2001 Chryslers, Dodges, and Jeeps

Information provided by Chrysler which is not associated with us. All models got new keys with logos moulded into the key head, and there were paint color changes.

Essential links: 2001 minivans | News | 2001 Stratus and Sebring Sedans

Plymouth

Plymouth is down to two cars, the Neon and Prowler. The Prowler will become the Chrysler Prowler, and the Plymouth Neon has already vanished, along with the 70 year old Plymouth brand. The Prowler will gain an optional "black tie edition" with black over silver paint, a stripe, silver instrument panel bezel, and silver floor mats. All Prowlers will gain Dynamic Suspensions adjustable shock absorbers and keys with the Prowler logo. Orange will join the other colors.

Dodge

Dodge renamed its models to have a more predictable hierarchy. Base models of the Intrepid and Neon are now SE. Luxury models are ES. Sport models are R/T.

2001 Dodge Neon

We have a separate page for Neon changes - click here.

In brief: 150 hp Magnum engine; lineup becomes SE, ES, R/T, and ACR; all-out handling (with 16-inch tires) on R/T.

Dodge Ram van

Though the Ram van is officially near the end of its life, Chrysler has made a few improvements. There is a new trailer towing package with a hitch (class IV receiver), seven circuit wiring harness, and 7-to-4 circuit wiring adapter.

Interior changes include new colors, new tilt and fixed steering columns, a passenger assist handle, and a moulded front headliner. The transmission range is shown in a ditial display, and a chime replaces the buzzer. Front seat belt pretensioners increase safety during a frontal collision.

2001 Dodge Ram pickups

Chrysler is generally holding off on major changes in anticipation of a full redesign next year. In the meantime, the 2500 and 3500 models get standard four wheel antilock disc brakes. The rear calipers have dual pistons, and the ABS systems include electronic variable proportioning for the best front-rear balance.

The Cummins turbo diesel engine is getting a power boost, up to 235 hp / 460 lb-ft of torque - with a new high output option of a whopping 245 hp / 505 lb-ft of torque (manual transmission only). The manual / Cummins option's cruise control is now fully electronic.

New color schemes are being added, along with bright tailgate graphics and child seat anchors.

2001 Dodge Caravan

We have a special page for the new minivans, but here are the highlights:

Industry-first power up and power down liftgate
Industry-first removable, powered center console
Power dual sliding doors, allowing manual override, powered by an industry-first inside-the-door motor
Industry-first power sliding door obstacle detection system
More powerful engines, including a 3.5 with 230 horsepower, the most powerful minivan engine. The 3.3 went from 140 hp to 180, the 3.8 from 180 to 215 hp. The Mitsubishi 3.0 is gone, simplifying the lineup and making the base Caravan...faster.
Minivan-first pop-up rear cargo organizer
Minivan-first three-zone automatic temperature control system
Split 50/50 Easy-Out Roller Seats¨
Adjustable pedals
Side air bags
Front seat belt pretensioners
Universal child seat anchors

2001 Dodge Intrepid

The base model was renamed Dodge Intrepid SE. 16 inch aluminum wheels may be offered as an option on the SE.

New windshield pillar moldings and thicker window glass were introduced for better noise insulation and to manage water better. Keys now have a Dodge ram logo. Split folding rear seats with a center armrest (featuring cup holders) is optional on the SE and R/T, and the ES gains new Venice cloth seats. R/T has optional seats and door appliques. Steering wheel audio controls are added for Infinity-equipped models. Another power outlet is in the center console (with bucket seats).

Side airbags are now optional. The center rear seat has a shoulder harness, and an emergency trunk release was added (to prevent people from being trapped in the trunk). All engines now meet low emission vehicle standards in every state.

Now available on the Dodge Intrepid ES is the a 3.2-liter V-6 engine that delivers 225 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 225 lb.-ft. of torque at 3800 rpm with the AutoStick transmission. The 3.2-liter engine also benefits from an upgraded cooling module, which was first used in the Intrepid R/T, for additional cooling during extended idle and towing.

Dodge Intrepid R/T has an optional premium radio with cassette and four-disc in-dash CD changer with nine speakers. The Intrepid R/T features a high-output 3.5-liter SOHC V-6 engine that delivers 242 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. of torque at 3950 rpm, and is complemented by a selectable dual-mode AutoStick transaxle and performance-tuned exhaust.

2001 Dodge Viper

An optional comfort group, with air conditioning and improved stereo, is available. Four wheel disc antilock brakes are now stanard. New colors are yellow and blue pearl coat, with optional black center stripes on yellow. Keys now have Viper-logo heads. The R/T 10 has an emergency internal trunk release.

