2000 Dodge Dakota Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2000 Dodge Dakota includes a full evaluation of the 2000 Dodge Dakota from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2000 Dodge Dakota, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2000 Dodge Dakota help you decide if a 2000 Dodge Dakota is right for you.

2000 Dodge Dakota Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (V8)	Rear-seat comfort

Quietness	Fuel economy (V8)

Ride	Acceleration (4-cylinder)

	Rear-seat entry/exit (Club Cab)

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

reg. cab 2WD, I4 man.	Club Cab 2WD, V6 auto.	Quad Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto.	Quad Cab 4WD 5.9 V8	Class Average
2	4	6	6	4

The 4-cylinder is too weak for a vehicle this size, but the new overhead-cam 4.7 V8 is very strong, the 5.9 almost too strong. The adequately peppy V6 should be fine for most uses.

Fuel Economy

reg. cab 2WD, I4 man.	Club Cab 2WD, V6 auto.	Quad Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto.	Quad Cab 4WD 5.9 V8	Class Average
4	3	2	2	4.6

We've had no opportunity to calculate a 4.7 Dakota's fuel economy , but the same V8 averaged just 11.8 mpg in our test Dodge Durango 4 x 4. The undersized four won't be any more frugal than the V6. The 5.9 V8 averaged 13.3 mpg in our tests

Ride Quality

reg. cab 2WD, I4 man.	Club Cab 2WD, V6 auto.	Quad Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto.	Quad Cab 4WD 5.9 V8	Class Average
3	5	5	4	3.3

Regardless of cab type, 2WD Dakotas have a comfortable, stable ride, with only a little bounce on wavy surfaces. The 4x4s have stiffer springing, so they jiggle noticeably over bumps.

Steering/Handling/Braking

reg. cab 2WD, I4 man.	Club Cab 2WD, V6 auto.	Quad Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto.	Quad Cab 4WD 5.9 V8	Class Average
3	4	4	4	3.3

The R/T option makes Dakota almost as agile as some sporty cars. Other models get around like most pickups do, which means fair cornering lean and some tail hop over bumps without a load.

Quietness

reg. cab 2WD, I4 man.	Club Cab 2WD, V6 auto.	Quad Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto.	Quad Cab 4WD 5.9 V8	Class Average
4	5	4	4	3.4

Our '99 Club Cab was quieter overall than some Dodge cars--and some rival small trucks. Still, wind noise is noticed at highway speeds, and tire thrum picks up on coarse surfaces.

Controls

reg. cab 2WD, I4 man.	Club Cab 2WD, V6 auto.	Quad Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto.	Quad Cab 4WD 5.9 V8	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.9

The dashboard holds no surprises, and most everything is easy to see, reach, and understand.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

reg. cab 2WD, I4 man.	Club Cab 2WD, V6 auto.	Quad Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto.	Quad Cab 4WD 5.9 V8	Class Average
5	6	6	6	3.8

Three adults can ride on the base bench seat, but they'll be crowded for shoulder space and there's no good place for the middle occupant's feet. We'd opt for the available front buckets.

Room/Comfort (rear)

reg. cab 2WD, I4 man.	Club Cab 2WD, V6 auto.	Quad Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto.	Quad Cab 4WD 5.9 V8	Class Average
0	2	3	3	.9

No compact rival offers 3-place rear seating, but the Club Cab still lacks adult-size leg room. The new Quad Cab is noticeably roomier than any compact extended cab, but still a little tight for leg space.

Cargo Room

reg. cab 2WD, I4 man.	Club Cab 2WD, V6 auto.	Quad Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto.	Quad Cab 4WD 5.9 V8	Class Average
1	4	5	5	2.3

Being larger overall than compact trucks pays off in a bit more behind-the-seat stowage in all three Dakota cab styles.

Value within Class

reg. cab 2WD, I4 man.	Club Cab 2WD, V6 auto.	Quad Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto.	Quad Cab 4WD 5.9 V8	Class Average
6	7	7	5	4.6

Dakota is a good solution for those who don't need a big pickup but want more power, space, and towing capacity than a compact. With the advantages of optional V8 power, full-time 4WD, and the Quad Cab, it's a Best Buy.

Total Score