2001 Dodge Dakota Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2001 Dodge Dakota includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Dodge Dakota from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Dodge Dakota, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Dodge Dakota help you decide if a 2001 Dodge Dakota is right for you.

2001 Dodge Dakota Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (V8)	Rear-seat comfort

	Fuel economy (V8)

	Acceleration (4-cylinder)

	Rear-seat entry/exit (Club Cab)

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

reg. cab 2WD, 4 cyl 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

Only non-full-size pickup to offer a V8. The 4.7 is powerful, the 5.9 stronger yet. Peppy V6 is fine for most uses. The 4-cyl is too weak.

Fuel Economy

reg. cab 2WD, 4 cyl 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	4.5

We haven't had an opportunity to measure with the 4.7, but same V8 averaged 11.8 mpg in our test Dodge Durango 4x4. Dakota with 5.9 V8 averaged 13.3 mpg in our test. Overworked 4-cyl unlikely to be much thriftier than V6.

Ride Quality

reg. cab 2WD, 4 cyl 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	3.4

Comfortable, stable ride with 2WD. The 4x4s are stiffer, so they jiggle noticeably over bumps.

Steering/Handling/Braking

reg. cab 2WD, 4 cyl 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

R/T is almost sporty-car agile. Others are typical pickup--fair cornering lean, modest grip. Brakes are average compared to rivals. Four-wheel ABS is a worthwhile option over rear-only setup.

Quietness

reg. cab 2WD, 4 cyl 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	3.3

Considerable wind noise at highway speeds and tire thrum on coarse surfaces. But our test Club Cab was quieter overall than some Dodge cars and rival small trucks.

Controls

reg. cab 2WD, 4 cyl 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

Simple and handy. Dashboard-mounted 4WD switch eliminates previous bulky floor-mounted lever. Assembly and quality of materials is basically good.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

reg. cab 2WD, 4 cyl 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	3.9

Tight for three adults even with bench seat. But comfortable for two, and roomier than any compact rival.

Room/Comfort (rear)

reg. cab 2WD, 4 cyl 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	1.3

Club Cab's rear bench is child sized, lack of 3rd door hinders entry/exit. Quad Cab has good head room for adults, though tall passenger's knees are against front seatback. Rear seatback is too upright on all.

Cargo Room

reg. cab 2WD, 4 cyl 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	2.5

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

Value within Class

reg. cab 2WD, 4 cyl man.	Club Cab 2WD, V6 auto.	Quad Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto.	Quad Cab 4WD, 5.9 V8	Class Average
7	9	10	8	6.2

A good solution if you don't need a big pickup but want more power, space, and towing capacity than a compact. Available V8 power, dry-pavement 4WD, and Quad Cab versatility cement its Best Buy credentials.

Total Score