The 2001 Dodge Dakota Quad

Well I stopped by the dealership the beginning of September where I bought my Quad and had a gander at the brand new Dakota's in stock. Boy, they sure look pretty, all dozen or so parked next to each other, something like a beauty pageant.

Basically they seem very similar to the 2000 model but they do have some significant change on closer inspection. Prior to my inspection I asked the salesmen who assisted me in my purchase of my Dakota, "what's the difference between the 2000's and the 2001's", he said, "the only thing he was sure of was that the 4 wheel drive shift lever had been changed to a switch style operation and mounted on the console". He also informed me that Chrysler hadn't sent him any model brochures so he hadn't an opportunity to review the updates if any.

Well I did and here what I found on my first, but brief inspection.

Viewing the front center interior, the shift lever and tray combination that
once existed in the 2000 Dakota has been change to a more roomier console
with the 4 wheel shift switch mounted at closer reach to the driver. The cup holder that could be withdrawn from the center seat is gone and has moved into the floor console.

My thoughts: I like the quicker access to the 4 wheel shift. But I wonder on the dependability of a switch. More importantly, I kind of like throwing the lever on my 2000 Quad when I want to shift into 4 wheel drive. I guess it a man kind of thing wanting to have the direct feel and control of moving steel and hooking up and locking in. Oh well, I guess I'm a dying breed and the next generation desires convenience, well they definitely got it with the 2001's.

Also I prefer not reaching as far for the Java and see the cup holders in the 2001 as being less convenient. The larger of the tray in the center console is also further away when compared with the 2001.

The first thing I really noticed on the 2001 Dodge Dakota's was that the interior had really been changed a lot. It's seems they moved away from the smooth rounded and flowing appearance of the 2000's to a more square and functional look in order to provide more stow area for the knickknacks one needs in their day to day travel.

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