I have loved the durango when they frist came out i would like to know with is the best out of the first generation. I want to buy one but i wanted to see what anyone would say this could make up my answer on what year to buy.
any replys will be considered thanks

 

my personal preference is the 5.2 or 5.9 engine. i have a 5.2 98 and love it. cousin has a 2000 5.9 durango and its a beast. all depends on what your looking for

 

i would like a 5.2 but i have been doing some research and found that the 2000 have lots of over heating issues so i would like to stay away from a 2000 what other years are good and reliable or the best made durango

 

I have a 01 w/4.7l that hasn't given me any engine trouble plus it gets better mileage then the 5.9

 

no common overheating issues on ANY year

and 2003 came with 4 wheel disc brakes, and is generally considered to be the best year to buy if you can pull it off, 4.7l engine for efficiency, 5.9 if you want power.

 

i have been doing some more research and found that the 2000 and earlier have had engine slug problems
right now im looking at an 03 durango because it doesnt seem to have any problems with engine slug and i like the fact about four disc brakes
im looking for one with four wheel drive and a 5.2 i want power but i want the extra two miles per gallon lol
is there any common problems with the 03s that im not seeing

 

all that sludge talk is nothing but BS!!! There have also not been chronic overheating problems on any 1st gen durangos. Who ever told you that is full of crap.

oh, and 99 was the last year you could get a 5.2L with 4wd, and after 2000 they dropped in completely.

 

I would say an 03 cuz of the brakes and also you can get that 5.9 engine and 4wd. I wouldve loved to have a 5.9 instead of a 4.7, but im working with what i got.

 

if you 2003 the 5.2 is NOT available, you have the 4.7 or the 5.9 available to choose from

also all sludge claims on these engines are complete BULL****!!! there is only ONE cause of sludge and that is lack of maintance (even poor maintance will usually keep it at bay)

again you need to be careful what you read (more where you read it) and take anything you read on most sites with a grain of salt, this site is one of the best resources on this truck out there, and many other sites out there spread incorrect or biased information (especially those review sites, only the people with problems leave posts there so you only see the problems that exist)

 

There is no sludge issues. If an engine has sludge build up, it's problaby due to a blown plenum that antifreeze gets mixed in with the engine oil. Otherwise, it does not exist if the user maintains their truck and check their checklist now and then to make sure engine is purring along.

Otherwise, I would go with a 2000 for first generation interior or 2003 for 2nd generation interior.

After 2000, you will only have the option of the 4.7/5.9 engines.