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2006 Dodge Durango

Horsepower. Once you get some, you always want more. That's why Durango features the available 5.7-liter HEMI® V8 engine with a best-in-class* 335 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque.

Other engines and features:

- 3.7-liter V6 provides 210 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque

- 4.7-liter V8 provides 235 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque

- Choice of four- or five-speed transmissions

The world is getting smaller, and it has nothing to do with technology. Bigger than most of its full-size competition, Durango maneuvers and drives like a smaller SUV, yet provides all the space you need for comfortable trips with family, friends and gear.

To get a really smooth ride out of most vehicles you need to pay more to get a better suspension system. With Durango, the smooth ride comes standard. That's because every Durango features a long wheelbase and wide track, a coil-sprung solid-axle rear suspension with a Watt's linkage to control lateral motion, rack-and-pinion steering, torsion bar independent front suspension, and a hydroformed box-section frame for added stiffness.

Two available all-wheel-drive (AWD) electronic shift transfer cases—single speed and two speed—are engaged at all times and controlled by a switch on the instrument panel. Both provide traditional part-time four-wheel drive for maximum traction on slippery surfaces. Best of all, standard full-time AWD 'set-it-and-forget-it' is always there when you need it.

Security

Durango features patented crush initiators in the octagonal front frame rail tips that are designed to absorb frontal impacts more effectively and consistently than other designs. In fact, Dodge Durango has received a five-star rating—the government's highest frontal crash test rating—for both driver and front-passenger safety.

Durango features an advanced air bag system that includes multistage front air bags along with an Occupant Classification System (OCS) for the passenger-side front air bag; in addition, an available side-curtain air bag system helps protect all three rows of seating.

The OCS measures the conditions for activation or deactivation of the passenger-side air bag based upon the weight of the occupant.

Calling all competition: Durango is ready, willing, and able to take on any and all SUVs. Despite some pretty fierce opposition, Durango is winning awards and grabbing headlines like 'Truck of the Year' and 'Best in Class'. And critics can't stop talking about its impressive size, power, capability, and overall value—a combination no other SUV can match.

by Dodge

by Dodge

2006 Dodge Durango Combines Increased Fuel Efficiency, Added Safety Features And Conveniences With 'Right Size' Suv Formula

• Multi-Displacement System (MDS) standard with Dodge Durango's 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine provides up to 20 percent fuel economy improvement

• Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and roll-sensing side-curtain air bags add to Dodge Durango's Five-Star safety rating

• Power rear liftgate, remote start and three-passenger third-row seat provide more convenience

The 2006 Dodge Durango adds several state-of-the-art technologies and conveniences, setting itself apart, again, from the crowded SUV market. The 2006 Dodge Durango offers all the power, capability and style with advances in fuel efficiency and safety-including Chrysler Group's Multi-Displacement System (MDS) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP)-that customers expect from a modern SUV.

'The 2006 Dodge Durango once more sets new standards for comfort, efficiency and safety, while living up to the 'utility' promise of sport-utility vehicles,' said Darryl Jackson, Vice President-Dodge Marketing, Chrysler Group. 'With best-in-class power, the ability to tow 8,950 lbs., seating for eight passengers and a host of new technologies and amenities, the Dodge Durango offers the ultimate combination of features in the right-size SUV.'

A significant contributor to Dodge Durango's improved fuel efficiency is MDS technology, which is now standard on the 2006 Dodge Durango's 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine. Customers will experience estimated fuel economy gains of up to 20 percent under various driving conditions.

The 2006 Dodge Durango also features a Clean Fuel option for 3.7-liter V-6 and 4.7-liter V-8 engines, which provides fleet customers the adaptability of operating their Durango on ethanol, gasoline or any mixture of the two. In addition, Variable Line Pressure (VLP) has been added to the four-speed automatic transmission, which is mated with the 3.7-liter V-6, resulting in improved fuel economy and smoother shifts.

Also new for the 2006 Dodge Durango is a power rear liftgate, three-passenger third-row 60/40 seat, remote start, Tip Start, two new 18-inch wheel options and standard 17-inch aluminum wheels.

