I am in DaimlerChrysler's employee lease program, and I currently have two 2005 Durangos. One of them is much nicer, with a Hemi, and the other is a much less elegant model with a smaller engine. While the Hemi model is obviously much quicker, the model with the smaller engine is still very nice.

DaimlerChrysler completely reworked the Durango in 2004, as this is the 2005 model year, any initial bugs have been worked out. DaimlerChrysler did an awesome job with the engineering of this beast. Despite the Durango's enormous size, it rides just as nicely as a small car!

The car looks great, especially the higher-end models with painted bumpers. Most of the other SUV models on the market are pretty aged, and the Durango has a great new look to it, yet keeps a classic American styling. The Durango doesn't have the ugly looks of many of the newer Asian entries to the SUV market (Honda Element)

The engineering of the car is great. The HEMI engine is awesome! You can feel the power when you accelerate onto the highway, yet the engine is very quiet. The Durango rides like a car, and for an SUV, it has great handling.

The interior of the car is fully configurable. The higher-end models have luxurious interiors, but the lower-end models have interiors that are obviously built for use. The Durango can be used as a family car or as a work truck. Fold down the seats in back, and you have a lot of room to carry whatever you want. Of course, not the freedom of a pick-up bed, but still a lot of room. If you are looking to conceal stuff in the car, you might not be able to. The only real space to conceal stuff is in the back of the car with a compartment under the floor. Seats fold into the floor, so there isn't a whole lot of room underneath.

I've had 4 of the newer model Durangos now (two each 2004 and 2005), and they are great, high-quality vehicles. I can't recall a single problem with either of them. Chrysler did a great job with the Durango.
Amount Paid (US$): leased
Condition: New