I have to laugh. The Durango has a great reputation, but I totally agree on the gas pig ordeal. When I bought my 2000 Dodge Durango SLT 4X4 back in 2004, it had 75,000 miles on it and I remember thinking how the hell am I going to afford gas at $1.89.9/gal here in Metro Detroit. I drove the truck solid until Feburary 2012. It has 176,000 miles on it. Because I needed a car for good gas mileage because I drove a lot for work that Durango wasn't cutting it for me. So I looked at the Avenger, 200, and even Charger. But all the cars were overpriced for the options at the time, I am a tall guy and my knees hit the center counsole in the Avenger and 200, and I was looking for just a mileage car to get to point A to point B. So I bought a fully loaded 2010 Mercury Milan Premier I-4 for $16,000 w/ 22,000 miles on it in Feburary 2012. The Durango just sat in the side yard for almost a whole year. Two months ago, I went out to AutoZone, got a new battery and put the thing in and the truck cranked over no problem. Yeah, she has body cancer (front bumper is rusted through, a few rust spots in under the paint, however the hatch has very little rust considering she has been only garaged for three days of her whole life in Michigan weather). But that truck is the most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. I will never get rid of it. The first generation of Durangos were amazing. I have the 4.7L and multi-speed auto (only offered in 2000) and either has given me any problems. Yeah the 4.7L has a little knock just like most other 4.7Ls, but she runs great. Fuel mileage does suck anywhere from 9 to 12 on short trips. Trips up north w/ cruise control on 75mph (75mph cruise always gets better mpg than 70mph w/ the multi-speed auto because it runs lower rpm at 75mph), I would get almost 20mpg.
When I bought my Durango, I bought it because I was a diehard and still am fan of the 1981-1991 Jeep Grand Wagoneer and the Durango reminded me a lot of it. I know the new Durango has a simple electronic AWD system and I will miss the 1st generation's "Shift on the Fly" Wrangler sourced 4X4 case w/ low gear. But more people drive on pavement than gravel and offroad anyways. I loved the 2011 Dodge Durango when it came out. Vince Galante did an amazing job styling the truck. But it was just missing some flare. Now, the 2014 model year has the "race track taillamps" w/ 192 LEDs, standard padal shifters and 8-speed auto, optional 8.4 UConnect, and amazing refreshened front end. I am not in the market for a car right now, the Durango is on top of my choice for a replacement for my Milan. I already have 60,000 miles on her and average fuel economy is 28mpg w/ 2.5L I-4 and the crappiest transmission I have ever driven (6-speed automatic). It is a dog. If I can only justify 20-23mpg highway in an AWD Durango and be more comfortable and know I can go through the snow like nothing... I am there.
redriderbob