Thinking of purchasing a Durango!!

OK, I am pretty much set on my '94 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited but have been looking and thinking of getting either a newer model Jeep Grand Cherokee OR a Durango. Before I make a leap to the Durango I was wanting some input from Durango owners, Such as reliability & fuel economy. My jeep I now own I get about 14 MPG city and 25-27 MPG highway. The Durango I was looking at is basically loaded with all options and is a 2000 model with the 4.7L engine. What can be expected fuel economy way with that engine? People in the Jeep forums state the 4.7L has more HP and can get about the same MPG but can a Durango with the same engine? I also should probably state for those that may not know the Jeep I now own is full time four wheel drive getting this kind of mileage and I have not seen a full time four wheel drive Durango. I would think they should do better if they can be engaged and disengaged for four wheel drive. Only real reason on considering a Durango is the third row seat though. Have a family and sometimes need that thrid row, is the thrid row comfy for young children cause I figure any adult would most likely be riding in the regular back seat, I also figure the thrid seat would be to tight for an adult. Also, with the thrid row seat is there still any room in the back for bags of groceries or do they need to go into the back seat now or thrid row laid down?

A freind of mine has a 2001 Durango he gets about 8mpg city 15mpg highway if this normal for all durango's I don't know. hope this helps.

That isn't to great on gas. Hopefully some others will have some better fuel economy stories. For my jeep to have the 5.2L and full time four wheel drive I really am thinking of just keeping it and doing the little odd and end fixes it needs. I am afraid I would not find another with the same fuel economy cause others I speak with about that usually say their jeeps get poor fuel economy. I wouldn't have the slightest idea why my particular jeep would have such great fuel economy and others with the SAME exact set up have poor economy?!?!

I have a 2001 Durango and I get about the same MPG that you said you are getting out of your Jeep. I have the 4.7 liter, 8 cylinder model fully loaded with the third row seat. The third row seats two with seat belts and my kids haven't complained about the seating even on longer trips (they're 11 and 8). it has some room in the rear with the seat up we can fit a couple of bags and gear back there, usually enough for an extended weekend at the lake. The luggage rack works well too, but does affect gas mileage. The third row seat lays down to give a lot of room in the back if needed, if more room is needed the mid row seats fold forward as well. The gas mileage I gave you is based on 2 wheel drive (in which I normally operate) I only use 4 wheel drive when I need to or for recreation.

That isn't to great on gas. Hopefully some others will have some better fuel economy stories. For my jeep to have the 5.2L and full time four wheel drive I really am thinking of just keeping it and doing the little odd and end fixes it needs. I am afraid I would not find another with the same fuel economy cause others I speak with about that usually say their jeeps get poor fuel economy. I wouldn't have the slightest idea why my particular jeep would have such great fuel economy and others with the SAME exact set up have poor economy?!?!
I have a 2000 Durango 4WD with the 4.7 engine and I get 12.5 mpg city, and I usually get between 17-21 mpg on the highway. Hope this helps.

I have a 2002 Durango, Love it! although I am having a knocking noise now--sounds like a lifter--tried oil treatments--still there--only on cold start ups though. Goes away after it is warmed up.
Third row seating is nice but no real room behind it for grocerys-luggage etc.
I have 98 Chevy Tahoe too and like the Durango far better. I get about the same gas mileage in both--cold days 13.9--to 18 mpg. Haven't taken the Durango on any long trips to see if it gets better mileage.