So I drove a Genesis tonight.......(not specR but almost)...

[Zargon]

Durangos are junk. No way would I buy a Dodge.

Oh, and gas mileage is horrible.

the new ones are nice

they are a grand cherokee

gas milage is as expected, like a truck

 

[IcePickFreak]

Yeah Chrysler can't get a new trans out soon enough. They've made some major improvement in a lot of other areas, but their transmissions still leave a lot to be desired IMO.

Haven't got to check out the new Durango's other than a quick walk around and peaking inside an RT model at the auto show. I thought it at least looked pretty sharp in both aspects, but I am a bit partial to simple yet functional interiors. I wouldn't imagine the gas mileage is too good though with either engine, given it weighs 5000lbs.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Chrysler is perhaps the only carmaker selling in the US, other than Smart, whose cars I would flatly not consider buying. Their cars are just not competitive in quality. If I were focused on buying a US-made car I'd get a Ford.

 

[Ferzerp]

The newest Durango was actually rated highly on the initial quality report. (as were the Chrysler/dodge minivans and the challenger). As a whole though, Dodge is still dead last in quality. You just have to pick and choose what you buy from them.

 

[jlee1]

D:

IMPOSTER!

haha this is my most commonly used username for sites. i never thought i would run into this kind of issue... Honored to meet you

 

[JulesMaximus]

Aside from the bad taste of the old Durangos, why would you say that about the current model??

I'm telling you, *IF* they actually do stick an 8 speed in that sucker, it will be one heck of an SUV. It was far & away the quietest & smoothest SUV I've driven so far. The comfort was a 10 and ergonomics were great. A truly ADULT-style 3rd row and room to spare. No typical D pillar blind spot, the thing literally turned on a dime & could almost rotate in place!! (THAT was truly amazing).

The driver's seat not going up/down was a dumb shortfall but I just can't knock it otherwise. Get the right tranny in there & everybody else will have to up their game.

Did they put a bow thruster on it? :biggrin:

I wouldn't trust any initial ratings. Wait a few years and see if they can maintain those high ratings. My 2 cents.

 

[redgtxdi]

Did they put a bow thruster on it? :biggrin:
.

LOL!! Heck, it almost felt like it!!

And, I do agree on the initial quality crap. J.D. & Associates is about the most laughable POS agency I have ever known. Initial quality is about 1 penny up from WORTHLESS in value, imho.

Although, by guess and what I touched & felt, I'd presume the Durango to be ok long-term as it felt truly bolted together well. (Solid even over the harshest bumps). I can't speak for mechanically, but without a better tranny, it's a deal breaker for me anyway.

Next will be the Venza which I've avoided til now. The Highlander was a little too "bouncy" & "plasticky" for my liking & I know they're very similar so here's hoping against hope. (shrug)

 

[Ferzerp]

I understand what they are going for with initial quality though. You can get trends in long term quality for brands, etc, but for the current model year, if you're buying new, initial quality is really all you have to go on. They haven't been around long enough to get long term quality stats, and you can infer based on the brand only by so much. All brands have ups and downs with specific models. Especially for new models or major redesigns.

 

[redgtxdi]

In more news........

I drove an RX350 today. In going back & forth between a Venza/Highlander/12Camry I decided I might as well try the ULTIMATE Camry platform roller, right??

Dare I say I was not impressed?? I mean it was nice & all, but still had some clunks & thunks & even some rattles......(this was a low-mileage 2010 but still)......and the leather was already looking a little weathered. WTF??

It handled well & you could tell they tried hard to keep it quiet, but not I honestly have to say that the Genesis was definitely better to my seat of the pants feel. Yes, the V8 Genesis I drove would be more vehicle under you but I think my Lexus heart was broken in the opposite direction today. I could've probably picked up that RX for right around $30K OTD but I don't think that car's worth it to me.

=(