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Up close and personal with the Dodge Durango

AUTOBAM

By Bam Santiago Olivares

01/16/2007

The bold, cross-hair grill is something to really stare at, making you wonder, “What vehicle is this?” All you will notice from the front is this huge, imposing shiny chrome and black grill with a ram’s head as a logo. The ram is the trademark of Dodge, and the vehicle is none other than the Dodge Durango Limited 4.7li V-8 SOHC 4WD. The grill is not the only thing huge about this vehicle—everything else is! In traffic you won’t miss its enormous body, multi-reflector halogen lamps, with 17” mag wheels and tires. The interior is equally spacious and roomy with increased head, hip and leg-room, 102.4 cu. ft. of cargo space and a fold and tumble 3rd row seat. The rear doors open 84 degrees to give easy access to the 2nd and 3rd rows. The Dodge Durango can accommodate seven passengers without that cramped, “can of sardines” feel. The comfortable, smooth leather seats coupled with reduced cabin noise, coolness of the air conditioning (with automatic temperature control/climate control system), and stable ride complete the occupants’ excellent riding experience.

To match the vehicle’s large size and weight of 3363 kg excluding passenger and cargo weight, the Dodge Durango Limited has a powerful engine (235 HP at 4600 RPM 4.7 liter magnum V8 with 300 lb-ft. maximum torque at 3600 RPM) and equally powerful anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution. The ABS also features an off road logic program which activates when the transfer case is in 4-lock or 4-lo mode, enabling the vehicle to adjust to road conditions and optimize stopping distance.

Effortlessly driving uphill with full capacity (people and cargo), shifting smoothly (with 5-4 RFE automatic transmission with reverse gear ratio equal to the low gear ratio), handling superbly and tackling turns well (with electronic stability program), having safety features and a host of convenient features, the Dodge Durango Limited has indeed proved itself to be a capable and worthy SUV.

Special thanks to Cats Motors for the Dodge Durango Limited driving experience!