Dakota Quad Cab Makes News

Fri., Feb. 11, 2000

The big news at Dodge includes a new 2000 Neon, a Dakota Quad Cab and major revisions to the popular Durango SUV. There’s even a more powerful Viper.

Like a cute friend that’s grown up, the Neon gets a more mature visage and more interior space. Just as important is what’s underneath, namely a stronger chassis; teamed with new full-frame doors and windows, it adds up to a quieter, smoother and more solid-feeling Neon.

There’s increased front-seat hip room, more head- and shoulder room in the rear and a bigger trunk. Exhaust-system improvements reduce engine noise. Standard equipment includes AM/FM cassette radio with six speakers, four cupholders, rear defroster, floor mats, battery-saver feature and theater-style dimming for interior lighting. Seats feature improved lumbar support.

The Neon R/T returns late in 2000.

Dakota Quad Cab gets four front-facing doors. To compensate for the over-large cabin, the cargo box is shortened.

Powertrain options include an all-new 4.7-liter SOHC V-8 that turns out 235 hp and 295 foot-pounds of torque. There’s also a new automatic transmission that chooses between two second-gear ratios, depending on whether it’s shifting up or down.

The Durango has been criticized on these pages for a lack of refinement, but an etiquette implant and a new base engine for 4WD models civilize the big SUV in 2000.

Gone is the old 230-hp, 5.2-liter pushrod engine, replaced by a smooth, new SOHC 4.7-liter V-8. Found also in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the aluminum-head engine produces 235-hp and 295 pound-feet of torque. The 5.2-liter mill is still standard in two-wheel drive models.

The uplevel engine in both 2WD and 4WD models is a 245-hp, 5.9-liter V-8, but the new engine accelerates just as quickly (0-60 in 9.2 seconds), so the only reason to buy the big one is for heavy-duty towing chores.

Also new in 4WD models is rack-and-pinion steering, transplanted from the 2WD truck. According to early reports, it’s a well-balanced, nicely weighted system that tracks well and provides good road response. It’s a nice complement to the Durango’s firm and sporty suspension.

The Viper steams into 2000 with an optional new ACR model which undergoes a weight reduction plan and gets a 10-hp power implant, to 460 hp. Zero-60 mph comes up in 4.0 seconds.

Elsewhere, the Intrepid gets a new R/T version that borrows the strong-running, 244-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 from Chrysler’s 300M. In addition to all the requisite styling cues - special badging and embroidery, 17-inch wheels and foglamps, the R/T gets the dual-mode SportShift transmission and sport-tuned exhaust. Other engine choices include V-6s that put out 202 hp and 225 hp.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.