2001 Dodge Dakota Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
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...
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.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2001 Dodge Dakota appreciate its power, smooth ride, and reliability. Many praise the performance of the V8 models, highlighting their ability to haul heavy loads and provide decent acceleration. However, a common gripe is the fuel economy, with drivers noting that it can be costly to run, especially with rising gas prices. Some also mention issues with the V6's power and acceleration, feeling it's underwhelming compared to the V8."
Purchased truck with blown engine. Replaced 4.7l v8 3 years ago. No problems with this truck. Terrific ride and handling. Loads of power. Limited slip rear diff gives great traction in all conditions. With the four doors and the little topper I am able to handle lots of gear as well as pull my boat trailer. For an older truck, i really like this unit overall. It is a shame that no one builds a small to mid size pickup anymore, just huge trucks that wont fit in most peoples garages!
December 2, 2014Purchased new 12-2000, Only problems , can't recall any in 7 yr. ownership. Only routine maintenance required Tires @ 46000 miles, battery at 6 yrs. Now have 48000 & average 16.8 mpg in local drivung wth 4.7 V8
February 4, 2008The Dakota R/T's performance is awesome for the small truck with a large motor concept. Dodge uses the same 5.9l in the Ram and shoves it into this midsize truck. Being smaller and closer to the ground also gives it amazing handling for such a small truck. Mind you, the single cabs are more maneuverable with the handling and the braking system on these trucks is perfect. You will use some gas but as they also say "haul ass". I use this truck as a weekend driver and as a performance vehicle as I'm always adding something to it. These motors are forever on performance parts.
January 17, 2011What owners say
Purchased truck with blown engine. Replaced 4.7l v8 3 years ago. No problems with this truck. Terrific ride and handling. Loads of power. Limited slip rear diff gives great traction in all conditions. With the four doors and the little topper I am able to handle lots of gear as well as pull my boat trailer. For an older truck, i really like this unit overall. It is a shame that no one builds a small to mid size pickup anymore, just huge trucks that wont fit in most peoples garages!
December 2, 2014Purchased new 12-2000, Only problems , can't recall any in 7 yr. ownership. Only routine maintenance required Tires @ 46000 miles, battery at 6 yrs. Now have 48000 & average 16.8 mpg in local drivung wth 4.7 V8
February 4, 2008The Dakota R/T's performance is awesome for the small truck with a large motor concept. Dodge uses the same 5.9l in the Ram and shoves it into this midsize truck. Being smaller and closer to the ground also gives it amazing handling for such a small truck. Mind you, the single cabs are more maneuverable with the handling and the braking system on these trucks is perfect. You will use some gas but as they also say "haul ass". I use this truck as a weekend driver and as a performance vehicle as I'm always adding something to it. These motors are forever on performance parts.
January 17, 2011I love everything about my truck besides the gas mileage. However this is my first truck so I compare mileage to a car. And I wish it was a V8 instead of the V6. It performs well but could definatly do better with more power.
February 4, 2009Overall pretty happy. The V6 is a bit weak and something with more HP would have really improved things. Would replace the tires and breaks since both were fast to wear out. The only real issue i've had so far was that the blower fan went out, however it was under warranty and fixed promptly.
June 30, 2008Great trucks only those with V8s, 6 cyl trucks have a lot of lifter noise. Underpowered for size of truck, but the V8 models are great.
July 2, 2021I've had this truck since 2007 and put about 100,000 miles on it. Over the years I've had to replace some ball joints, tie rods and the power steering pump but I think that's to be expected on a vehicle of this age and mileage. It's been fairly good at gas mileage on the highway. It's very dependable and reliable. I've always loved driving it and using it to haul things. Awesome long term reliability.
November 4, 2013I use to have a Dodge Dakota sport it was great,had good acceleration,and great breaking power,handling was good.The quality was good only had to fix the window to the window track for the manuel roll up windows.The appearence was great the previous owner put a custom blue pearlcoat on.Gas and maintenance was good just get a regular oil change.The fun factor was awsome it was fun to drive.
June 5, 2009without the fender flares, the fender begins rusting on the outside. Engine stays solid to any RPM and responds fast. The lower you go, the more miles per gallon. I get 30-35mpg on the interstate. 15-20 city highway.
May 28, 2009I've owned my Dakota for a couple years now. Its been a great little truck for me. Tons of torque from the 4.7 v8. The truck is small and close to the ground which gives it very nice handling however being a small truck means that leg room in the back of the extended cab is non existent. I use the back seats for storage and as a place to put my speakers. Interior cargo space is fantastic. Large cubbie holes under the back bench seat is great for storing tie down straps, trailer hitches and stuff like that. The truck only has a 6.5 foot bed so cargo space in the back is a little limited. However the 4.7 with the auto tranny can tow anything you hook onto it. The only downside I can think of is the electronics. The truck has just over 170,000 miles on it and the wiring just started to go on the fritz. Interior lights under the dash are out, power window motor on the passenger side needs replacing and when i turn the headlights on the drivers side light needs to be smacked a few times to get it to come on. Then again it is a Chrysler product and i'll tell ya, I drive Mopar vehicles for the reliability, durability and power. I just put up with the quirky electronics. Overall Dakotas are great little trucks. I always have and always will drive Dodge trucks. Mopar or No Car!
March 11, 2014Trims & specs
Base MSRP $17,820 | Seating 6 |
Engine 2.5L 120 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $22,420 | Seating 6 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $18,915 | Seating 6 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $21,145 | Seating 6 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $21,145 | Seating 6 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $14,495 | Seating 3 |
Engine 2.5L 120 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $21,145 | Seating 6 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $18,090 | Seating 3 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $17,820 | Seating 6 |
Engine 2.5L 120 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $19,255 | Seating 3 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $22,955 | Seating 6 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $15,480 | Seating 3 |
Engine 2.5L 120 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $20,190 | Seating 6 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $20,610 | Seating 3 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $24,075 | Seating 6 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $17,395 | Seating 3 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain RWD |
