Editing Dodge Durango (section)

=={{anchor|DN}}First generation (DN; 1997)==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = First generation
| image = 98-03 Dodge Durango.jpg
| caption = 1998-2003 Dodge Durango
| production = 1997–2003
| model_years = 1998–2003
| assembly = [[Newark, Delaware]], [[United States]] ([[Newark Assembly]])
| designer = Dennis Myles (1995)
| platform = [[List of Chrysler platforms|Chrysler DN platform]]
| related = [[Dodge Dakota#1997|Dodge Dakota]]
| engine = {{convert|239|cuin|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} ''[[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 3.9 L V6|Magnum]]'' [[V6 engine|V6]] <br /> {{convert|287|cuin|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} ''[[Chrysler PowerTech engine#4.7|Power Tech]]'' [[V8 engine|V8]] <br /> {{convert|318|cuin|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} ''[[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 5.2 L V8|Magnum]]'' V8 <br /> {{convert|360|cuin|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} ''[[Chrysler LA engine#5.9 L Magnum V8|Magnum]]'' V8
| transmission = 4-speed ''[[TorqueFlite]]'' [[automatic transmission|automatic]] <br /> 4-speed ''[[Chrysler RFE transmission#45RFE and 545RFE|RFE]]'' automatic <br /> 5-speed ''[[Chrysler RFE transmission#45RFE and 545RFE|RFE]]'' automatic
| wheelbase = {{convert|116.2|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|193.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (2001–2003) <br />{{convert|193.3|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (1997–2000)
| width = {{convert|71.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (1997–2000) <br />{{convert|71.3|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (2000–2003)
| height = {{convert|70.0|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (2001–2003) <br />{{convert|72.9|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (1997–2000)
| weight = {{cvt|4689|lb|kg}}
}}

The Durango was marketed as a sturdy truck-based SUV designed to hold up to seven passengers and tow up to {{cvt|7,500|lbs|kg}} when properly equipped.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top 10 Vehicles for Towing |url=http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/top10/102426/article.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090831070459/http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/top10/102426/article.html |archive-date=August 31, 2009 |access-date=2010-02-08 |website=Edmunds.com}}</ref> The Durango shared a front end, instrument panel, and front seats with the Dakota pickup on which it was based, and its taillights and liftgate handle with [[Chrysler minivans (NS)|Chrysler's minivan models of the time]] (the [[Dodge Caravan]], [[Plymouth Voyager]] and [[Chrysler Town & Country]]). Original designs of the eight-passenger Durango featured a rear-facing third-row similar to many older [[station wagons]]. To make room for a more practical forward-facing third row, Dodge shortened the length of the front doors and raised the roof two inches (5&nbsp;cm) beyond the front seats, allowing for [[stadium seating]]. The Durango's roof rack was designed to mask the appearance of the raised roof.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Developing the 1997-2003 Dodge Durango Interior |url=http://www.allpar.com/model/durango-trucks/interior.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150720225733/http://www.allpar.com/model/durango-trucks/interior.html |archive-date=2015-07-20 |access-date=2015-07-17 |website=Allpar.com}}</ref>

The 4.7&nbsp;L [[Chrysler PowerTech engine#4.7|Magnum]] [[V8 engine|V8]] replaced the 5.2&nbsp;L [[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 5.2 L V8|Magnum]] V8 engine for 2000; however, the 5.2 was still available in the early 2000 models. In that same year, a special [[All-wheel drive|AWD]] performance version called the R/T was released with a 5.9&nbsp;L [[Chrysler LA engine#5.9 L Magnum V8|Magnum]] V8. In 1999 and 2000, a limited-edition [[Shelby American|Shelby]] S.P.360 version was offered that featured a supercharged version of the 5.9&nbsp;L [[Chrysler LA engine#5.9 L Magnum V8|Magnum]] V8 engine. Output is {{cvt|360|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=}} and {{convert|412|lbft|Nm|abbr=on}} of torque. Exterior modifications include unique wheels, tires, suspension, and bumpers. It came standard with Viper blue paint with two racing stripes down the center of the truck. It had a {{cvt|0|to|60|mph}} time of 7.1 seconds. The top speed was {{cvt|142|mph|km/h}}.

===Model year changes===
[[File:2001 Dodge Durango Sport -- NHTSA 02.jpg|thumb|Dodge Durango Sport]]
For 1999, the Durango was made available with [[two-wheel drive]]. A 3.9&nbsp;L [[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 3.9 L V6|Magnum]] V6 engine was available, but few were sold. Minor changes were made for the second year, two new paint colors, and options that included {{convert|6|x|9|in|mm |adj=on}} heated rearview mirrors and steering-wheel-mounted radio controls. Leather seats became standard on SLT&nbsp;Plus models, and body-color wheel flares became standard on SLT Plus and four-wheel drive models.

The 2000 model year included a new 4.7&nbsp;L [[Chrysler PowerTech engine#4.7|Magnum]] V8 engine, which replaced the reliable 5.2&nbsp;L [[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 5.2 L V8|Magnum]] V8, as the standard engine for four-wheel drive models. The 3.9&nbsp;L [[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 3.9 L V6|Magnum]] V6 engine was no longer available, leaving only V8s for the rest of the production run. The high-performance Durango R/T came equipped with a performance-tuned 5.9&nbsp;L [[Chrysler LA engine#5.9 L Magnum V8|Magnum]] V8 and all-wheel drive.

