2002 Dodge Dakota Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2002 Dodge Dakota includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Dodge Dakota from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Dodge Dakota, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Dodge Dakota help you decide if a 2002 Dodge Dakota is right for you.

2002 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	4.2

Only nonfull-size pickup to offer a V8 and 4WD that can be used on dry pavement. The 4.7 is powerful, the 5.9 stronger yet. Peppy V6 is fine for medium-duty work. The 4 cyl is too weak. Towing capacity ranges from 1800 to 6650 lb.

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	4.2

No opportunity to measure with the 4.7, but that V8 averaged 11.8 mpg in our test Dodge Durango 4x4. Test 5.9 Dakota averaged 13.3 mpg. 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
5	6	6	5	3.6

Comfortable, stable with 2WD. The stiffer 4x4s 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	3.4

R/T is almost sporty-car agile. Other Dakotas are typical pickup: fair cornering lean, modest grip. Brakes are average compared with 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	3.4

Considerable wind noise at highway speeds and tire thrum on coarse surfaces. But 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. Dakota's dashboard-mounted 4WD switch is preferred to the floor-mounted lever common on most import compact pickups. Assembly and quality of materials is 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	4

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	1.5

Club Cab's rear bench is childsize, 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	2.7

Being larger overall than compact trucks pays off in a bit more behind-the-seat storage space 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	6.6

Dakota is a good choice if you don't need a big pickup but want more power, space, and towing capacity than a compact. Available V8 power, all-surface 4WD, and Quad Cab versatility cement its Best Buy credentials.

Total Score