Got a little problem, we test drove the Dodge Dakota Quad when we were in the States this past Feb. we liked it, but when we saw the Supercrew we really liked it. However, we asked my brother to test drive the Ford and he did not see much difference in between the two. Has anybody else done a comparison and could you let me know your findings. We just need to make sure that we made the right decision, not that we are in doubt!! (the moonroof is an A+)

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ordered 4 May 2000
2X4, Lariat, 4.6L, Deep Wedgewood Blue and Gold, Moonroof, 6cd changer

 

The Dakota Quad Cab is what got me looking for a new truck in the first place! Its a nice vehicle but I will tell you why I choose the Ford Supercrew instead:

1.I'm 6'3" and I felt the top of the front window was too low to see out of comfortably.
2.The dashboard was cheap and I could pull it out from its housing using my hands.
3.The Fords back seat folds to create a flat surface area..and my dog liked that!
4.My past experience with (2)Chrysler products have been hit and miss.I sold my 96 Jeep Grand Cherokee within 9 months of buying it because of major quality problems and terrible dealer support(San Diego).My 99 Wrangler has been trouble free but the dealership(Santa Cruz)is also a big losser!They damaged my vehicle twice.Once resulting in fender re-painting, then a new windshield.
5.For about 5k more, you get alot more truck.
6.I was not impressed with the way I was treated by the Dodge dealers.(went to 5 of them)

I drove both vehicles and researched them for months(also hanging out at Dodge message board/chat rooms) and finally felt that the Supercrew is the best.I know Chevy is coming out with a vehicle called the Avalance soon. It too will have 4 real doors but in my opinion also alot of tacked on gizmos and stuff. Plus it looks wierd.

 

I looked at both, too. I'm 6'6", the Dodge was too small for me, the person who ever sat behind me better not be older than about 8, no place for legs.
I have owned most brands of vehicles, Ford trucks are hard to beat. I qualify for GM family discount but my experience with GM has been horrible, they have lost me for life due to lousy quality and engineering snafus.

 

Thanx, I'm 6'2" myself and started getting worried about not being able to take a test drive. But looking at both of you, I guess I have nothing to worry about. Thank you!!

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ordered 4 May 2000
2X4, Lariat, 4.6L, Deep Wedgewood Blue and Gold, Moonroof, 6cd changer

 

I test-drove both the Dakota QuadCab and the F150 SuperCrew several times. My main criteria were towing capacity to pull a 4500-5000 lb load and people capacity to carry 4-5 folks comfortably for a reasonable distance and the ability to haul stuff I wouldn't put in the back of an SUV.

Both vehicles satisfied those basic needs. Quite frankly, the Dakota Quad felt better to me because I was moving up from a 6 cyl. Jeep Wrangler as a daily driver and the F150 felt like a battleship. What really kicked me over to the SuperCrew, though, was the ergonomics of the cabin and the fact that leather seats were available only in the Ford. That and the general indifference of the the sales staff at each of the three Dodge dealers I visited as compared to the very enthusiastic and anxious-to-please people at the Ford dealers.

And now that I've discovered this great F-150 site, I know I made the right choice. I hope you feel the same about yours.

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JK_TN
2001 Ford F150 SuperCrew
Black/Lariat/5.4/4x4

"Often wrong; never in doubt."

 

Dutchy,

For me, one criteria stands above all others when selecting a vehicle. Reliability. I can't stand being stranded by a breakdown. The only comprehensive source of vehicle reliability statistics that I know of is Consumer Reports. Whether you like CU or not, they are pretty good at collecting and reporting this kind of information. If you compare their reliability listings for Ford and Chrysler products, there's no comparison. Ford blows Chrysler away when it comes to reliability. I don't know how the Dakota models fare, but you're much more likely to have a reliable, bulletproof vehicle if you go with the SuperCrew, all other considerations aside. It's really to bad. I love the look and features of many Chrysler products, but they have to get their act together when it comes to reliability engineering.

Autoloadr

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2001 SuperCrew XLT 4x2, 5.4 L, Bright Red/Medium Graphite, Power Captain's Chairs, 3.55 Limited Slip, Trailer Tow Pkg, Cab Steps, Bed Extender, 6-Disc CD, Keyless Remote, 20mm Autoloading Rotary Cannon (just kidding . . . ), Ordered 3/29, Serialized 5/11

Planned Mods: Retrax Retractable Bed Cover, Line-X Sprayed-On Bedliner, Lund Trident Bug Deflector, K&N F.I.P.K.

