I am looking to buy a 2WD Quad cab and was wondering if any of you guys have the new 3.7 V6. I want the decent gas mileage but need more power than the 3.9 V6 in my current Dakota club cab. Any opinions on the subjest would be greatly appreciated.

 

get the 4.7 v8

 

I have not had the new 3.7 long enough to a good reading of the mpg. It seems have a good mid or top range, but low end is not impressive at all, gutless.</P>

 

ya, I have the 3.7 also. I bought mine November 29th 2003. I have never owned a truck before and can't really compare (only to the cars i've owned).

I've got a 5 speed manual and like nojeff said, low end torque is pretty much non-existant. I'm use to driving a bonneville w/ the 3.8 litre which has plenty of grunt. You really don't start to feel the engine working until after 2200 rpms. I don't know what the redline on the engine is either since they don't have it marked on the gauge.

Gas mileage isn't great so far. I am still "breaking" it in and last week with conservative driving I managed 245 miles on 14 gallons. (about 17.5 mpg) which is decent. My first two tanks or so I was averaging about 14.

If I can average around 18, I will be satisfied. (I do a lot of city driving).

And don't listen to anyone that says "get a v8." They don't understand how not everyone NEEDS an v8 nor want's to pay the higher price in gas, insurance, and loan/car payments.

 

I purchased a '04 Club cab 2wd SXT on Jan 3rd, now have about 1800 miles on it. Mileage started in the mid teens with mixed driving freeway at 75 to around town and pushing the happy pedal a bit more than required, by about 1 thousand miles had increased to high teens, and now I'm in the low 20's but I also have added a Pace Edwards roll top tonneau so that helps a bit too. Do like the truck, it is quicker than the '92 5.2 liter 4x4 I had before.

 

No not everybody needs a V8, but look at the numbers. The 4.7 gets MORE mpg than the V6 because of the five speed auto. The 3.7 gets a very old four speed that chrysler even admits to being so-so. In the city the 4.7 gets 1 less to the gallon. Wow that will really add up. Also its only a $590 option. Ins can't be that much more. Plus listen to both engines, the 4.7 is a much smoother engine, better power band and quieter. I've got one in my 2002 ram, and get about 14 to the gallon in a 4X4 quad. Had a 3.7 in wifes liberty, not much better mpg. Traded it for a pacifica. 4.7 is the way to go.

HEMI an american legend, built in MEXICO. Buy american get a 4.7 built with pride by local 51 DETROIT MI.

 

Mine doesn't have the 4 speed. It's got the 5 speed manual. For 600 dollars you could have a nice rhino lining, or bed cover, or other accessories... Or you could invest that money in the market and pull out $650 by the end of the year (easy).

I don't know what you are thinking, but to me $600 is a goo chunk of change. Not to mention that the way they equip the trucks they add on other accessories you might not want (ie power windows, goofy wheel flares, etc).

Nothing against the 4.7 by all means, but when someone is looking for a v6 and asking about the advantages it's just ignorant to say "get a v8" (and I know you didn't say that. But it just bothers me that people are brick headed like that).

 

LakeFire,

I see what your saying about insurance, mileage etc. The Q/C Dakota isn't very light and the 3.7 will burn more gas to keep the truck going at speed. I average 19.5 in my 4.7 C/C Dakota with a heavy foot.

What I can guarantee is the owner of a 3.7 Q/C Dakota will be on a Truck Forum asking about power upgrades for his truck because it is lacking power.


The 3.7 is a much better design than the old 3.9 BTW.

 

Lakefire,

When I was talking about the trans, I was talking autos not sticks. Since about 93 percent of everything out of warren truck is an auto. He asked is the V8 worth it, I feel it is for it is a lot cheaper to get a V8 then to try to modify a V6 to get its power. Also resale, you'll get more when you sell, so the V8 almost pays for itself(kinda like four wheel drive).

 

I just got my 3.7, but I am one to test vehicles out right away. I have the regular cab, and the stick so maybe it's just me, but mine seems to have plenty of power. Low end isnt as good as I'd like, but I can still break mine sideways around a turn. I dunno, I'm very happy, but that's just me. 210 hp, and 235 lbs of torque isnt bad in my opinion. It beats the other v6s in it's class (i.e. 4.0 ford, and 4.3 gm) although the 4.3 has about 10 more ft. lbs of torque.