The Durango is a long running Dodge brand with a history of excellence. As a full-size SUV, the Durango offers the reliability and comfort U.S. drivers crave; with added technology, it’s no wonder Durango fans flooded the Body Shop at Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit for a brief glimpse at the forthcoming 2015 model.
Interested in the Dodge Durango? Visit your local NJ Dodge dealership to test drive this powerful vehicle. If you’re not quite sold, read on to learn about the exciting features in this SUV.
The Basics of the Durango
The Durango, a descendant of the Dodge Dakota truck, is a macho, full-sized SUV with aggressive styling and a powerful engine. The vehicle is quite popular among car modification enthusiasts who enjoy personalizing the Durango with aftermarket add-ons.
The 2014 Durango builds upon popular features of previous Durangos. Dodge has doubled down on the Durango’s in-your-face styling, and a taillight design reminiscent of the muscular Dodge Charger. The 2014 Durango also adds an eight-speed transmission that boosts performance and fuel economy.
Durango Enthusiasts Unite
Dodge has built a solid relationship with its customers with the Durango. The Durango Owners Club – a 2,000 strong group of Durango enthusiasts met at the Body Shop at Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit. There, 15 members of the club got a preview of the 2015 model.
Club members got to show off their personalized Durangos, take a tour of the plant and meet Dodge execs and designers involved with the Durango.
Steve Smits, a Durango owner and winner of the 2013 All-Chrysler Nationals in Carlisle, Pa. explained why the Durango engages the enthusiasm of drivers like himself.
“It’s a muscle SUV,” Smits said. ”I’m in love with the styling and I dare to be different. I’m the guy that stands out in a sea of other brand vehicles and being able to see where the vehicle is created and then head to the Dream Cruise in my Durango is a great day in my book.” ?
Durango History
The Dodge Durango hit the U.S. market in 1998. The original Durango design took several cues from the Dodge Dakota truck. The Durango was marketed as a powerful towing SUV that could accommodate eight passengers.
The original generation of Durangos were mid-size SUVs, but the second generation, which began production in 2003, stepped up in size. The new Durango retained its power, with V-6 and V-8 engine options. Dodge discontinued the Durango in 2009 in the midst of the global economic crisis which greatly reduced the demand for full-size SUVs.
Dodge revived the Durango in 2011. The new Durango shares several design features with the Jeep Cherokee, which is manufactured with the Durango at the Jefferson Ave. Assembly Plant in Detroit.
The new Durango has a standard V-6 engine but consumers can upgrade to a V-8 engine. The V-6 version provides plenty of towing power, while the V-8 Hemi version provides incredible performance for even the toughest of jobs. The V-8 also has a fuel saver mode that helps boost fuel economy by deactivating four of the eight cylinders when they’re not needed.
The Durango’s best sales year was in 1999 when more than 189,000 units were sold. Since its revival, sales have been climbing; in 2013 the Durango sold 60,727 units. Dodge dealers in N.J. can help consumers eager to learn more about the Durango, providing information and even a test drive.
Inside the 2014 Durango
The 2014 Durango provides a comfortable ride, lots of space and performance – making it more than just the glorified station wagon that some full-sized SUVs are criticized of being. The 2014 model’s new eight-speed transmission also contributes to better gas mileage and performance.
The new Durango gets 18 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway, about average for a full-size SUV. Reviewers give the Durango high marks for its responsiveness on the road, commenting that it is quite nimble for a full-size SUV.
Inside the vehicle, the Durango is constructed with top-quality materials that contribute to the comfort of the vehicle. Equipped standard with the vehicle include tri-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, the UConnect infotainment system, heated electric mirrors and a few other options. Optional features include a navigation system, rearview camera, parking assistance, heated seats, heated steering wheel, a Class IV hitch receiver, 20-inch polished wheels and more.
The 2014 Dodge Durango has won a number of awards and recognitions, including:
· 2014 Consumer Guide Best Buy
· Finalist for Motor Trend’s SUV of the Year Award
· Styling praised by Car and Driver
· Recognized for versatility, handling and maneuverability by Consumer Guide 2014.
For drivers who want a muscle car in an SUV body, the 2014 Dodge Durango is their best choice. Its size, styling and the brute strength of its engine make it a high-performance large SUV. Auto consumers in the Butler area can check out the Durango at their nearest Dodge dealer in N.J.
