The 2004 Dodge Durango is disappointing. The SUV boasts a powerful lineup of V6 and V8 engines to choose from, a spacious interior, and plenty of options. It’s also very costly to keep fueled up, expensive to fix, and prone to early breakdown.
Is the 2004 Dodge Durango a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – The 2004 Dodge Durango has a lot going for it, but it’s just not worth what it’s going to cost you.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – No complaints on this front. This is about as comfortable as it gets outside of a luxury RV.
- Reliability 6/10 – The Durango is a gamble. Sometimes they reach 250,000 miles without issue, other times they clunk out before 150,000.
- Safety 6/10 – Mediocre crash test scores and outdated technology add up to an underwhelming safety rating.
- Gas Mileage 6/10 – The 2004 Tahoe delivers more horsepower on less fuel. The Durango is a gas hog even by full-size SUV standards.
- Value 6/10 – Don’t be fooled by the low sticker price. Thanks to constant repairs and poor fuel economy, you’ll be paying back every dollar you save.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2004 Dodge Durango?
Consumer Reports found the 2004 Dodge Durango less “truck-like” than its predecessors, though still a bit clunky on the road. They had no complaints in the comfort department, but report that the engine noise is louder than some drivers will like.
Kelley Blue Book users give the Durango a solid 90% recommendation, praising the interior, the powerful V8 engines, and the vehicle’s ability to overcome the worst road conditions. But, expensive fixes may add up quick, with one driver reporting a thousand dollar exhaust leak.
Edmunds found the V8 engines powerful, but thirsty, the interior roomy, but not as roomy as previous models, and the overall ride quality to be smooth. They note the handsome design of the Durango as a plus, too.
What Common Problems Does the 2004 Dodge Durango Have?
The 2004 Dodge Durango has 1,110 complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Of these, 325 are for the engine, and another 99 are for the powertrain. The main issue here: Exhaust manifold leaks, eventually leading to engine failure.
There are 239 complaints on file for electrical issues, with a leading problem being that the transmission motor case actuator will switch on and off on its own. This component is necessary for transferring power from the transmission into the wheels, so if it’s not working, neither is your car.
The Durango has been recalled three times for airbags, there are two airbag investigations still open, and there are 143 airbag complaints on file, mostly pertaining to airbag lights staying on after the recall.
In total the Durango has been recalled 9 times, which isn’t a lot for a twenty year old vehicle. But those 9 investigations and 1,110 NHTSA complaints are worrying.
How Long Will the 2004 Dodge Durango Last?
The Dodge Durango typically lasts around 250,000 miles with regular maintenance. But, the 2004 model has a lot of recurring issues with the engine and powertrain so we’re seeing a lot of models struggling to pass 150,000 miles, let alone a quarter million.
RepairPal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $675, with the most expensive common fix being a new head gasket, starting at around $1,752. At that cost, it might be more economical to simply replace the whole SUV.
Have 224k+ miles on it means that I will have some problems. But it's basically regular maintenance. I've had to replace an ac line and an exhaust manifold. Just basic breakdown from having so many miles on it.
Very reliable. We have never had any major issues with our Durango. Regular maintenance keeps the vehicle in good shape.
It is very reliable. The only problems I've had are rust on the back wheel wells. My key fob also only works intermittently.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology isn’t bad for a 2004 SUV. The entry level ST comes with a CD player and four speakers, and you can upgrade that to a 6-disc changer, eight speakers, and an MP3 player in the Limited edition. Phone connectivity would be years away at this point, but not everyone had an MP3 player in 2004.
Safety features are basic but adequate. You’ve got anti-lock brakes and full airbags, but newer features like rearview cameras wouldn’t be commonplace for awhile.
Is the 2004 Dodge Durango a Good Value?
The 2004 Dodge Durango might not be worth the cost. A mid-range SLT typically lists for around $4,309, which isn’t bad, but when you add in the potential for early breakdown, a long list of powertrain issues, and less-than-stellar fuel economy, it’s just not a great deal.
What are the Different Models of the 2004 Dodge Durango?
