Dodge Dakotas continue to be not only one of the most popular pickups on the market, but one of the most popular vehicles, period. It is the perfect compromise for couples where the guy wants the macho power of a truck and the woman wants the safety, dependability, and handling of a car. It has the storage capacity of a minivan, but guys don't have to be embarrassed to be seen driving it.

In fact, all owners, both male and female love their Dodge Dakotas for both the comfort and the power. Aside from the sluggish base model 2.5-liter, 120-hp engine, the most popular models are those with either the 3.9-liter V6 or the powerful 4.7-liter V8 (for those who would love to have, but can't afford a sports car as their second car). The R/T performance model boasts the rumbling 5.9-liter V8, topping out at 250-hp, but the 4.7's 235-hp is more than enough for most drivers. The big hit that drove up sales for Dakotas was the introduction of the quad-cab, a four-door Dakota with car-like rear seating, available only in regular cab models. It has more legroom, but a smaller bed.

New for the 2002 Dodge Dakota is an SXT trim, available only in the 2-door regular or extended Club Cab. This sportier-looking model comes standard with a few extra features than the base model, including 16-inch wheels, bucket seats, and a rear stabilizer. New for the limited R/T models is optional chrome wheels. An electronic brake apportioning system (EBA) enhances braking precision and durability.