For 2001, Dodge focused on interior upgrades as Durango's interior trim panels, dash-mounted controls, instrument panel, overhead console, and steering wheel were all redesigned. The [[transfer case]] selector on 4X4 models changed from a manual lever on the console to a switch on the dash. The instrument cluster was updated, and an electronic vehicle information center was incorporated into the overhead console. For improved rear passenger comfort, a dual-zone climate-control system was added as standard equipment. Sound systems were improved on all models and now came standard with six speakers. Other minor changes included door panels, revised seats, aluminum wheels, and minor changes to trim options.

In 2002, the new SXT version of the Durango was offered as the entry-level trim package. Optional side curtain airbags were added for safety. The 2003 Durango featured minor mechanical changes, most notable was the addition of four-wheel [[disc brake]]s.

In 1999, the 4WD 5.2&nbsp;L V8 and the 4WD 5.9&nbsp;L V8 held the best crash test results, earning a 6.8 out of 10 total rating.

===Trim levels===
* 1998–2003 - '''SLT''': Most basic trim level of the Durango from 1998 to 2000. Midrange trim level of the Durango from 2001 to 2003. '''SLT''' emblem. Included: cloth upholstery, keyless entry, power doors, locks and windows, 15-inch alloy wheels, and an AM/FM stereo with cassette player and four speakers.
* 1998–2003 - '''SLT PLUS''': Most luxurious trim level of the Durango from 1998 to 2003. Included luxury features. Based on the '''SLT''' trim level. Never featured an '''SLT Plus''' emblem, but only an '''SLT''' emblem. Added: fog lamps, floor mats for the rear seat area, leather upholstery, power driver's seat, security alarm, and an AM/FM stereo with single CD and cassette players with a graphic equalizer, Infinity sound system with 8 speakers, and steering wheel audio controls.
* 2000–2003 - '''Sport''': More basic trim level of the Durango from 2000 to 2003. Included basic features. Based on the '''SXT''' trim level. '''Sport''' decals.
* 2000–2003 - '''SXT''': Most basic trim level of the Durango from 2000 to 2003. Included basic features. '''SXT''' decals.
* 2000–2003 - '''R/T''': "high-performance" trim level of the Durango from 2000 to 2003. Included luxury and performance-oriented features. Based on the '''SLT Plus''' trim level. '''R/T''' emblems.

The '''SLT''', '''SLT Plus''', and '''Sport''' trim levels offered the 3.9&nbsp;L Magnum V6 engine as standard equipment (late availability starting in 1999), with the 5.2&nbsp;L and 5.9&nbsp;L Magnum V8 engines being available options, later switching to the 4.7&nbsp;L Power-Tech V8 engine, with the 5.9&nbsp;L Magnum V8 engine optional. The '''R/T''' and '''S.P. 360''' trim levels included the 5.9&nbsp;L Magnum V8 engine as standard equipment.

===Engines===
* 1998–2000 — {{convert|318|cuin|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} [[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 5.2 L V8|Magnum]] [[V8 engine|V8]], {{cvt|230|hp|0|abbr=}} & {{cvt|300|lbft|0|abbr=}} of torque
* 1998–2003 — {{convert|360|cuin|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} [[Chrysler LA engine#5.9 L Magnum V8|Magnum]] V8, {{cvt|245|hp|kW}} & 330&nbsp;lb·ft (449 N·m) of torque
* 1999 — {{convert|238|cuin|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} [[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 3.9 L V6|Magnum]] [[V6 engine|V6]], {{cvt|175|hp|kW}} & 225&nbsp;lb·ft (305 N·m) of torque
* 1999–2000 — {{convert|360|cuin|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} [[Supercharger|Supercharged]] [[Chrysler LA engine#5.9 L Magnum V8|Magnum]] V8, {{cvt|360|hp|0|abbr=}} & 412&nbsp;lb·ft (559 N·m) of torque
* 2000–2003 — {{convert|360|cuin|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} [[Chrysler LA engine#5.9 L Magnum V8|Magnum]] V8, {{cvt|250|hp|0|abbr=}} & 345&nbsp;lb·ft (469 N·m) of torque
* 2000–2003 — {{convert|287|cuin|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} [[Chrysler PowerTech engine#4.7|PowerTech]] V8, {{cvt|235|hp|kW}} & 295&nbsp;lb·ft (400 N·m) of torque

===Transmissions===
* 42RE 4-speed ''[[TorqueFlite#A500 (40RH/42RH/40RE/42RE/44RE)|TorqueFlite]]'' [[automatic transmission|automatic]] - 3.9&nbsp;L V6
* 45RFE 4-speed ''[[Chrysler RFE transmission#45RFE and 545RFE|RFE]]'' automatic (2000–2002) - 4.7&nbsp;L V8
* 545RFE 5-speed ''[[Chrysler RFE transmission#45RFE and 545RFE|RFE]]'' automatic (2003) - 4.7&nbsp;L V8
* 44RE 4-speed ''[[TorqueFlite#A500 (40RH/42RH/40RE/42RE/44RE)|TorqueFlite]]'' automatic - 5.2&nbsp;L V8
* 46RE 4-speed ''[[TorqueFlite#A518 (46RH/46RE)|TorqueFlite]]'' automatic - 5.9&nbsp;L V8
{{clear}}