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2000 Dodge Dakota Full Review
Date Published: 4/08/08
2000 Dodge Dakota Review
A new V8 and the midyear introduction of a crew cab model with four front-hinged side doors highlight Dakota's 2000 season. Dakota is sized between compact and full-size pickups and offers three cab styles.

Regular-cabs seat up to three. Extended-cab Club Cab models seat six, but have only two doors. The new Quad Cab rides the same wheelbase as the Club Cab and also seats six, but its cab is longer and has two front-hinged rear doors. Dakota and Nissan's Frontier Crew Cab are currently the only such crew cab compact pickups, although Ford's Explorer Sport Trac SUV has a similar configuration. The 8-foot-long cargo bed is no longer offered on regular-cab Dakotas; they now share a 6.5-foot bed with the Club Cab. The Quad Cab has a 5.25-foot bed.

Dakota's base engine is a 4-cylinder. A V6 is standard with 4-wheel drive models and on Quad Cabs. Optional on all is a 235-horsepower overhead-cam 4.7-liter V8 borrowed from the Jeep Grand Cherokee. It replaces a 230-hp overhead-valve 5.2-liter V8. A 250-hp 5.9-liter V8 is optional on Quad Cabs and is required with the R/T package. The R/T package is available on 2WD regular-cabs and Club Cabs and includes a sport suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, bucket seats, and distinct trim. Dakota's 5.9 V8 comes only with automatic transmission; its other engines are available with manual or automatic.

The base 4WD system is not for use on dry pavement. The full-time system available with V8s makes Dakota the only compact pickup with 4WD that can be left engaged on all surfaces. Rear antilock brakes are standard; 4-wheel ABS is optional.
Competition
Among compact pickups two vehicles really stand out. The Dodge Dakota and the Ford Ranger (and clone Mazda B-Series). Dakota is the only one to offer a V8 engine and near-full-size cargo and towing capacity. Ranger is the most refined and probably the best daily use vehicle.

Among the Recommended choices we really like the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma for their drivability and comfort. General Motors' compacts (the Chevy S-10 and GMC Sonoma) are getting a bit long in the tooth. But they still offer class-leading ride quality and a strong V6 engine.
News
Dakota lost some 8500 sales in calendar 1999 vs. '98, but made up most of the deficit in the first four months of 2000. The new 4-door Quad Cab was likely a big help.

Dodge's junior pickup isn't expected to change much more until the 2003 or possibly '04 model year, when it will be fully redesigned for the third time since the nameplate was introduced. Like big brother Ram, which enters its second generation shortly before, the next Dakota is expected to wear angular "cab forward" styling patterned on the 2000 MaxxCab 4-door concept truck.
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

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
34 46 48 45 36.1
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks

