On the Road in the 2006 Dodge Durango
Although the Durango was completely re-designed and re-engineered in 2004, there have been a number of changes for 2006. The most significant of these is the welcome addition of standard electronic stability control (“ESPâ€). If things nevertheless happen, you'll want the optional side curtain airbags with roll over sensor.On the expressway at speed, the Durango's ultra stiff body feels as solid as a tank. Directional stability is, as expected from a two and a half ton plus vehicle, good even in strong crosswinds. With 335 horses available in the Hemi, you get 0 – 60 mph times in the mid 8-second range. Which was muscle car only territory just 20 years ago. However, mid range flexibility was not, frankly, all that I would have hoped for. Playing the EPA's games, the tranny tends to slip into 5th gear prematurely and the revs slow way down. When you need more go, the tranny may have to drop down two gears.
On a more positive note, highway fuel economy was not too bad. In 350 miles of highway driving, I achieved a surprising 18-mpg – thanks in large part, I would assume, to the multi displacement system, which seamlessly cuts off four cylinders when they're not needed. Combined city and highway mileage was closer to 15-mpg, however.
