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And it's got a Hemi! You've seen the commercials, heard the term, but do you really know what a Hemi is and why you should care? While many have used a hemispherical shaped combustion chamber instead of the traditional flat head design, Chrysler made it famous. They had been experimenting since before WWII, but it wasn't until the 426 Hemi engine caught the racing world by surprise in 1964 that Chrysler became known for the hemi engine design. Racing is important and car manufacturers have always believed that "winning on Sunday sells cars on Monday." Developing a superior engine design for the racetrack is important for marketing "grocery getters" for daily drivers. Nothing is more impressive when driving to the supermarket than a 2005 Dodge Durango Limited complete with the Hemi engine. Sure the 335 horsepower and 370 lb-ft torque is an overkill driving from the subdivision to get a gallon of milk but you will make a statement. This year the Durango is really a "big deal." In addition to the available Hemi engine it is bigger in almost every dimension from previous year models. It's seven inches longer, three inches taller and three inches wider than the previous Durango, but it looks even larger. Parking next to an older Durango you can't help but be amazed at the transformation. While still considered a mid sized Sport Utility Vehicle the interior room is massive and is larger than many large SUV's. I was shocked to find that I could actually ride in the third row seat. The 2004 Dodge Durango comes in three trim levels, the ST starting at $26,565, the SLT starting at $28,805 and the Limited from $32,610. Each trim level comes in the standard rear-wheel-drive version or available four-wheel-drive. A 2004 Dodge Durango 4X4 Limited Hemi with all of the options such as rear seat video system, heated front seats, power sunroof, chrome 17"wheels, side curtain air bags, trailer tow group, traction control and third row seats can reach over $40,000. Of course I loved the power of the Hemi engine. Horsepower and torque of the 5.7 Liter Hemi dwarfs the competition. Neither the Ford Expedition nor the Chevy Tahoe has powerplants even close to the Hemi. Which raises the question of whether you really need the $895 Hemi option? The standard 4.7 L V8 certainly produces an adequate 230 horsepower at 4,600 RPM and an impressive 290 lb-ft torque at 3,600 RPM. My one complaint of the Hemi however was the exhaust. The Hemi in the Ram truck has a powerful rumble deserving of the engine. However I assume because Dodge thought soccer moms wouldn't appreciate a little rumble in their pipes, they made the exhaust too quite. Not only does it eat up almost 10 horsepower, but if I'm only going to get 14 MPG in the city and 19 on the Highway, I darn sure want everyone to know I've got horses under the hood. The ride and handling of the 2004 Durango is superb. Stability on the highway at freeway speeds is solid as a rock. The 2WD Hemi powered Durango can tow up to 8,950 pounds of bass boats effortlessly and in style. My 2004 Dodge Durango Limited offered the luxury and options that I have grown to appreciate such front heated seats and a superior sound system. It's a perfect blend of space, power, comfort, and capability all rolled up in an attractive luxury Sport Utility Vehicle.
2004 Dodge Durango Limited Hemi 4X2
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©2003 - Stan Risener