In the late '90s, family SUVs were all the rage, combining car-like comfort with SUV capabilities: spacious trunks, roomy interiors, and great visibility. Unlike rugged off-roaders, these were for people who needed a higher ride height and a bit of off-road cred. The Durango filled the niche left by the legendary Ramcharger.Built on the Dakota pickup’s body-on-frame platform, the Durango didn’t hide its roots. Its five-door body aimed to widen its appeal and it was larger than competitors like the Chevy Blazer and Ford Explorer but didn’t look bulky. The design mixed contemporary trends with retro touches, such as the front fenders below the hood and a massive crosshair grille.In its first model year, an optional third row allowed up to eight passengers—though two adults back there for more than a hundred kilometers was a no-go. The interior mirrored the Dakota’s, highlighting the era’s trend towards unification. Initially, it came with a 5.2-liter Magnum V8 engine, underlining its utility.So, while the flashy sports cars get the spotlight, it’s the workhorse Durango that keeps the wheels of daily life turning.In 2003, a rear-wheel drive version and a 4.7-liter V8 with 235 horsepower were introduced. Excitingly, a special edition Shelby SP360 was released, packing a supercharged 360-horsepower Magnum V8. This rare gem had a snazzy interior, four separate seats, a rudimentary third row, reinforced suspension, disc brakes all around, and an upgraded automatic transmission.