2000 Dodge Dakota Review (continued)
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Walkaround

Dakota features the Freightliner styling of the bigger Dodge Ram. Bold lines give it a big, burley look, like it's ready to take on anything that comes its way.

Regular and Club Cabs have a 6-ft. 6-in. bed - a good size for a compact truck. The Quad Cab, on the other hand, has a 5-ft. 3-in. bed. According to Dodge, people seldom need the full length of the longer bed. Those who need more cargo space can consider an optional bed extender -an aluminum cage that flips over the lowered tailgate to extend the bed by 18 inches. It adds utility, but it isn't like having a full-sized bed. Dodge also offers a special shell developed for the Dakota by Leer that provides a protected cargo area.

Interior Features

Visibility from inside the Dakota Quad Cab is outstanding. The driver sits high and there are no obvious blind spots. Optional 6x9-inch mirrors improve visibility rearward.

The Quad Cab is roomy and comfortable. The front seat is 40/20/40 split. The wide console Dodge has been using in Ram and Dakota pickups works well for storage area, but it gets in the way when fastening seat belts. A pullout cup holder at the foot of the center section is a nice touch. For $200 you can replace the 40/20/40 split bench with high-back buckets with a center console.

Though roomier than any other compact truck, the rear seating area offers limited legroom. Children and smaller adults should be happy back there, but taller folk will find the space confining. A better use for this space is to fold the rear 60/40 split bench seats entirely out of the way for a nice, secure storage area. Or you can leave part of the seat down for a passenger and still have room to tote stuff.

Controls are nicely placed and easy to operate. One exception: the $660 AM/FM/cassette/CD stereo offers superb sound through eight Infinity speakers spread around the cab, but the controls are small and confusing. Our test truck came with the overhead electronic console with an eight-point compass and ambient temperature that are useful when traveling. It also features a trip computer and odometer that reports fuel economy and fuel tank range. The console is part of the Overhead Convenience Group ($975) and includes compartments for sunglasses and garage door openers, auto-dimming rearview mirror and map lights.