The 2006 Dodge Durango is available in three trim levels: SXT (replaces ST), SLT and Limited. In addition, the Adventurer package, introduced in 2005, is also available for 2006.

Multi-Displacement System

With the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, the Dodge Durango is the most powerful large SUV on the market. For 2006 that esteemed power is available with maximum fuel economy through Chrysler Group's Multi-Displacement System.

'The Multi-Displacement System incorporated with the Dodge Durango's HEMI engine turns off four of the eight cylinders when the engine is under a light load-such as cruising down the highway-to conserve energy,' said Mike Donoughe, Vice President-Body-on-Frame Product team, Chrysler Group. 'The most amazing attribute to this system is how invisibly it operates. The HEMI can transition from eight cylinders to four in 40 milliseconds. Dodge Durango customers will now realize the fuel-efficiency benefits of MDS without sacrificing power and torque.'

MDS seamlessly alternates between smooth, high-fuel economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed, and eight-cylinder mode when more power from the 5.7L HEMI engine is in demand. The system deactivates the valve lifters. This keeps the valves in four cylinders closed, resulting in no combustion.

Durango customers receive the powerful benefit of the HEMI engine with the fuel economy that they-until now-could only expect from a smaller, less powerful engine.

Electronic Stability Program

New on the 2006 Dodge Durango is Chrysler Group's Electronic Stability Program, a feature available on all of Chrysler Group's 2006 SUVs. ESP aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability by providing oversteer and understeer control, to maintain vehicle behavior on road surfaces.

To optimize overall driving performance, ESP helps the driver maintain directional stability in rain, snow, ice or on dry pavement. The standard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) is equipped with electronic sensors that help to prevent wheel lockup, and provides excellent stability and maneuverability during braking on virtually every type of road surface.

The Perfect Blend of Size and Power

The 2006 Dodge Durango has the interior room, towing and hauling capability of a large SUV, but achieves the fuel efficiency, performance and handling of smaller full-size SUVs. With more cargo room than Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia, the 2006 Dodge Durango is the 'right size' SUV.

The 2006 Dodge Durango's standard powertrain is the 3.7-liter Magnum® V-6 that develops 210 horsepower (157 kW) and 235 lb.-ft. of torque (319 Nom). The 230 horsepower (175 kW) 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 engine is standard on all four-wheel drive Dodge Durangos. With 290 lb.-ft. of torque (393 Nom), the 4.7-liter provides smooth and responsive performance.

The award-winning HEMI's 335 horsepower (257 kW) and 370 lb.-ft. of torque (509 Nom) provides more than ample power for towing and hauling, and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine is available on the 2006 Dodge Durango SLT, Adventurer and Limited models. 'With a powerful V-6 Magnum engine as standard, an optional 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 and the class-leading HEMI V-8, the 2006 Dodge Durango has a lineup of engines that can't be matched,' said Donoughe. 'Unsurpassed in acceleration and towing, the 2006 Dodge Durango gives our customers exactly what they want.'

2006 Dodge Durango models with either the 4.7-liter V-8 or 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 offer a 'Tow/Haul' transmission feature that provides crisp shifts and reduces gear searching when towing by holding the lower gear longer. The system will also select a lower gear under downhill conditions to utilize the engine's braking capability.

Interior Roominess and Flexibility

The 2006 Dodge Durango interior is simple, roomy and user-friendly with a functional, yet elegant design. With best-in-class cargo capacity, offering a best-in-class 68.4 cu. ft. of cargo room with the third-row seats folded, Dodge Durango easily surpasses other full-size SUVs, with a more than 20 cu. ft. advantage over Ford Explorer.

Dodge Durango's flat load floor, created by folding down the second- and third-row seats, provides an enormous 102.4 cu. ft. of total cargo volume. Additionally, the distance between the wheelhouses in the rear cargo area is 48 inches wide-enough to transport standard 48-inch sheets of plywood.

With a new innovative 60/40 split third-row seat that boasts seating for three adults, Dodge Durango improves flexibility without losing capability. The second- and third-row seats feature ample leg, shoulder and hip room, and second-row seats include their own climate controls and a DVD entertainment system, as well as reclining seat backs.

