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Dodge Trucks and Cars For 2001 |
By Carey Russ |
The newest Caravan minivan is the headline act in Dodge's light truck department, but that's not all that's new. The Dakota Quad Cab pickup made its debut in mid-2000, and enters its first full year of production. The Durango sport-utility gets a new interior and expanded lineup. The Ram full-size pickup and Ram full-size van have minor changes.
Caravan
Behind its Dodge cross-hair grille is an all-new version of the Caravan. A wide variety of regular-wheelbase Caravan and extended-wheelbase Grand Caravan models are offered, including Sport and all-wheel drive configurations. The interior sets new standards in versatility and reconfigurability. Features on various models, including a power liftgate, dual power sliding doors, a removable power center console, add convenience. A redesigned chassis gives greater levels of comfort, and most engines are more powerful.
Dakota
Dodge's Dakota is conveniently larger than most compact pickups but smaller than a full-size truck. Unlike other compact trucks, in addition to four-cylinder and V6 engines, it offers two optional V8 engines, a 230-hp 4.7-liter and a 250-hp 5.9-liter. A full lineup is available, with regular and "Club" extended cabs, and the four-real-door Quad Cab. The spirit of Dodge muscle cars of the past lives on in the Dakota R/T, a factory hot rod with the 5.9-liter V8, rear-wheel drive, and sport suspension.
Durango
The Durango SUV combines V8 power, interior space, and ability. 2001 enhancements include a new interior and new option packages. V8 engines are standard in all models, with a 230-hp 4.7-liter in most and the 5.9-liter "Magnum," boasting 245 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque, in the new high-performance R/T model.
Ram pickup
The Ram started the pickup style revolution when it debuted in 1994. It's available with two- or four-wheel drive in regular cab, extended cab, and "Quad Cab" crew cab body styles with a choice of box sized and payload ratings. There are new colors and minor equipment revisions for 2001.
Ram Van and Wagon
Dodge's full-size cargo Van and passenger Wagon have minor interior and equipment changes this year.
Dodge Truck Specifications 2001 Caravan ENGINE 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder Peak horsepower: 150 @ 5200 rpm Peak torque, lb-ft: 167 @ 4000 rpm 3.3-liter V6 Peak horsepower: 180 @ 5200 rpm Peak torque, lb-ft: 210 @ 4000 rpm 3.8-liter V6 Peak horsepower: 215 @ 5000 rpm Peak torque, lb-ft: 245 @ 4000 rpm DRIVE TRAIN Front-engine, front- or all-wheel drive 4 - speed automatic CHASSIS & SUSPENSION Unit construction Front suspension: N/A Rear suspension: N/A BRAKES N/A EPA ESTIMATED FUEL ECONOMY City / Highway: N/A Fuel tank: N/A gallons Dakota ENGINE 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder Peak horsepower: 120 @ 5200 rpm Peak torque, lb-ft: 145 @ 3250 rpm 3.9-liter V6 Peak horsepower: 175 @ 4800 rpm Peak torque, lb-ft: 225 @ 3200 rpm 4.7-liter V8 Peak horsepower: 230 @ 4800 rpm Peak torque, lb-ft: 295 @ 3200 rpm 5.9-liter V8 Peak horsepower: 250 @ 4400 rpm Peak torque, lb-ft: 345 @ 3200 rpm DRIVE TRAIN Front-engine, rear- or four-wheel drive 4 - speed automatic 5 - speed manual CHASSIS & SUSPENSION Body-on-frame construction Front suspension: independent double A-arm Rear suspension: solid axle with leaf springs BRAKES Disc/drum, antilock optional EPA ESTIMATED FUEL ECONOMY City / Highway: 20/24 to 12/16 depending on model Fuel tank: 22-24 gallons