Dodge Durango 1st Gen

Introduced for the 1998 model year, the first-generation Dodge Durango was based on the Dakota pickup truck platform. This body-on-frame construction gave it real truck capability, and with available V8 power and three-row seating, it was a popular choice for families needing to tow and haul. Engine choices included a 3.9L V6, a 5.2L Magnum V8, and the top-spec 5.9L Magnum V8, which was later used in the performance-oriented R/T model starting in 1999.

Collectors are drawn to the Durango for its classic 90s SUV styling and V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive-based layout. The 5.9 R/T is the most common enthusiast target thanks to its more powerful engine and sport-tuned suspension. The ultra-rare 1999-2000 Shelby SP 360, with its supercharged 5.9L V8, is the ultimate prize but rarely comes up for sale. For most buyers, the Durango represents a practical and nostalgic entry into classic vehicle ownership.

The market for these Durangos is still very accessible. The average sale price sits just over $11,000, reflecting a mix of well-used examples and preserved survivors. Pristine, low-mileage trucks, especially the 5.9 R/T models from 2000-2003, command the highest prices, sometimes pushing $25,000. It's a market where condition and mileage are everything.

Prices range from a few hundred dollars for project trucks to nearly $25,000 for top-spec, low-mileage survivors.