Outside it's a beefy mid-sized truck with the same lines and styling as its big brother, the Dodge Ram. Inside, it is a family sedan, with the luxuries, convenience, and comfort you'd expect in a car. Available in regular, extended, and quad-cab, the Dodge Dakota can be whatever you'd like, whether you're off-roading in the country, hauling equipment, or taking a family road trip.

Because of the huge popularity of its new Crew Cab 4-door truck, changes for the 2001 Dodge Dakota focused on the interior. Both the dashboard, and overhead and center consoles were restyled to look and operate more like a car. Sport and SLT models were given 16-inch alloy wheels. Engine options remained the same -- 2.5-liter, 120-hp I4, the 3.9-liter, 175-hp V6, the 4.7-liter, 235-hp V8, and the 5.9-liter, 250-hp V8 option in the R/T trim.

Tests of the 2001 Dodge Dakota place it among the top pickups in the market, for its heavy-duty suspension that offers a quiet ride, its above-average braking, and its easy handling of both mountain curves or tight city parking spots. Drivers still dislike the miserable fuel economy, particularly wtih a heavy load or when driving the 5.9 V8. The best compromise in terms of engine power and fuel economy is the 4.7-liter V8, though even full out that will cost you at the pump. Some owners complain about steady visits to the repair shop, while others have experience very few maintenance issues.