Dodge Dakota

The ride is jittery and unsettled. It handled relatively well for its era, and available full-time 4WD was a plus. Model year 2000 brought a four-door Quad Cab model and a more modern V8. The 2005 redesign offered only extended-cab versions. A 3.7L V6 was standard, but even the 4.7L V8 felt sluggish and drank fuel. Further, the buoyant ride and unresponsive handling remained and ESC was not available.

The 3.9-liter, 175-hp V6 we tested performs adequately, but it guzzles fuel like a V8. The optional automatic transmission shifts smoothly but not always promptly. The ride is jarring, especially with an empty bed. A crew-cab version dubbed Quad Cab is new for 2000; it has four full-sized doors and offers a powerful and refined 4.7-liter V8.