Fordlover wrote: I guess I'm the only one that finds the durango very unattractive. The Expedition is plain, but at least it's not ugly. And I thought the first generation Durango was a really good looking vehicle. I'd stick with the 05 and newer expedition, since it has the 3 valve 5.4 motor with more power.
I agree! I work at a Dodge dealer and find it very ugly. the Aspen on the other hand is much nicer looking and has cleaner lines. and they will be offered with a gas electric hybrid next year with the engine supplying power in either 4 or 8 cyl. mode. should up the mileage tremendously!
Wife kim
Son brandon 7yrs
Daughter marissa 6yrs
Dog shadow
07 Cherokee 32B
02 Excursion 4X4 V-10 4.30 gear
Reese HP dualcam,Prodigy brake controller,
Air lift air bags.
Better to have a bad day of
camping than a good day at work!
I'm a long time (grew up in Dearborn) Ford guy who has bought three Dodges in the past 16 years (kept one for 12 years) including a Durango.
Today, in that size SUV I would buy a Tahoe for towing, it is more of a truck. Durango is still a mix of Dakota and Ram 1500 components, and I would rather not deal with the varying geometry of independent rear suspension, on a tow vehicle.
Yes, Dodge offers an engine with higher power ratings, but towing isn't always about having the most power. If I wanted to street race an SUV, maybe another Durango.
I think both are nice trucks and you really can't go wrong with either rig. Personally, I would stay away from GM products. I don't think the quality is there (again my opinion). The trailblazer is not in the same league as the Expy or the Durango. I think the trailblazer comes with an I-6 engine.
The Durango should have more power than the Expy for towing and about the same solo mileage.
I've been a Ford man for a number of years (also like Dodge very much though), but in the end, I'd reccomend the Expy. I've always felt that Ford had the best build quality of the domestic brands and I still do. I base that on time I've spent driving and spinning wrenches on all 3. It may suprise some, but the 05 Honda Civic I owned did not appear to be of any higher quality than the same year Ford Focus my wife was driving at the time.
The 5-4 3V engines have more power and I believe more threads in the heads for the spark plugs. The earlier 5-4's had plug-spitting problems and a lot had piston slap as well until the engine got warm. I've heard of some newer 5-4's spitting plugs, but it's not as common as the older trucks.
Good luck in your decision, either way, you will end up with a good rig.
1997 DODGE RAM 4x4, 2500 SERIES, , Reg. cab, 5.9L V8, AT, 4.10 gears. Prodigy Electric Brake Control
1995 BOOMER (Skyline) Model 2223
I'm a long time (grew up in Dearborn) Ford guy who has bought three Dodges in the past 16 years (kept one for 12 years) including a Durango.
Today, in that size SUV I would buy a Tahoe for towing, it is more of a truck. Durango is still a mix of Dakota and Ram 1500 components, and I would rather not deal with the varying geometry of independent rear suspension, on a tow vehicle.
Yes, Dodge offers an engine with higher power ratings, but towing isn't always about having the most power. If I wanted to street race an SUV, maybe another Durango.
The Tahoe, while a nice SUV, has less horse power, less torque and a shorter wheelbase (116"), plus the third row legroom is less. Oh yeah and a 4 speed trans. The pre 2004 Durango was smaller and based on the Dakota, but 2004-present were redesigned and beefed up. The rear end of a Durango is not independent either, but the Ford is. All three will dent your wallet at the pump though.
2004 Dodge Durango Limited w/ 5.7 Hemi & 3.55 Tow package, Bilstein HD Shocks, Timbrens, Airaid CAI, Pirelli ATR 265/70R17 Tires
2007 Jayco 29 BHS w/ Equal-i-zer Brand Hitch and Prodigy Brake Controller, Atwood Deluxe Power Jack
Wife, 3 kids, dog, and me
I have a 04 Expedition and it has been great. We also have 3 dogs (1 is a St. Bernard) so we had the second row seats removed. It only took about a 1/2 hour. Easy entry for the dogs, still have 3rd row when needed for passengers. Just a consideration since you did mention dogs.
The Tahoe, while a nice SUV, has less horse power, less torque and a shorter wheelbase (116"), plus the third row legroom is less. Oh yeah and a 4 speed trans. The pre 2004 Durango was smaller and based on the Dakota, but 2004-present were redesigned and beefed up. The rear end of a Durango is not independent either, but the Ford is. All three will dent your wallet at the pump though.
I will concede the 3rd row legroom for the Tahoe, but the horesepower/torque/wheelbase differences are negligible. I'd go with the Tahoe. Then the Ford. The Durango last.
Any reason? People seem to be really high on the Tahoe for being a full size SUV when its smaller in most respects to the other two.
-c
confusedsoul wrote:
I will concede the 3rd row legroom for the Tahoe, but the horesepower/torque/wheelbase differences are negligible. I'd go with the Tahoe. Then the Ford. The Durango last.
ccattie wrote: Any reason? People seem to be really high on the Tahoe for being a full size SUV when its smaller in most respects to the other two.
-c
confusedsoul wrote:
I will concede the 3rd row legroom for the Tahoe, but the horesepower/torque/wheelbase differences are negligible. I'd go with the Tahoe. Then the Ford. The Durango last.
Actually, I am worried that folks simply say Expedition, when they mean the "XL" one (or whatever the official initials are for extra-long).
Expedition XL is basically a Suburban (3 Rows AND some luggages space)
Expedition regular is basically a Tahoe (3 rows OR some luggage space)
Nevertheless, I appreciate the folks that have laid out some technical pros and cons to otherwise comparable vehicles.
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