The 2004 Durango is offered in three trim levels, from the base SL to the high-end Limited.
With the entry-level SL you’re getting:
- Cloth seating
- CD player with four speakers
- Manual air conditioning
- Remote keyless entry
- Power windows and door locks
The mid-range SLT adds:
- Rear air conditioning with independent controls
- Premium cloth seating
- Full bench third row
- Driver lumbar support
In the top-of-the-line Limited you get:
- Automatic air conditioning
- 8-way power driver seat
- Leather seating
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- 6-disc CD changer with eight speakers
- Heated mirrors
What Engines Come In the 2004 Dodge Durango?
- The base engine in the Durango is a 3.7L Magnum V6 delivering 235 lb.-ft. of torque and 210 horsepower. This is configured in rear wheel drive and paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission. You can expect to get around 14/19 miles to the gallon with this engine, city/highway.
- Next up is a 4.7L Magnum V8 delivering 230 horsepower and 290 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 5-speed automatic transmission and configured in four wheel drive. This one averages 12/17 miles to the gallon.
- Finally you have a hefty 5.7L Magnum V8 delivering a whopping 335 horsepower and 375 lb.-ft. of torque. This one is configured in four wheel drive, paired to a 5-speed automatic, and averages 12/16 miles to the gallon.
What Colors Does the 2004 Dodge Durango Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2004 Dodge Durango?
The 2004 Durango is pretty comfortable. It offers 57.2 inches of rear hip room, the front seats are nice and sturdy with solid lumbar support in the higher trim levels, and the suspension has held up over the years.
If you really want to look for issues with the cabin, the engine runs a bit loud. But this is nitpicking. The Durango offers one of the more comfortable interiors in its size class and price range.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2004 Dodge Durango Have?
With the cargo space alone you’ve got 20.1 cubic feet for storing your luggage. With the back row down you’ve got 68.4 cubic feet of space, and with both rows down you’ve got a cavernous 102.4 cubic feet. If you ran a bakery you could make the morning deliveries with this SUV.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The 2004 Dodge Durango was the first of the 2nd Generation for the vehicle, running until the 2009 edition.
2002: Changes for 2002 included improved sound systems with six speakers across all trims, and some exterior improvements including new aluminum wheels and redesigned door panels.
2003: Changes for 2003 were minor, with the biggest being the addition of four-wheel disc brakes.
2004: For the second gen relaunch, the Durango was fitted with a new set of coil-spring shocks for the rear axle, along with a Watt’s linkage system, and overhauled steering to give it more of a car-like feel. The 5.7L Magnum engine made its debut in 2004, as well.
2005: 2005 saw the debut of the off-road Adventurer model, plus the addition of heated cloth seats and full-screen navigation systems.
2006: Dodge dropped the ST trim in 2006.
2007: The Durango was given a visual redesign in 2007, aiming for a more muscular appearance.
How Does the 2004 Dodge Durango Compare to the Competition?
For all of the 2004 Durango’s strengths, it’s outclassed by the leading full-size SUVs in overall value simply because the Durango is so troubled with early-breakdown problems and expensive repairs.
A 2004 Ford Expedition offers comparable performance to a Durango at the same price, but it’s far more likely to hit that first 250,000 miles. A 2004 Chevy Tahoe runs a couple thousand dollars more, but it’s also more powerful, more reliable, and features more robust interior options.
If you go out and buy a 2004 Dodge Durango, it might well make it past 250,000 miles. But you’re rolling the dice. It could pass a quarter million, or the engine could fall right out at 180,000. With so many great full-size SUVs on the market it’s simply not worth the risk.
Do Owners Recommend the 2004 Dodge Durango?
Yes! The only thing I don't like is the gas mileage. It is high up, smooth ride, great air conditioning, heated seats, leather, DVD player my girls love. It's a great ride
Yes, the only drawback is that it eats up a lot of gas but it is very spacious for a large family. It is a smooth ride and handles off road very well.
Yes. My hemi engine allows me to pull things and accelerate quickly. I love how roomy it is on the inside. I haven't had any major mechanical issues.
