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Had a Dodge Durango rental car this weekend in Seattle (after our Ford Expedition was broken into while parked outside our hotel...i'll withhold the Seattle commentary until later).

My impression: If you need to feel like you're driving a school bus but don't want the hassle of a separate driving exam, get a Durango.

It was a lot easier to maneuver in parking lots than the Expedition, but floated all over the road at highway speeds. Brakes were there, but were used sparingly to reduce the amount of dive under braking.

The car was also a lot smaller than the Expedition on the inside: smaller trunk area and much narrower with 7 passengers on board. The seats are hard as stones and have little adjustability. The interior was generally harsh and unccomfortable for all passengers.

The radio simply stinks, the Expedition at least had decent/clear sound.

Oh, and the 15.3 MPG we encountered on our 200+ mile drive from Seattle to Vancouver was attrocious! (We named our white stallion "Louie" after the Vancouver Aquarium's Beluga Whales because it was big, white, and blubbery.)

Overall, I can't imagine why anyone would buy one of these things. They're OK for a family vacation rental, but day-to-day was one of the numbest and worst driving experiences I have ever had.

Ford wins, DCX looses, big time!

A friend of mine has one that we borrowed for a weekend once. I didn't care for it either. Way too soft riding and the windsheild/roof point was too low for me. Deep discounts, though which is how they sell. 2WD SLT w/ decent equipment for $22k, about $14k off MSRP. Can't touch an Expy or the new GM's for that price.

$22k is still way too much, IMO. that thing shouldn't be worth more than $15k new. prices on these beasts is ridiculous!

A decent Durango (SLT w/ the 5.7L Hemi) is better on gas, better power and not that bad at all.

Though, the '03+ Expeditions are sweet and when properly equipped they are very hard to beat.

Our office has a whole fleet of Durango's, including mine. I hate them, hate them all. I actually prefer to drive my own cars, and pay for the gas myself, than to drive these things, and they are all brand new, XM radio, the works.

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I found the complete package lacking, and the design of the second row seat mechanism dangerous. It's very easy to hit yourself in the head when raising the seat due to the operation of the seat release.

Note: it has a twin called the Chrysler Aspen, a name I find hilarious.

Meh I thought the previous Durango was a much better vehicle, especially when equipped with der 360 Magnum...

I've driven my mom's '03 around, and it isn't bad at all. Plenty of cargo room and space, the seat folding thing is surprisingly helpful, and I thought the sound system was very good for a factory unit. My only gripes with the thing are that the 4.7L is a little wimpy on the top-end, despite the 5-speed auto attached to it, and the steering is a little goofy. It'll go naturally from center, then after about a quarter turn either way and the ratio quickens for some reason. REALLY ANNOYING OFF-ROAD. The steering in my Silverado does nothing of the sort. Nice and linear, very predictable you know? Overall, I wouldn't mind haveing a Durango, just not the new ones, cuz they're ugly as sin...

And with all the snow you guys get in Texas, I bet your mom really needs a big 4WD SUV.

There's more to 4x4's than driving in snow. Such as driving out in the beautiful Texas hill country.

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