2005 DODGE DURANGO NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2005 Dodge Durango?
An all-new Durango Adventurer model debuts this year, which features your choice between a standard Thule (too-lee) accessory roof rack with one of six attachments; or an Adventurer Accessory Kit with satin silver tubular step rails and roof rack side rails, a set of reversible slush mats, a rubberized cargo liner with built-in organizer, unique wheels, side moldings, and gray-painted front and rear fascias. In other news, the Durango SXT model adds roof side rails, body color moldings, molded running boards and a six-disc in-dash CD changer to the standard equipment list. Heated seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with secondary controls can be installed on SLT models, and a full-screen navigation system is offered for Limited models. The 2005 Dodge Durango's third-row seat is now available with cloth upholstery instead of the vinyl that was formerly standard across the board, and automatic headlamps are included with the Interior Convenience group. Finally, Mineral Gray replaces the former Graphite Metallic paint color.

Advantages of the 2005 Dodge Durango:

• Room for seven in three rows of seats
• Large maximum cargo and towing capacities
• Stout Hemi V8 engine option
• Ride, steering, handling and braking exceptional for the class

Objections to the 2005 Dodge Durango:

• Below average fuel economy
• Impaired rearward visibility
• Inexpensive, mismatched interior materials
• Head toss when driving on lumpy pavement or off-road
• No stability control system

Editor's Advice:
Advertising for the Dodge Durango claims that it represents a blend of luxury and strength. That's not exactly accurate, because the interior materials would be, in several cases, barely acceptable in a Neon. However, this is one SUV that offers high levels of occupant comfort and cargo capacity. Mechanically, Dodge has done an excellent job of fine-tuning the powertrain, brakes, suspension and steering. Ride quality on smooth pavement is commendable, but there's plenty of head toss on undulating road surfaces. Rearward visibility is not good, and fuel economy with the optional Hemi V8 is not likely to impress. Now sized more like a Chevy Tahoe than a Chevrolet TrailBlazer, the Durango is likely to appeal to families who value expressive design combined with towing capacity and space for seven adults. Dodge will, however, need to add availability of a stability control system if it expects the Durango to remain competitive.