The 2001 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB- If there is one thing that hasn't gone unnoticed, it's the four-door pickups. Small trucks of lone rangers are the news of yester-year, and truck lovers need more space to carry more things inside the cabin, including a family. Three-quarter and one-ton four-doors have been around forever, but those road hogs are sometimes too big for the average uses. The new truck owner wants a four-door pickup that can hold a family and provide some recreational fun at the same time. The new Dodge Dakota Quad Cab delivers exactly what that person is looking for, and all in a midsize package.

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The new Dodge Dakota Quad Cab delivers exactly what that person is looking for, and all in a midsize package. Small trucks of lone rangers are the news of yester-year.

It was that much of an operation: Chop off just over a foot of bed, and toss it in the back of the front cabin - instant 4-door. The overall length and wheelbase remain the same at a respectable 131.0 and 215.1 inches. This truck is no way too long, and is a perfect fit for someone looking for a truck they can manage. The other big Dakota news for 2001 is the availability of DaimlerChrysler's 4.7-liter/235-horse SOHC V-8, which debuted last year in the new Jeep Grand Cherokee. It replaces, and handily outpowers, the previous 5.2-liter; the 5.9-liter V-8 is still optional.

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On paper, this is a great idea: Depending on how you want your seats arranged, the quad cab can hold up to 6, with plenty of room. No need to scream shotgun, the backseat is roomy and down-right comfortable, a rarity in most trucks. And in the back, the windows roll all the way down, another plus for the Dodge. At 5 feet, 3 inches, the bed won't hold everything a standard pickup will, but it's still larger than just about any trunk or SUV cargo area. Dodge rates the payload capacity at 1450 pounds, and you're good to tow up to a 6200 pound trailer. We've always liked the Dakota's size and packaging: smaller, easier to get in and out of and maneuver than a full-size truck, yet with engine options and cab comfort not offered by a compact.

The interior is a great, well-working package. A bench in the back is headed by either two captains chairs or another bench up front to hold passengers comfortably. The instrument cluster is traditional Dodge - housing a oil-pressure and volt meter to accompany the tach, speedo, and fuel and temp gauges. Climate controls are large, simple, and user friendly. The radio is better than you'd expect from a truck, and has an optional CD player. Buttons are easy to use, and feel sturdy to the touch. The full power treatment circulates throughout the cabin, while leather seats can be added as another option.

A The new V-8 is a beauty in itself. Its punchy, and outdrags the previous 5.2- and 5.9 liter engines we've tested. It's backed by a unique four-speed automatic transmission that packs two different second-gear ratios, and selects the most appropriate one for downshifts, depending upon power needs. This drivetrain package offers crisp around-town performance, 295 pound-feet of towing torque, and better fuel economy than the old 5.2. The Quad Cab's longer wheelbase provides for a smoother and more comfortable ride, with less freeway hop and chop than other standard pickups.

If you're considering a sport/utility, but haul the type of cargo that really mandates a pickup, the Dakota Quad Cab makes tons of sense. There's nothing about it you wouldn't want - room for 5 (at minimum), a rugged bed to carry your goodies, and a nice ride. The package comes together beautifully, and should keep you more than satisfied for a long time. AZ/AutoNetDirect.com

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