A new power rear liftgate opens with the touch of a button to provide easy loading and unloading of gear. The rear doors open 84 degrees to provide passengers with easy entry and exit.

Smooth Ride

The 2006 Dodge Durango features a smooth and quiet ride, with precise handling-benefits of the Dodge Durango's torsionally stiff hydroformed frame and independent front suspension with rack and pinion steering.

'The Dodge Durango features a fully hydroformed frame and chassis that is unique to Durango,' said Donoughe. 'We have delivered an exceptional-handling SUV that delivers a refined driving experience, whether it's during a trip to the grocery store or a family vacation. In the crowded SUV market, the 2006 Dodge Durango's smooth ride truly distinguishes itself from the pack.'

Dodge Durango's smooth ride is also the result of a unique rear suspension with coil springs and a solid rear axle that delivers durability, payload and best-in-class towing capability. A Watt linkage system is fitted to the rear axle, centering the axle and reducing rear-end skate over rough surfaces. The rear suspension supports a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 6,600 lbs. and towing capacity of 8,950 lbs.

Five-Star Safety Rating

The Dodge Durango was awarded a Five-Star frontal impact rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2005. New for 2006 is a roll-sensing side-curtain air bag system that uses sensors to keep side-curtain air bags deployed longer in rollovers.

The Dodge Durango's hydroformed and fully boxed frame provides excellent crash protection. In addition, octagonal front frame rail tips with patented crush initiators are designed to consistently absorb frontal impacts.

Standard on the 2006 Dodge Durango is an advanced air bag system that includes dual-stage front air bags and an occupant-sensing system for the passenger-side front air bag. All seats in the Dodge Durango feature three-point shoulder belts, including a center-mounted, three-point shoulder belt incorporated into the second-row seating area.

Dodge Durango SXT

For 2006, Dodge Durango SXT replaces the ST and includes standard features such as power mirrors, air conditioning, illuminated entry, front and rear power outlets, bucket seats, a second-row 40/20/40 folding seat, AM/FM stereo radio with in-dash CD and four speakers, speed control, steering column tilt, power windows, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, Tip Start, a full-size spare tire, 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels, power door locks and remote keyless entry.

Optional features for the Dodge Durango SXT include running boards, rear air conditioning and heating controls, third-row bench, six-disc in-dash CD stereo radio, Skid Plate Group, roll sensing side curtain air bags, ESP and Trailer Tow Group.

Dodge Durango SLT

In addition to the standard equipment offered on the Dodge Durango SXT, the 2006 Dodge Durango SLT features fog lamps, woodgrain instrument panel, power driver seat and a 160-amp alternator.

Optional equipment includes power liftgate, power sun roof, overhead console with mini-trip computer, HomeLink® universal transceiver, power-adjustable pedals, leather front bucket seats, third-row three-passenger rear seat, heated front seats, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, eight premium speakers, a rear-seat video system, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, full-time four-wheel-drive shift-on-the-fly two-speed electronic transfer case, 17-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, security alarm, Sentry Key® engine immobilizer and Interior Convenience Group.

Dodge Durango Limited

In addition to the standard equipment offered on the Dodge Durango SLT, the 2006 Dodge Durango Limited is a premium model and includes heated auto-dimming side mirrors, power liftgate, premium instrument panel bezel, air conditioning with automatic temperature control, luxury floor mats, memory system for radio, driver seat, mirrors, air conditioning and adjustable pedals, auto-dimming rearview mirror, front heated bucket seats with premium leather, a second-row reclining 40/20/40 folding seat, power front passenger seat, AM/FM stereo radio with six-disc in-dash CD and MP3 player, eight premium speakers with subwoofer, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), 18-inch cast aluminum wheels, security alarm and Sentry® Key engine immobilizer.

Optional equipment for the 2006 Dodge Durango Limited includes AM/FM stereo radio with navigation system and six-disc in-dash CD/DVD player, UConnect™ hands-free communications system with Bluetooth™ wireless technology and 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels.