Low Score
27
Average Score
36
High Score
48
2000 Dodge Dakota Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/01/2000
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD regular cab $13,655 $12,436 $560
4WD regular cab $17,130 $15,524 $560
2WD Club Cab extended cab $16,980 $15,392 $560
4WD Club Cab extended cab $20,185 $18,243 $560
2WD Quad Cab crew cab $19,350 $17,508 $560
4WD Quad Cab crew cab $21,995 $19,856 $560
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Regular cab
Powertrain
2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, rear antilock brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power steering, vinyl bench seat, tachometer, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, variable intermittent wipers, passenger-side visor mirror, black vinyl floor covering.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Manual outside mirrors, painted front and argent rear step bumper.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
215/75R15 tires, full-size spare tire, 4WD models add: part-time 4-wheel drive, two-speed transfer case, 3.9-liter V6 engine.
Club Cab adds to regular cab:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cloth upholstery, 40/20/40 split front bench seat, rear split folding bench seat, carpeting, behind-seat storage compartments.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deep-tinted rear glass.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD models add: part-time 4-wheel drive, two-speed transfer case, 3.9-liter V6 engine.
Quad Cab adds to Club Cab:
Powertrain
3.9-liter V6 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Two rear doors.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
215/75R15 white-letter tires, alloy wheels, 4WD models add: part-time 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 235/75R15 white letter tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Bonus Discount
2WD Club Cab w/2.5-liter engine (credit)
$-200
$-170
2WD Club Cab w/3.9-liter or 4.7-liter engine (credit)
$-560
$-476
Quick Order Sport Pkg.
2WD regular cab
$1,635
$1,390
4WD regular cab
$1,815
$1,543
2WD Club Cab
$980
$833
4WD Club Cab
$1,145
$973
Cloth 40/20/40 split bench seat (regular cab), upgraded door trim, carpeting (regular cab), Sport Group (color-keyed grille, front and rear color-keyed fascia, Sport badging, alloy wheels), 215/75R15 white-letter tires (2WD), 235/75R15 white-letter tires (4WD).
Quick Order Sport Plus Pkg.
2WD regular cab
$1,430
$1,216
4WD regular cab
$1,465
$1,245
2WD Club Cab
$1,465
$1,245
4WD Club Cab
$1,475
$1,254
2WD Quad Cab
$1,310
$1,114
w/5.9-liter engine
$1,310
$1,114
4WD Quad Cab
$1,320
$1,122
Air conditioning, Light Group (regular cab, Club Cab), fog lights, rear stabilizer bar, 255/65R15 tires (2WD), 31x10.5R15 white-letter tires (4WD). Regular cab and Club Cab require Sport Pkg., 3.9-liter or 5.2-liter engine. NA with R/T Pkg.
Quick Order SLT Pkg.
2WD Quad Cab
$1,220
$1,037
4WD Quad Cab
$1,220
$1,037
Air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, floormats, hood insulation, chrome bumpers and grille.
Quick Order SLT Plus Pkg.
2WD regular cab
$1,075
$914
2WD Club Cab
$1,100
$935
4WD regular cab/Club cab
$1,110
$944
2WD Quad Cab
$1,275
$1,084
w/5.9-liter engine
$1,275
$1,084
4WD Quad Cab
$1,285
$1,092
Power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, rear stabilizer bar, 255/65R15 tires (2WD), 31x10.5R15 white-letter tires (4WD). Requires SLT Pkg.
R/T Pkg.
2WD regular cab
$2,370
$2,015
2WD Club Cab
$2,410
$2,049
Includes limited-slip differential, lowered sport suspension, cloth high back bucket seats, upgraded door panels, leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, cruise control, Light Group, heavy-duty sound insulation, fog lights, color-keyed bumpers, wheel flares, 255/55R17 tires. Requires Quick Order Sport Pkg., 5.9-liter V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Deluxe Convenience Group
Club Cab, Quad Cab, Regular cab
$390
$332
Cruise control, tilt steering column. NA 2.5-liter engine.
Power Convenience Group
regular cab, Club Cab
$570
$485
Quad Cab
$745
$633
Power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry. Requires Quick Order Pkg.
Power Overhead Convenience Group
regular cab/Club Cab w/SLT Pkg.
$755
$642
regular cab/Club Cab w/Sport Pkg.
$785
$667
Quad Cab
$930
$791
ordered w/SLT Plus Pkg.
$185
$157
Power Convenience Group plus overhead console w/storage, trip computer, compass, outside temperature indicator, automatic day/night rearview mirror.
Light Group
regular cab
$145
$123
Club Cab
$155
$132
Mini overhead console, glovebox and courtesy lights, cargo box and underhood lights, auxiliary power outlet.
2100# GVWR
2WD regular cab
$310
$264
2WD regular cab w/Quick Order Pkg.
$185
$157
2000 GVWR
2WD Club Cab
$310
$264
2WD Club Cab w/Quick Order Pkg.
$185
$157
4WD regular cab
$360
$306
4WD regular cab w/Quick Order Pkg.
$55
$47
Requires 3.9-liter engine, limited-slip differential.
1800 GVWR
4WD Club Cab w/Quick Order Pkg.
$40
$34
Requires 3.9-liter engine, limited-slip differential.
