Dodge Durango Forum II

Picked up my 2001 SLT+ today. Here's the scoop! (link to pics)

First of all, this is my first post here in the forum. You guys have been a great help to me, without even knowing it. Reading through this forum and the FAQ's has answered a LOT of questions I have had about the D.

She's a 2001 4.7L All Wheel Drive (nope, you can't turn off 4wd, but you can lock it and put it in low range via a knob on the dash). The options on the knob are: AWD, 4HI, 4LO. There is a 'N' light that I am assuming is neutral, below the AWD selection. It's quite a bit slower than the 2000 PT4WD that I test drove, so the AWD must up quite a bit of performance. It's still peppy, though.

The dashboard layout is growing on me, quickly... At first I thought it was ugly, but the layout is very nice. I also like the extra vents. The only complaint I have is the lack of numbers on the water temp, oil pressure, and battery gauges. Now they all just say "L/H, or C/H"

I like the new wheels. They are just slightly different, but I think it makes the whole D look better.

The paint quality (Patriot Blue) is very poor. It has orange peel on all of the steel panels, and most of the plastic (the rear bumper is ok). I'm pretty picky, so others may not notice this. I'll live...

The dual-zone climate control is a nice feature. Also, having temperature controls in the back is nice. The placement of the new vents seems much more practical (as seen in pic, over side doors and in front of rear seat). The choices of where you want the front air to blow (foot, panel, etc.) are very extensive. You can even blend between different modes.

The console is much improved, and even has a power outlet inside! 3 cup holders was a nice surprise, and there are cubby holes galore... Now if only they would do away with the cheesy plastic woodgrain. :)

The rounded off radio kinda throws off the idea of putting my Sony in place of the stock radio. The mounting kit is built for the older flat-style radios (and has worked in 4 different chrysler vehicles until now). I wonder if anyone makes a rounded off one that will fit this style (same as JGC, Concorde, etc.). There are now small separate tweeters in the rear doors, as well as the fronts. Big improvement in sound.

The variable speed rear wiper is nice, and so is the dimming driver side mirror.

Just a summary of what I thought were 'new' features for 2001...

Here is a quick page I whipped up with some pics of the new goodies:

www.mindspring.com/~dodgeboy/durango/durango.htm

If anyone has any questions, feel free to email me.

Wed Aug 30