Dodge Durango Adventurer

The 2006 Dodge Durango Adventurer is designed for the outdoor enthusiast and includes standard features including a cargo management system, reversible rubber slush mats, cargo mat with integrated bin liner, Thule® roof rack and satin silver tubular side steps.

A new color for the 2006 Dodge Durango is Inferno Red Crystal Pearl, which replaces Deep Molten Red Pearl.

The 2006 Dodge Durango is built at the Newark Assembly Plant in Newark, Del.

by Dodge

by Dodge

Dodge's most beloved sport utility vehicle, the Durango has been in production since 1998 and its popularity lies in its ability to continuously adapt to the ever-changing customer needs and desires over the years. Produced by the Dodge division of Chrysler, the first generation of the Durango was based on the Dodge Dakota and featured a study, midsized SUV body-on-frame construction. Produced at the Newark Assembly plant in Newark, Delaware, the Dakota was classified as a mid-size SUV at first, before growing into a full-size SUV for the second generation. During its first year the Durango was only available in a four-wheel-drive version. Both 2WD and 4WD drivetrains were available in 1999, along with a full range of V6 and V8 engines.

Riding on a 116.2-inch wheelbase, the Durango had a length of 193.5 inches, a width of 71.5 inches, a height of 70.0 inches and had a curb weight of 4,500 pounds. Advertised as a sturdy truck with room for up to seven passengers, the Durango had the capability to tow up to 8,950 pounds when properly equipped. Though few were actually sold, Dodge offered a 3.9L Magnum V6 engine.

For its second year of production only minor updates were made including two new paint colors. Also new this year was 6 in x 9 in heated rear view mirrors and steering wheel-mounted radio controls. SLT Plus models received leather seats as standard while body-color wheel flares were made standard on 4WD Models and SLT Plus. In 2000 the 4.7 L PowerTech V8 engine replaced the 5.2 L Magnum V8 though the 5.2 would remain available in the early 2000 models. Leaving only V8s for the rest of the production run, the 3.9L Magnum V6 engine wasn't available any longer. The high performance R/T was introduced this year. A special AWD performance version, the R/T was powered by a powerful performance tuned 5.9 L Magnum V8.

An exclusive limited edition Shelby S.P.360 version was offered in 1999 and 2000 that featured a supercharged version of the 5.9 L Magnum V8 engine. Available output for the Shelby was 360 hp and 412 lb./ft. of torque. The Shelby sported special wheels, bumpers, tires and suspension and came standard painted Viper blue paint with two racing stripes down the center of the truck. With a top speed of 142 mph, the Shelby could achieve 0-60mph in just 7.1 seconds.

In 2001 Dodge focused its attention on the interior of the SUV and gave special attention to the interior trim panels, instrument panel, dash mounted controls, overhead console and a newly redesigned steering wheel. 4X4 models received a new switch on the dash for the transfer case selector instead of a manual lever on the console. A new message center was added to the modified instrument cluster. Standard equipment now included a comfy dual-zone climate control system. All models now came with standard SX speakers and improved premium sound systems. Slight updates were made to trim options and other changes included revised seats, updated door panels and aluminum wheels.

The new SXT Durango became the entry-level trim package for 2002. Safety features now included optional side curtain airbags. Near the close of the model year was an electronic vehicle information center (EVIC) added into the overhead console. The following year the Durango underwent minor mechanical updates that included new larger front brakes and new rear-wheel disc brakes.

The second-generation Durango was launched in 2004 and was originally shown as a concept named Durango R/T concept at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show. Sporting a fully boxed frame like its Dakota sibling, the new Durango had a lot in common with the large Dodge Ram pickup. Growing in size the second-generation model was 7 inches longer, 2 inches wider, and 3 inches taller than its predecessor. This new model had room for eight passengers now and offered a third row bench with three seats and was now officially into the full-sized SUV category.

Offering a more luxurious ride, the new Durango featured a redesigned suspension with rear coil springs. Much of the styling cues of this generation were taken from the Dodge Powerbox concept, which was based heavily on the 1999 Dodge Power Wagon Concept, and the '03 Durango R/T concept. In 2004 the Durango received a solid rear axle and a new coil-spring rear suspension. Mated to the rear axle was a Watt linkage system that centered the axle and reduced rear-end skate over rugged surfaces, which resulted in a wider and lower cargo floor.

