2001 Dodge Dakota Review (continued)
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Summary

Dodge Dakota is a solid, well-built truck that can be fun to drive. The 4.7-liter V8 in our Quad Cab offers great performance and works seamlessly with the specially designed automatic transmission.

The added interior room of the Quad Cab makes it extremely convenient on a day-to-day basis. Along with the hauling capability of the bed, it's almost like having two vehicles in one.

If you don't want a full-size truck, but compact pickups seem too small, then the Dodge Dakota may be just right.

(Source: New Cars Test Drive)

Model Line Overview

Model Lineup:	4X2 Regular Cab ($13,910); 4X2 Club Cab ($17,235); 4X2 Quad Cab ($19,605); 4X4 Regular Cab ($17,505); 4X4 Club Cab ($20,560); 4X4 Quad Cab ($22,370)
Engines:	4.7-liter V8
Transmissions:	4-speed automatic
Saftey Equipment (standard):	rear anti-lock brakes, next-generation dual airbags (with passenger-side deactivation on Regular and Club Cabs), 3-point active seatbelts, cab-back child seat tether anchors standard; four-wheel ABS optional
Saftey Equipment (optional):
Basic Warranty:	3 years/36,000 miles
Assembled In:	Warren, Michigan

Specifications As Tested

Model Tested (MSRP):	Dakota Quad Cab 4X4 Sport ($22,370)
Standard Equipment:	40/20/40 split front seat; 60/40 split rear seat; front stabilizer bar; power steering; shift-on-the-fly transfer case; power, rear antilock brakes; intermittent wipers; AM/FM cassette stereo; 5X7 mirrors
Options As Tested (MSRP):	Sport Plus Group ($850) includes air conditioning, 16X8-inch aluminum wheels, 255/65R16 tires, 136-amp alternator, fog lamps; Trailer Tow Group ($275) includes Class IV receiver hitch, 7-circuit wiring connector; Deluxe Convenience Group ($390) includes cruise control, tilt steering column; Power Overhead Convenience Group ($1160) includes overhead console, power windows, power locks, keyless entry, auto day/night rearview mirror; Heavy Duty Service Group ($180) includes 750-amp battery, heavy-duty engine cooling, auxiliary transmission oil cooler; 4-wheel ABS ($495); floor mats ($50); 4-speed automatic transmission ($975); 3.92 rear axle ratio ($40); limited-slip rear differential ($285); 4.7-liter V8 ($590); rear sliding window ($115); power fold-away heated 6X9-in. mirrors ($20); AM/FM/cassette/CD with Infinity speakers and equalizer ($660); leather-wrapped steering wheel ($50)
Destination Charge:	585
Gas Guzzler Tax:
Price As Tested (MSRP):	29090
Layout:	four-wheel drive
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):	235 @ 4800
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):	295 @ 3200
Transmission:	4-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:	14/19
Wheelbase:	131.0
Length/width/height:	215.1/71.6/66.3
Track, f/r:	62.0/62.9
Turning circle:	41.0
Seating capacity:	6
Head/hip/leg room, f:	39.8/56.7/41.9
Head/hip/leg room, m:
Head/hip/leg room, r:	38.4/57.1/36.0
Cargo volume:
Payload:	1,450
Towing capacity:	6150
Suspension, f:	Independent
Suspension, r:	live axle
Ground clearance:	8.4
Curb weight:	4491
Tires:	P255/65R16
Brakes, f/r:	disc/drum with ABS
Fuel capacity:	24.0