Dodge Durango 1st Gen
Based on the Dodge Dakota, the first-generation Durango offered V8 power and three-row utility, defining the 90s American SUV. It remains an affordable and practical classic, with the 5.9 R/T being the most sought-after model.
Find one with Spotter →Dodge Durango 1st Gen sold for a median of $4,800 over the last 12 months, based on 15 auction sales; the middle half sold between $523 and $8,250. 77 currently for sale.
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.
Buying Tips
- Check the steel frame and rear leaf spring mounts for significant rust, especially on trucks from the salt belt.
- The automatic transmissions can be a weak point; look for records of fluid services and check for slipping or delayed shifts.
- Magnum V8s are known for leaking intake manifold plenum gaskets, which causes oil consumption. Check for oil pooling inside the throttle body.
- Front-end components like ball joints wear out due to the truck's weight. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for play in the steering.
- Test all interior electronics, as dashboard components and the overhead console computer can fail.
Prices range from a few hundred dollars for project trucks to nearly $25,000 for top-spec, low-mileage survivors.
200 Dodge Durango 1st Gen vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 77 currently live.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dodge Durango 1st Gen cost?
Over the last 12 months, Dodge Durango 1st Gen sold for a median of $4,800 across 15 auction sales tracked on Hypercars; the middle half sold between $523 and $8,250. There are 77 currently for sale.
How many Dodge Durango 1st Gen listings are for sale right now?
There are 77 Dodge Durango 1st Gen listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.