I own a VG EPA, have had no problems with the stove. That said, if I had t do it over again, and had got on here first I probably would have got an NC-30. I need a bit more BTU's in my basement setup, and may get one this off season.
If I weren't looking for the cheapest stove that was 'rectangular', 2.2 cuft and EPA cert (needed it to fit in corner with tight clearances, rental went 50/50 with landlord), I would have looked at some a few price points higher.
The VZ Durango leaves a little to be desired on the door latch, and the primary air control., plus others use thicker steel which may make you sleep at night easier.
I'm learning a lot of the problems I've been having (stove running away on me, being the biggest) come down to draft {crosswinds/crappy chimney placement}, poor wood and general learning curve.
So far been solid. Probably overfired it a few times before I had thermometers. Nothing except a few visible seams in the front top sides. Nothing scary.
But looking at other models/manufacturers out there, it seems for a few hundred extra you can get some nice features (like an ash pan or OAK).
Burning pine, so couldn't tell you about burn times. But always less than advertised.
Ofcourse when I look at some of the stoves in the 3K range, I get really impressed.
What size is the chimney?
So the new VZs aren't the same deathboxes, but looking at others, they'll probably maintain the lower rung on the totem pole.