Trailer Tow Group
4WD regular cab, Club Cab, Quad Cab
$275
$234
Class IV trailer-hitch receiver, 4-wire adapter. Requires Heavy Duty Service Group.
Powertrain
3.9-liter V6 engine
2WD regular cab/Club Cab
$560
$476
4.7-liter V8 engine
2WD regular cab/Club Cab
$1,090
$927
4WD regular cab/Club Cab, Quad Cab
$590
$502
Regular cab and Club Cab require Quick Order Pkg.
5.9-liter V8 engine
2WD regular cab/Club Cab
$1,685
$1,432
2WD Quad Cab
$1,190
$1,012
4WD Quad Cab
$1,125
$956
Requires 4-speed automatic transmission. Regular cab and Club Cab require Quick Order Sport Pkg., R/T Pkg.
Manual transmission
2WD
$0
$0
Requires 2.5-liter engine.
4-speed automatic transmission
Club Cab, Quad Cab, Regular cab
$975
$829
2WD regular cab requires 3.9- or 5.2-liter engine.
Optional axle ratio
Club Cab, Quad Cab, Regular cab
$40
$34
Limited-slip differential
Club Cab, Quad Cab, Regular cab
$285
$242
2WD requires optional axle ratio when ordered with V8 engine. 4WD requires optional axle ratio ordered with standard V6 engine.
Full-time 4WD
4WD
$395
$336
Requires 4.7-liter engine, automatic transmission. Regular cab, Club Cab require Sport Pkg. or SLT Pkg.
Safety
Front and rear antilock brakes
Club Cab, Quad Cab, Regular cab
$495
$421
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning
Club Cab, Quad Cab, Regular cab
$800
$680
6-way power driver seat
Club Cab, Quad Cab
$320
$272
Club Cab requires Sport Pkg. or SLT Pkg.
Cloth/vinyl bench seat
regular cab
$55
$47
Cloth/vinyl bucket seats
Club Cab, Quad Cab, Regular cab
$200
$170
Includes center console. Requires Quick Order Pkg.
5x7 power mirrors
Club Cab, Quad Cab, Regular cab
$140
$119
Regular cab and Club Cab require Quick Order Pkg.
6x9 power mirrors
Quad Cab, regular cab/Club Cab ordered w/Sport or SLT Pkg.
$160
$136
ordered w/SLT Plus Pkg.
$20
$17
AM/FM/cassette w/equalizer
Club Cab, Quad Cab, Regular cab
$300
$255
Includes Infinity sound system. Regular cab and Club Cab require Quick Order Pkg.
AM/FM/CD player w/equalizer
Club Cab, Quad Cab, Regular cab
$480
$408
Includes Infinity sound system. Regular cab and Club Cab require Quick Order Pkg.
AM/FM/cassette/CD player w/equalizer
Club Cab, Quad Cab, Regular cab
$660
$561
Includes Infinity sound system. Regular cab and Club Cab require Quick Order Pkg.
Steering wheel radio controls
Club Cab, Quad Cab, Regular cab
$75
$64
Requires leather-wrapped steering wheel and AM/FM/cassette/CD player.
Tilt steering wheel
Club Cab, Quad Cab, Regular cab
$140
$119
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Club Cab, Quad Cab, Regular cab
$50
$43
Requires Deluxe Convenience Group.
Front floormats
regular cab, Club Cab
$30
$26
Requires Sport or SLT Pkg.
Front and rear floormats
Quad Cab
$50
$43
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system
Club Cab, Quad Cab, Regular cab
$150
$128
Requires Power Convenience Group.
Bodyside moldings
regular cab, Club Cab
$75
$64
Requires SLT or SLT Plus Pkg.
Fog lights
Club Cab, Quad Cab, Regular cab
$120
$102
Regular cab and Club Cab require Quick Order Pkg.
Sliding rear window
Club Cab, Quad Cab, Regular cab
$115
$98
Engine-block heater
Club Cab, Quad Cab, Regular cab
$35
$30
Two-tone paint
Club Cab, Quad Cab, Regular cab
$195
$166
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Heavy-duty engine cooling
ordered w/manual transmission
$60
$51
ordered w/automatic transmission
$120
$102
Heavy-Duty Service Group
ordered w/manual transmission
$120
$102
ordered w/automatic transmission
$180
$153
Includes heavy-duty engine cooling, transmission oil cooling, power steering fluid cooling, heavy-duty battery and alternator.
Skid plate group
4WD
$130
$111
Tire and Handling Pkg.
2WD regular cab
$365
$310
2WD Club Cab/Quad Cab
$390
$332
4WD
$400
$340
Rear stabilizer bar (4WD regular cab, Club Cab), 255/65R15 tires (2WD), 31x10.5R15 white-letter tires, alloy wheels. Requires Quick Order Pkg. NA with 2.5-liter engine.
235/75R15 tires
regular cab, Club Cab
$190
$162
regular cab/Club Cab w/Quick Order Pkg., Quad Cab
$65
$55
2000 Dodge Dakota Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Dodge Dakota crew cab Dodge Dakota reg. cab Dodge Dakota ext. cab
Wheelbase, in. 131.0 111.9 131.0
Overall Length, in. 215.1 195.8 214.8
Overall Width, in. 71.6 71.5 71.5
Overall Height, in. 66.3 65.6 65.6
Curb Weight, lbs. 4124 3378 3611
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. -- -- --
Standard Payload, lbs. 1450 1275 1275
Fuel Capacity, gals. 24.0 22.0 22.0
Seating Capacity 6 3 6
Front Head Room, in. 39.8 40.0 40.0
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.9 41.9 41.9
Rear Head Room, in. 38.4 -- 38.0
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 36.0 -- 22.1
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  ohv I4 ohv V6 sohc V8 ohv V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.5 /150 3.9 /239 4.7 /287 5.9 /360
Horsepower @ rpm. 120 @ 5200 175 @ 4800 235 @ 4800 250 @ 4400
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 145 @ 3250 225 @ 3200 295 @ 3200 345 @ 3200
Availability Standard Optional Optional Optional