2001 Dodge Dakota: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Dodge's compact pickup is larger than rival compacts but not quite a full-size. It offers a 3-seat regular cab, 6-seat 2-dr extended Club Cab, and 6-seat 4-dr crew cab Quad Cab. Regular and Club Cab have a 6.5-ft. cargo bed, Quad Cab a 5.25-ft. box. Available engines are a 2.5-liter 4-cyl, 3.9 V6, 4.7 V8, and 5.9 V8. Manual or automatic transmission is offered. Dakota is available with rear-wheel drive, 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement, or 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement; 4x4s include low-range gearing. Rear ABS is standard, 4-wheel ABS is optional. Available rear-window defroster is a compact-pickup exclusive. R/T package for 2WD regular and Club Cabs includes sport suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, bucket seats, distinct trim. New ACM package includes unique exterior decor and yellow-letter tires.

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.

This year we are limiting our Recommended choices to the Toyota Tacoma. It's every bit as good as the Ranger in daily use, just a tad more expensive.