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Dodge

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
More Information from the Manufacturer