I’ve got a 2003 SXT with the 4.7 and it’s a great SUV. It burns a little oil if I let it sit and idle for too long, only because the valve stem seals tend to go bad on the SOHC 4.7s at an early mileage. It’s not a hard fix to do, but I think I read somewhere that it can get a little costly due to labor. But otherwise it’s a good truck, I’ve yet to be left stranded on the side of the road for a mechanical failure, and most of the maintenance I’ve done was easily addressed at home with the proper tools.

I actually have 2 Durango's A 2002 5.9L FWD, and a 2003 4.7L 4WD, I love them both, although admittedly I drive the 2003 more often as it gets better milage with the 4.7L. Although the body style is not as flashy as the newer ones, the mechanical workings of the pre 2005 were a LOT more reliable, the 2003 is currently sitting at 197,680 mi (I bought it at around 140,000) and I have only done minimal routine upkeep/maintenance like fluid changes, tires, brakes, etc. The third row seating is nice, mine has the split bench seat in front, and seats 8, or the rear seats both fold down for plenty of cargo room, so taking road trips with or without passengers is no problem. Towing capacity is also better than average for an SUV, and the ride is comfortable. Overall I can't really think of any complaint I have had about this rig since I have had it, other than after 17 years of weather exposure it could do with a fresh coat of paint.

Got this 03 Durango 5.9 engine with 70k on it.It now has 220k .Have had to rebuild tranny and had some front end issues but fir the most part I love love love it