In the spring of 2006 in April the 2007 Durango was debuted at the Dallas Auto Show. Sporting an extremely attractive restyle in an attempt to boost sales, the SUV featured a new grille, hood, headlamps, wheels and fenders. New Durango equipment included rear park assist, a one-touch turn signal, electronic stability control and a tire pressure monitoring system. In 2009 a two-mode hybrid version was offered for a short time.

In 2007 Chrysler launched a full-size, luxury SUV called the Chrysler Aspen, first unveiled at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. Based on the Dodge Durango SUV, the Aspen was the first production hybrid offering from Chrysler. Previously the Aspen name had been used by Dodge from 1976 through 1980 on a twin of the Plymouth Volaré. Equipped with three rows of seating for up to eight passengers, the Aspen was available with all-wheel drive. The first truck-based Sport Utility Vehicle commercialized under the Chrysler brand, the Chrysler Aspen was produced only until the end of 2008.

For the 2009 model year Chrysler began producing their first production hybrid vehicles, the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen Hybrids on August 22, 2008. With a MSRP of $45,340, the 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid had an almost 25% gain in overall duel economy and an almost 40% gain in the city. Along with the Chrysler Aspen Hybrid (starting MSRP $45,570) the Durango Hybrid were rated with the Hemi V8 engine mileage to be around 20 mpg city and 22 mph highway for 2009. The Hybrids featured the 340 hp Hemi engine with MDS along with the new Two-Mode Hybrid system developed with GM and BMW. Non-Hybrid models were rated at 13-mpg city and 19 mph highway. Early in October the Hybrid models were available for sale at dealerships, the same month that Chrysler announced the end of Durango and Aspen production. The Hybrid SUV became one of the shortest-lived models from a major automaker.

Demand for the full-size SUV waned and in October of 2008 Chrysler decided to close the Newark Assembly facility. The facility had previously produced the Durango and Chrysler Aspen, which would end production for the 2009 model year. On December 19, 2008 production ceased.

Dodge released an Internet teaser of first images in August of 2010 to incite interest for the third generation of the Durango. In December of the same year the Durango was put into production based on an all-new, computer-designed unitized platform, built alongside the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee in Detroit, Michigan. Not classified as a full-size SUV the new Durango shares the same powertrains, chassis parts and running gear with the Grand Cherokee.

Powering the third generation was the choice of two world-class engines; the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 or the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 360 hp. The base 3.6-liter engine produced 290 hp and 260 lb/ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. The Pentastar option was mated to the Mercedes W5A80 five-speed automatic with Chrysler's controls and the driver-interactive control. Featuring the 545RFE 5-speed automatic, the 5.7 L Hemi VVT V8 engine continued with 360 hp and 390 lb/ft of torque along with a 'fuel-saver' mode that was generally used when cruising at constant speeds on level ground.

The third generation SUV grew to a longer length than the Grand Cherokee and had room for three rows of seating compared to the two rows in the Grand Cherokee. On December 14, 2010 the 2011 Durango entered production alongside its sibling, the second generation Charger. Halfway through January 2011 it went on sale for general dealership availability. Motorweek gave the 2012 Durango the Drivers' Choice Award and the IIHS ranked the 2012 Durango as a 'Top Safety Pick'.

The brand new Durango for 2014 was debuted at the 2013 New York Auto Show. Sportier a design reminiscent of the Rallye with a blackened plastic bumper and outline, the new Durango featured modern sporty lines. Drawing inspiration from the new Dodge Charger the '14 Durango featured a similar LED taillight cluster. The interior of the new SUV featured a new steering wheel with paddle shifters. According to Chrysler there will be an estimated 9% increase in fuel efficiency thanks to the 3.6L V6 and optional Hemi V8 mated with the new Chrysler 8-speed automatic transmission.

To boost interest in the new Durango Chrysler Group LLC and Paramount Pictures joined together to promote the film Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues with a sequen¬-ce of Durango commercials highlighting Will Ferrell playing Ron Burgundy.

by Jessican Donaldson