Christopher Thompson wrote:

     Simply for the towing, it has to be the Dodge.  The Liberty is too small to tow
a pontoon boat safely.
      I'm not a big fan of the Durango, too big, too heavy, too expensive, and to
inefficient.  Have her look at a Dakota; slightly better in those categories.
Although I have to admit I don't much like the styling of the new Dakota.  Also
consider the new Mistubishi Raider - a rebodied Dakota.

Christopher Thompson wrote:

If it was me buying one, it would most likely be the Durango for the
extra room, carrying capacity, and smoother ride.
I was really looking forward to the Liberty CRD, but all the road tests
I've seen say the fuel mileage is much lower than expected (although
that may be because the test vehicles aren't broken in yet) so if you're
thinking of the CRD because of the fuel savings, it may not be as good
as you expect. On the Durango (and Liberty), if you don't carry heavy
loads, the 3.7 might be strong enough for you (also available on the
Liberty) and will probably use less gas than the 4.7 engine, and the
horsepower difference isn't as large as you'd expect based on the engine
being 25% smaller than the 4.7.
The 4.7 gives a little more power, but has a reputation for being
thirsty. The 5.7 in the Durango has the same mileage rating as the 4.7.
I've had the 3.7 in a Dodge Ram (stick shift) and now have the 4.7 in a
Dodge Dakota (auto) and haven't had any problems with either engine.
I liked the 3.7 with stick shift combination best for fuel economy
(available on the Liberty but not with stick shift on the Durango), but
you'll need to verify if that gives a high enough tow rating for you.

    Liberty CRD                Durango
Pros    slightly better fuel mileage        Price compared to CRD
    smaller, easier to park            Larger, more comfort
    high tow rating with CRD        high tow rating with 4.7
    Good off road capability        more rear storage space
    Can attend Jeep Jamborees        highest tow rating
                        5.7 hemi available

CONS    CRD Expensive                lower fuel mileage
    diesel fuel cost more than unleaded    Larger, takes more room
   

John

the liberty crd isnt the prettyiest girl at the dance, but it is a great
wifey vehicle.  for towing you just cant beat a diesel.  you didnt give any
stats on your pontoon boat, just make sure it weighs less than the crd's
capabilities.  once you go diesel you never go back.

the new restyled durango on the other hand, is amongst the ugliest vehicles
on the road.  older durangos looked great, the newer durango runs great
thanks to the addition of the hemi....to bad you couldnt get the older style
with the hemi.  the hemi can be a blast to drive, but if you tow with the
durango your mileage is going to go from piss-poor to total suck-a.s.

are you open to any other vehicles?

Christopher Thompson wrote:

You need a mini van dude!

JAM

I am looking for a new vehicle for my gal as well.  I have done quite a
bit of research on the Liberty and I have pretty much decided that we
are going to get it.  You can get a fully loaded Liberty with the
diesel for under 30k right now.

She won't even know it's a diesel ... it is unbelievably quiet.  Why
spend more $$ on the Durango and get poor fuel economy?  Plus, the
diesel will last longer than a gas engine.

Craig C.

 I have owned a 1964 dodge pu, a 1978 van, 1965 dodge dart, 1966
Chevy pu, 1974 Grand Prix, 1996 Grand Am and now a 2003 Dodge
Durango...

 All of the above had their drawbacks, but the Durango has somehow
combined all the good and minimized the bad.

 The major plus? Having 3 outlets for electrical units..I can have
decently fresh coffee on caming trips, good radio contact and watch a
bit of entertainment (Although nature does better most of the time)
while relaxing at the campsite.

 I have made more "Friends" also with this vehicle and thus, now have
people willing to join me on camping trips...Good thing I'm not a
serial killer :)