In the Dodge Durango Driver's Seat
The Dodge Durango is a massive vehicle, one that's much more suited to a construction superintendent than to a busy mom. Even though it's loaded with luxury and convenience items, this is a real truck with a body-on-frame construction. It drives and handles, not unexpectedly, more like a truck than a regular car. Not to say the ride is uncomfortable; quite the contrary. It's remarkably smooth thanks to the exceptionally stiff hydro-formed frame and independent front suspension with air shocks. Luxury extras (like optional DVD player and NAVI system) aside, you never forget you're in a truck. Did I mention this thing is big?Your first challenge is figuring out how you're going to get into the Durango because the seats are a long way off the pavement. I suspect shorter folk, especially those given to wearing tight skirts, will need assistance climbing up into the cabin. The optional running board should be used in conjunction with the hand assist – and then only by the passengers. The driver will need two hands to hoist himself up behind the wheel. Generally I found this vestigial running board to be of little or no help. It collected all manner of road dirt and effluvia, which rubbed off on my pants leg when I, er, dismounted.
