For 1999, the Durango was made available with two-wheel drive. A 3.9 L Magnum V6 engine was available, but few were sold. Minor changes were made for the second year, two new paint colors and notable options available including 6-by-9-inch (150 mm × 230 mm) heated rear view mirrors and steering wheel-mounted radio controls. Leather seats became standard on SLT 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 L Magnum V8 engine, which replaced the reliable 5.2 L Magnum V8, as the standard engine for four-wheel drive models. The 3.9 L 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 L 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 SX speakers. Other minor changes include: door panels, revised seats, aluminium 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 brakes.
In 1999, the following models: 4WD 5.2L V8, 4WD 5.9L V8 hold the best crash test results in this Durango year and manufacturing, with it holding a 6.8 out of 10 total rating.
The SLT, SLT Plus, and Sport trim levels offered the 3.9 L Magnum V6 engine as standard equipment (late availability starting in 1999), with the 5.2 L and 5.9 L Magnum V8 engines being available options, later switching to the 4.7 L Power-Tech V8 engine, with the 5.9 L Magnum V8 engine optional. The R/T and S.P. 360 trim levels included the 5.9 L Magnum V8 engine as standard equipment.
The second-generation Durango was first shown as a concept dubbed Dodge Durango R/T concept at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show. It debuted shortly before the companion Dakota. Like the Dakota, it has much in common with the large Dodge Ram pickup, including a fully boxed frame. It is 7 in (180 mm) longer, 2 in (51 mm) wider, and 3 in (76 mm) taller than the previous model. It also offered a third-row bench with three seats, giving it an eight-seat capacity. The design took its styling primarily from the Dodge Powerbox concept, which was itself based on the 1999 Dodge Power Wagon concept, and the 2003-2004 Durango R/T concept.
Debuting for 2004 was a new coil-spring rear suspension for the solid rear axle. A Watt's linkage system is fitted to the rear axle, centering the axle and reducing rear-end skate over rough surfaces, and allowing a lower and wider cargo floor.
ST (renamed SE later): 2005-2009: Most basic trim level, basic features. Included: cloth upholstery, 17" steel rims with hubcaps, antilock brakes, keyless entry, tilt steering wheel with speed control, an AM/FM stereo with single-CD player, and air conditioning. SXT added grey running boards, and an AM/FM stereo with 6-disc CD changer with MP3 capability.
SXT: 2003-2009: Most basic trim level, basic features.
SLT: 2003-2009: Value-oriented trim level, value-added features, optional luxury features. Added: premium cloth upholstery, power driver's seat, 7-passenger seating, rear air conditioning, and fog lamps. SLT G package added overhead console with compass, temperature, trip odometer, average fuel economy, and distance to empty, an AM/FM stereo with 6-disc CD changer with MP3 capability, 276 watt Infinity audio system with 8 speakers, 17" alloy rims, Sentry Key, security alarm, garage door opener, and dual sun visors.
Adventurer: 2005-2007: Value-oriented and "off-road-look" trim level, value-added features, optional luxury features. Added: V8 engine, 17" alloy rims, rear cargo organizer, and floor mats.
Limited: 2003-2009: Most luxurious trim level, luxury features. Added: leather upholstery, power adjustable pedals, auto-dimming rear view mirror, an AM/FM stereo with 6-disc CD changer with MP3 capability, a 378 watt Infinity sound-system with 8 speakers and subwoofer, memory system for driver's seat, mirrors, stereo, and pedals, automatic headlamps, automatic temp control, power mirrors, and leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and speed controls.
All trim levels offered the 4.7L Power-Tech V8 engine as standard equipment, though the 5.7 L HEMI V8 engine was available on all trim levels, except for the base SXT trim level. The base SXT trim level also offered the 3.7 L Power-Tech V6 engine as standard equipment in place of the 5.7 L HEMI V8 engine option, though the V6 engine option was only available on the base SXT trim level, and only between 2004 and 2007.
The 2004 Dodge Durango was the first SUV in DaimlerChrysler's lineup to introduce the 5.7 L HEMI V8 engine, as well as a new radio design and modernized interior features.
The 2007 model year featured a facelift that debuted at the Dallas Auto Show in April 2006. It featured a redesigned grille, hood, headlamps, fenders, and wheels. New features included electronic stability control, a tire pressure-monitoring system, rear park assist, and a one-touch turn signal.
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