Dodge Durango...Continued

As can be expected, three seats means less cargo area, but these seats can fold or be removed. There are under floor storage spaces, and even more available if the third seat is not ordered.

According to Bernard Robertson, Chrysler Jeep/Truck VP, "Weāve chosen to land in an area of the market where there are no footprints. Weāre giving more in terms of room, power, passenger carrying capability, towing, and hauling."

In the power department, Durango eschews the four cylinder from the Dakota, but adds a 245-horsepower, 5.9-liter V8 that the pickup doesnāt have, and only is currently used on the Limited Grand Cherokee. It allows a 7,300 lb. tow capacity and an 1,800 lb. payload.

The base Durango 4x4 SLT with the V-8 engine comes at a suggested retail price of $28,025, making it one of the most affordable V8s. Standard equipment includes a four-speed automatic transmission; dual air bags; air conditioning; power windows, locks and mirrors; roof rack; AM/FM cassette radio and cruise control.

Durango has been long awaited by Dodge, which last had a sport ute with their RAMCharger full-size two door during the late 80s. There were persistent rumors that the Jeep division would share with them, but since they have been at the limits of capacity, that didnāt make sense. During the introduction year only automatic transmissions and 4WD versions wil be available.