Spy Photo 2011 Dodge Durango: Someone's Getting Fired Edition

nice looking car. let's hope they make these a lot more reliable.

Looks good in my opinion, just dont like the thick C and D pillar.

I think they'd be lucky if all the get is fired!

Doesn't look too bad. A definite improvement over the last gen styling-wise. I think this is what the second gen should've looked like. It's a clear evolution from the original.

I will say, though, that Dodge needs to lose the cross-hair grille design. I just think it's time to move on and create a new image.

Wow. Looks great.

+1 flicmod about the grill. Just from this pic I'll pass . . . the look doesn't do it for me. I'm also pretty sure the 5 speed auto will be present until the 8 speed is available.

Hope it will be available with the same 4WD(s) found in the Grand Cherokee, meaning that a low range can be had if desired.

looks good. needs to weigh less than 5000lbs though

IS it me or it look a lot like the last Olds Bravada, specially the the c and D pillars? Otherwise it look just like the next big thing in rental car lot!

im really liking it!! cant wait to see the interior and actually drive one. this or the new Jeep GC will be my next vehicle seeing GM doesnt offer a vehicle in this segment.

@ mayback

No, its just you.

This looks good.

looking really good. clean yet muscular. very nice. looking forward to driving one.

im liking it. interested what the interior is gonna looking like. hopfully nothing like the GC.

@jds13
"hopefully nothing like the GC".

The interior of the new Jeep has gotten almost unamious positive reviews; what faults do find/have with it?

Just curious.

"what faults do find/have with it?"

Only one, and it's really minor: The NAVi screen is small by most new car standards, @ 6.5 inches.

they didnt even try to hide the fact that this is a direct rip off of the GC. lol Just changed the grill.

93aero, are you serious? the wheel arches are different, doors are different, probably with different C and D pillars as well. are these rebadge? maybe, but is it a direct rip off? don't think so.

not bad. but is it too little too late

@rsholland

True statement. The NAV screen is small but jds13's comments would have you think the interior is just awful.

Looks Great! Nice clean lines. Lets hope the interior is at least as good as the GC. I hope it doesn't share the 5 speed auto with the Jeep, but I think we all know it will. Its a shame that the 8 speed wont make it until the '13 model year.

Never a big fan of the Durango, but at least it had a recognizable, muscular character. This thing is bland. It has nothing memorable or recognizable about it and would be easily lost in a parking lot.

People don't buy Dodge brand for reliability or economy or leading edge technology. Competitors usually have better power-to-weight, better economy, better ergonomic and interior quality, higher reliability, higher resale and more sophisticated handling. Put bluntly, most people buy the brand for style.

The company has put a stylistic signature on many of their products that, love them or hate them, differentiated their successful products in the market. This thing has no style, no love it or hate it factor, so therefore if it becomes the new Durango, expect a major flop.

"People don't buy Dodge brand for reliability or economy or leading edge technology..."

Exactly, what planet are you from?

"Someone's getting fired"

Well, not whoever is responsible for the exterior design. This car looks great. If the interior is up to the standards of the GC, and the third row is similarly sized to the outgoing vehicle's, then this CUV will be best in class, and a best seller (and probably cannabolize more Caravan sales). Heck, from what I can see, I think I might want one. For sure better than the upcoming Explorer.

Looks like Chrysler is finally making a turnaround. But is it too late?

i wish the beltline was higher like the GC's though.

this Durango does have a more truck-SUV look than the upcoming Explorer (judging by the photos)

Those headlights and the little hood overhang remind me of the Mustang, looks good - but I never understood the idea of having the same car under two or more brands. I think that's exactly what hurt them the most.

@yatesjo

Are you serious? I have never been a fan of the previous gen Durango but when I had one for a rental it drove very well, was tight with no rattles. I then drove an '08 Yukon for a loaner and it rattled so much and every door panel rattled when you put your arm on it. I think the new design is a little plain but this is still a pre production model so I will reserve judgement until they show an actual production model.

i like it but i like the 2011 explorer better and i expect to find the explorer the more successful crossover cant wait to see the comparo........ what if the srt durango made it to the streets and a svt explorer made it how cool would that be

@BigFordFan it might be cool, but the best the explorer would get is the 3.5L ecoboost, whereas the durango would get the 6.4L apache, 350hp vs 450hp respectively.

@jeepsrt
My comments about why people buy Dodge are not about the Durango specifically (don't know enough to say), but Dodge/Chrysler generally. Reliability ratings for their vehicles leave much to be desired. When I've driven Dodge/Chrysler (never owned) I've found in every case they lack in refinement (Grand Caravan in one word: clunky), build quality (window switches that sunk into the door panel during a Magnum test drive), comfort (unless you are obese then they probably fit better) and they were either underpowered (Caliber, anything I've ever had for rental) or excessively thirsty (anything with a Hemi, Durango especially)

My opinions of Chevy are even lower because I had the great misfortune of actually owning one once. Never again, GM, no matter how good looking or powerful or fast or technowizard gimmicks.

If the production Durango is as bland as that spy shot, they won't sell many. Reputation is Dodge's enemy at this point so the Durango would have to prove itself superb in other ways to slowly make up sales.

that is the ugliest thing i have ever seen.

it looks like an obese Journey, and probably drives like one too.

it should just look like a ram with a third row because i like the rams engine and bodyframe real tough. chrysler could really learn something from ford and even gm

Wow, that actually looks pretty good!

@half_ton says

i love the interior of the new GC .. i was saying i hope its not a copy of the GC interior to seperate the two. sry, i wasnt very clear.

Grand CH on roids..... I will admit they are taking the Carls Jr. approach to cars. Definitely not rying to hide the calories or deliscious fat on this fantastic ride. Bold style just like the Challenger and new Charger... It screens get out of my way or I am running you over. Just hope the reliability can improve.

i dont care what it is going to be. i want one black, loaded, and sometime type of powerful hemi. im kinda stoked about this one.

Hello again, Buick Rainier.