 

I have to agree with Autoloadr: reliability was a huge factor in my decision. Another thing to consider: I visited the two 'largest' Dodge truck dealers in the San Jose, CA area, neither had a 4x4 Dakota Quad, and quoted me delivery times (three weeks ago)into late July - if I would have ordered w/in one week. Wheras with the SuperCrew - I ordered in May, and it will be delivered in June.

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On order 5/2: 2001 XLT SCrew 4x4, silver/charcoal, 5.4L, towing pkg, ltd slip, 17" 10 spokes, moonroof, cab steps, 6 disc chgr
Build date: wk of 5/29

 

Thank you guys for the comparison replies.
One more question about these two trucks.
My wife loved the way the Dakota drove, the smooth ride, the comfort. How does the F150 compare to the Dakota when it comes to driving comfort? (This will not change our mind, since our F150 SuperCrew is on it's way)
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Ordered 4 May 2000
2X4, Lariat, 5.4L, Deep Wedgewood Blue and Gold, Moonroof, 6cd changer



[This message has been edited by Dutchy (edited 05-22-2000).]

 

Thank you for the visual, my wife is not worried anymore. She was LOL when she read your response. So that means that the 4X2 should be even smoother (smoother than air) wow that's a heck of a truck!!!!

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(Currently) Ordered 4 May 2000
4X2, Lariat, 5.4L, Deep Wedgewood Blue and Gold, Moonroof, 6cd changer

 

dutchy,

i was trying to explain the ride to a neighbor. i'm driving an hour each way to work daily, and this is the conclusion i came up with (keep in mind, i have a 4x4)...if i concentrate, i can feel the irregularities of the pavement in my feet, but as you go up, feels like your *** if floating through air.

 

Anyone also check out the Sport Trac while they were checking out the Dodge and the Super Crew. I'm trying to decide on which to purchase now. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

Forgot to mention, I'm 6'4 with longer legs shorter torso. Sounds like the dodge is a little cramped.

 

akassassin

SportTrac...that'd be a "chick truck" wouldn't it?

Seriously, I did look at it for a minute, until I saw the Supercrew sitting further down the row of vehicles. I am "only" 6'1", with long legs, and didn't want to give up one single inch of the room I am accoustomed to in my Durango. The space/size consideration, and the fact that I am 42, married, with 2 kids, the SportTrak didn't seem to fit my image/lifestyle, if that makes sense.

(My truck shipped by rail 5-23!)

 

akassasin since you are that tall the sport trac is fine but you will be wishing for more space in the long run. The size just isnt in comparison with the supercrew. Granted the sport trac is awesome. Im 6'4" and i just bought the wife one and its perfect for her but not for me as a daily driver.

EvilleSC your right its a chick truck thats why the wife loves it so much.

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TRUCK
2000 F150 Sport XLT 4.2L V6 Bright Red Flareside S/C. CD Player.

MODS
Code Alarm Surestart LX, Window Tint, K&N Filter. Flowmaster 50 series dual exhaust with 3.5" chrome tips, Superchip,Muth Signal Mirrors, clear corner lenses, ultra white halogen headlights, Lumi Logo In the front, Black Westin Nerf Bars, Red Wire Loom throughout the engine, Pioneer DEH-P7000R cd player, Radio shack CB Radio.

Just purchased a 2001 Explorer Sport Trac 4x4 for mrs2ksport

http://communities.msn.com/2000sport

 

I also waited with much anticipation for the the sport trac but was not very impressed once I saw it. Heres why:
Pro's- Rear window lowers w/remote,rear bed has a protective liner,front seats are comfy,lots of cubby/storage holes,rear seat headrests.
Con's- Terribble ground clearance(5 inches or so!!),white faced gages,dated engine,seemed gimmicky and "all show and no go". To me, not really a truck and not really a car, kinda like a Subaru Outback on steroids.So why bother? Would look cool with a surfboard in a parking lot, but not hunting deep in Mexico with my Labrador.