2002
Dodge Durango reviews and buying guide.
2002 Dodge Durango review
continued...
Comfort and convenience
abound in the 2002 Dodge Durango. Optional leather
seats on SLT (standard on SLT Plus and R/T) offer a
luxurious look and feel. A dual-zone climate control
system offers independent temperature controls for the
front passengers, along with optional heated and six-way
power seats for both driver and passenger. A four-speaker
stereo system is standard on all Durango models while
an eight-speaker, eight-location Infinity® sound
system is available as an option.
BIG TRUCK POWER FROM
A COMPACT SUV
The power and capability leader in the compact SUV segment
is Durango. With two powerful Magnum® V-8 choices
and a responsive automatic transmission, Durango is
a leader for all work and performance needs.
The 5.9-liter Magnum
V-8 is the largest engine in the compact SUV class.
It provides 245 horsepower and 335 lb.-ft. of torque.
The 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 engine produces 235 horsepower
and 295 lb.-ft. of torque.
Durango has a 7,550-pound
maximum towing capacity—also best-in-class—and
a standard 1,670-pound maximum payload package.
The new 5-45RFE five-speed
automatic transmission is the latest edition of the
45RFE transmission introduced in the Durango for 2000.
It utilizes a unique dual-ratio second gear to aid in
towing, passing and grade-change situations. For acceleration,
the transmission automatically chooses the higher-ratio
second gear. The transmission selects the lower-ratio
second gear in kick-down mode, providing better power
and passing performance over a broad speed range. New
for 2002 is a second overdrive ratio for increased highway
fuel efficiency and quieter engine operation at highway
speeds.
Durango is available
in both two- and four-wheel drive models. Four-wheel
drive customers can choose either a part-time four-wheel
system or a full-time system that automatically delivers
power to all four wheels for maximum traction in wet
or dry conditions.
Durango features a rack
and pinion steering system on both two- and four-wheel
drive models, which produces more responsive steering
and more precise on-center feel. A lightweight independent
front suspension on four-wheel drive models offers a
comfortable, smooth ride while providing maximum ground
clearance for off-road situations.
Durango is available
in five models for 2002. In addition to the value-priced
SXT model are the Sport, SLT, SLT Plus and R/T. The
SLT model includes everything that is standard on the
SXT, along with a host of additional features, including
third-row seating, air conditioning and heat for the
rear, bucket front seats with power on the driver side
and fog lamps. The SLT Plus model adds leather seating
and power for both front seats, overhead convenience
group, woodgrain instrument panel, AM/FM stereo radio
with CD and graphic equalizer with eight Infinity®
speakers and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.
The performance model
in the Durango line-up is the Durango R/T. Its power
comes from the 5.9-liter Magnum V-8 and features a unique
reprogrammed engine control module for quicker acceleration.
This is combined with a 3.92:1 rear axle ratio, limited-slip
rear differential and sport-tuned exhaust to give Durango
R/T quicker off-the-line acceleration. Durango R/T is
also equipped with a full-time four-wheel-drive transfer
case.
Inside, Durango R/T receives
luxurious appointments such as two-tone R/T embroidered
leather-trimmed high-back bucket seats matched to suede
door trim panels. On the outside, each Durango R/T is
identified by bright R/T badging and body-color wheel
flares.
Large 17-inch wheels
and performance-oriented Goodyear tires are mated to
a sport suspension to provide Durango R/T with tighter
handling.
Three new exterior colors
are available on Durango for 2002: Light Almond Pearl
Metallic, Atlantic Blue Pearl Coat and Graphite Metallic.
Durango is produced at
DaimlerChrysler’s Newark (Del.) assembly plant.
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