size...
Based on the Dodge Dakota, the popular mid-size pickup, the 1998 Dodge Durango is an SUV that has the attitude and power of a full-size truck, but the handling and user-friendly interior of a classic SUV. Like the Dakota, which combined the best of both worlds, this mid-size SUV combines the towing capacity and interior space of a full-size SUV with the comfort and driveability of a compact SUV.
In 1998, the Durango came in two trims, the SLT and SLT Plus, which basically just added body-color bumpers, leather upholstery, and more power options. Two powerful engines were available -- the 5.2-liter, 230-hp V8, or the 5.9-liter, 245-hp V8, both paired with four-speed automatic transmission. ABS, front dual airbags, and on-demand 4WD, best used for off-roading or snow conditions, all came standard.
Inside sit two rows of seat, comfortably fitting five people, with a removeable third-row bench seat which adds two more. This third row is easy to access when the second row seats fold forward and flat. Both rows fold flat for lots of cargo space. The Durango is wider than the Dakota and has a dropped floor to add more interior room, more than any other SUV in its class. The roof raises up in the back to give extra headroom to passengers in the rear seats. Being the creator of the minivan, Dodge has not skimped on such things as rear climate control, storage and plenty of cupholders in the 1998 Durango.
Because it closely resembles the Dakota, the 1998 Durango has a more rugged look and personality than its suburban SUV counterparts, but underneath it maneuvers city streets and parking lots as well as muddy mountain passes. Drivers loved its 7200-pound towing capacity, storage, interior space, and easy to operate third row seating. What they didn't love was the poor 12/17 mpg, sometimes rough ride, and endless repairs, particularly with the brakes and ball joints.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 1998 Dodge Durango appreciate its spaciousness, off-road capability, and power, especially for winter driving. Many find it fun to drive and capable for various purposes, including towing. On the downside, several drivers report poor gas mileage and maintenance issues, particularly with rust and certain components like the seating and trim."
great traction, good torque and power
January 27, 2008I have owned this Durango for about five years. It has been a very reliable vehicle for me. Initially I had some maintenance costs that were incurred because the previous owner neglected to service the truck as it needed to be. Once all of the initial repairs had been made, most were very minor $200 or less fixes, it has been a solid multiple passenger vehicle. The major annoyance for me in this vehicle was the two most common problems with the Driver's power seat. The first problem is it has linkages that when failed allow the seat to rock back and forth on acceleration and deceleration similar to a rocking chair motion. The second problem with the seat is the forward/backwards adjustment bushings, when failed allow the seat to slide back and forth under accel and decel conditions. The factory radio uses a weird rubber insert to give the tactile feeling of a detent as you are turning the volume knob. When this failed on mine I could no longer control the volume which unfortunately was at an elevated position. The 4WD is an option that some may not need but it is very capable off road as well. The 5.9L (360 cubic inch displacement) V-8 engine and the four wheel drive setup makes for a thirsty combination but it wasn't made for fuel economy. Overall a very good SUV/Truck for me.
October 17, 2014I love the old style durango! 2004 or older are the best! They are big and tough, but not huge like a Tahoe or Expedition. They like gas, but if you take it easy it isn't too bad. Very consistent fuel consumption with my 5.9L V8. I really like the towing power. Makes me feel like I can do anything or go anywhere!
March 31, 2014What owners say
great traction, good torque and power
January 27, 2008I have owned this Durango for about five years. It has been a very reliable vehicle for me. Initially I had some maintenance costs that were incurred because the previous owner neglected to service the truck as it needed to be. Once all of the initial repairs had been made, most were very minor $200 or less fixes, it has been a solid multiple passenger vehicle. The major annoyance for me in this vehicle was the two most common problems with the Driver's power seat. The first problem is it has linkages that when failed allow the seat to rock back and forth on acceleration and deceleration similar to a rocking chair motion. The second problem with the seat is the forward/backwards adjustment bushings, when failed allow the seat to slide back and forth under accel and decel conditions. The factory radio uses a weird rubber insert to give the tactile feeling of a detent as you are turning the volume knob. When this failed on mine I could no longer control the volume which unfortunately was at an elevated position. The 4WD is an option that some may not need but it is very capable off road as well. The 5.9L (360 cubic inch displacement) V-8 engine and the four wheel drive setup makes for a thirsty combination but it wasn't made for fuel economy. Overall a very good SUV/Truck for me.
October 17, 2014I love the old style durango! 2004 or older are the best! They are big and tough, but not huge like a Tahoe or Expedition. They like gas, but if you take it easy it isn't too bad. Very consistent fuel consumption with my 5.9L V8. I really like the towing power. Makes me feel like I can do anything or go anywhere!
March 31, 2014Great suv. Servers all purposes for me. 3rd role seat option is great
November 7, 2007Great to drive, rides smooth. Good power and decent mileage for 318. Looks good as well, seats seven so always lots of room. Good off road capability and on just as good on pavement, and of course the fact its a dodge.
June 15, 2011This thing rust's faster than a salt truck in january But is drives and performs with pure perfection + gas milage is not so bad parts and maintenance cheep engine is solid as as a rock tranny is weak , but I know how to fix it needs more ground clearance and bigger brakes
August 16, 2008an amazing vehicl every powerful and will be a favorite for a long time.
April 10, 2008This truck is fairly capable, its decent at towing, and other such things. Though its god low power, the engine was designed for torque, so its got a good kick. Unfortunatly the car has had some problems in its lifetime that raise some flags.
April 2, 2008Horrible mileage, runs like crap, knocks and pings, squealing idler pulley, warped brakes, terrible stopping power, no giddyup, unusable dipstick tube (oil), it's freaking BARNEY PURPLE, ok, the paint code says dark amnethyst... but it's blurple to me. All of that being said, i love driving this glorious POS.
January 2, 2009It is a decent SUV for the person looking to get a winter vehicle.
January 2, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $34,545 | Seating 8 |
Engine 4.7L 303 hp V8 Flex Fuel Vehicle | Cargo Capacity 51.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
Base MSRP $26,335 | Seating 8 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
