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Bob Zumbrunnen

01/05/03 11:50 PM

#1028 RE: WTMHouston #1027

We've got a Dodge Durango SLT Plus with the 360 engine and the low-geared rear-end. Another sleeper. One of those cars where you don't mash the loud pedal unless you mean it. Would not surprise me if it's the quickest SUV available.

Huge downside is that it's extremely thirsty for fuel.

Fit and finish have been good. Reliability has been about average. After 3 years and 80k miles, we're starting to spend a little bit of money on it here and there as things break.

Overall we're very happy with it.

I would expect the Tahoe to be really good, too. We've had a couple of Suburbans, which have been great vehicles and the Tahoe is just a medium-sized Sub. I would expect that the hydro-formed frame rails would make the newer ones more resistant to developing squeaks and rattles than our olds Subs were.

I like just about anything Ford makes, although the Excursion pisses me off. When I had the Subs, I don't remember ever thinking "Gee, I wish this thing were about 18 inches longer and about 1000 lbs or so heavier." Don't know anything about the Expedition, although I've got friends who've had two of the smaller Explorer and they were both very unreliable compared to our Durango, and have since switched to the Durango.

Anything from Toyota is going to be very expensive in comparison, but usually well worth it. They're tough.

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Mattu

01/06/03 12:19 AM

#1030 RE: WTMHouston #1027

Out of those 3, I'd go with the Tahoe. The folks bought them when they first came out, in 1995, it seems. Really good vehicle. Not as sexy as the others, but still a solid mosheen, and quite a bit more room than the Durango.

If you want to really kick it up a notch, check out those Acura MDXs. Dearest mommy is looking at one of those now.
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HotrodHans2

01/06/03 10:48 PM

#1043 RE: WTMHouston #1027

I've had two Durango's, a 2000 with the 4.7L engine and now a 2002R/T with the 360 and all wheel drive. The ride difference on the 2002 is much improved but that 360 sucks gas (11.mpg around town) and feels sluggish compared to the 4.7L. If your towing anything heavy you'll probably need the 360. I have a 4.7L also in my pickup and it's peppy also..good mileage...I average 14 around town and at a steady 70mph cruise pulls 19/20. If you don't need a HD tow vehicle opt for the 4.7L.
I'm partial to Chrysler products as I've had the best luck with them, fewest repairs and found a decent dealer....that's kind of the key to satisfaction..a good dealer.
Supposedly next year the hemi may be available in the Durango and it's supposed to be bigger overall also.

I've owned 3 suburbans, ('79, '85 and '94) they're OK...too many warranty problems.