2001 Dodge Stratus and Dodge Avenger

The Dodge Avenger nameplate dies just as the car gets an engine worthy of the name, an (optional) 200 hp Mitsubishi V6, available with a five-speed manual transmission. The Avenger, now called the Sebring Coupe, is still built by Mitsubishi from the Eclipse platform. It should be pretty quick, but from the inside, it is clearly designed by Mitsubishi, and is in the Dodge lineup solely because Chrysler does not have enough production capability or tolerance for risk to build a coupe that is actually based on the Stratus.

The Stratus Sedan, still an actual Dodge, gains the 2.7 liter V-6 engine, producing 200 hp, used in the LH series, as an option. It is much more refined than in the past.

We have a more extensive page on the Stratus Sedan here.

2001 Dodge Dakota

Four wheel drive vehicles get new electronically shifted transfer cases with a rotary instrument panel control. Sport and SLT models get new 15" aluminum wheels, while special new Tire and Handling options with new wheels and tires are added. The Sport gains a body colored front fascia. All models get new 6x9 side mirrors.

The instrument panel has been redesigned. A new tilt steering column has more positions, and the transmission indicator now has a digital display (44RE and 46RE automatics). The optional premium overhead console now has a universal garage door opener. Stereo options are improved.

The interior has basically been redone, with more cupholders, compartments, and power outlets, more comfortable / better-padded seats, and leather available on the Quad Cab.

The vent system has been improved with more heating and cooling capacity, two additional outlets, and recirculated air available in bi-level mode.

A battery saver is standard, and a rear window defroster is available on the Club Cab. Front seat belt pretensioners are now on the Quad Cab. The optional security alarm has a Sentry Key. The 3.9, 4.7, and (soon-to-be-replaced) 5.9 engines all meet low emission vehicle standards in every state.

2001 Dodge Durango

The Durango, essentially a Dakota with an enclosed rear, gains all the changes of the Dakota, as far as we can tell. A Special Appearance Group, including a running board, has been added. The Next Generation 4.7-liter Magnum® V-8 engine and multi-speed 45RFE automatic transmission are standard on 2WD models. Other changes:

Variable-delay intermittent rear window wiper system
Automatic-dimming, heated, power 5x7-inch mirrors - (option on SLT)
New aerodynamic power foldaway mirrors - (Trailer Tow Group)
New instrument panel with color-keyed components and surface-mounted controls for radio and HVAC system
New instrument cluster with engine oil level indicator
New floor console with three cup holders, armrest, coin holder, tissue holder, pen holder, removable cassette and CD storage bin, cellular telephone compartment, 12-volt power outlet and interior lamp (only with bucket seats)
Woodgrain trim added to floor console - SLT Plus Group only
Manually adjustable lumbar support on passenger seat - SLT
Power passenger seat - SLT Plus Group only
Power lumbar support on driver and passenger power seats
Leather front seats include heaters with 2-level temperature control
Rear HVAC system with separate second and third seat air conditioning outlets and a separate heater.

Jeep

2001 Jeep Cherokee

Possibly in its last year, the Cherokee loses the underpowered 2.5 liter engine. A new steel blue color will come late in the year. Child seat rear tether anchors are added. The sole engine now meets Low Emission Vehicle requirements. Sales have dropped like a stone, and some believe that Chrysler will not produce the Cherokee through the entire year, but will cancel the line as originally planned.

2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Grand Cherokee is getting a hefty facelift to deal with increased competition:

New options and equipment groups are added, including stereo upgrades.
The 4.7 liter engine now comes with a 545RFE five-speed automatic transmission, essentially a four-speed automatic wtih a second overdrive ratio for better highway gas mileage and noise reduction.
Larger 17 inch wheels are used.
The 4.7 gets a hydraulically driven engine cooling fan which reported raises gas mileage.
Color changes are inevitable. A quarter-turn gas cap is added.
New seats with gathered leather debuted on the Limited, along with additional color-keyed trim and aluminum-finish cluster dials.
The Laredo gets brushed aluminum instrument panel and clusterstack trim.
A cargo net is standard for the left quarter trim panel.
A connector for aftermarket electric trailer brakes is added in the tow group.
Child seat tether anchors are added.

2001 Jeep Wrangler

The classic remains, for the moment. It is now the sole user of the 2.5 liter AMC engine. A redesign looms, however, and many are apprehensive after seeing the new Cherokee.

Heavier fuel tank skid plate and quarter-turn gas cap.
New antilock brakes.
Long-life antifreeze.
Quick-removal side steps.
Thicker, quieter, more durable soft top.
New tilt wheel mechanism with increased range and finer adjustments.
Optional "add a trunk" and amplified subwoofer
Redesigned mini and full console with, respectively, dual and rear seat cup holders.
Changes to seat materials
Wider inside rearview mirror
Changes to controls and instrument panel; intermittent wipers are standard.
Child seat anchors.

Chrysler

It seems that international versions of Chrysler vehicles with diesel engines are slowly being switched to Mercedes engines, though Detroit Diesel is a subsidiary of DCX. Presumably, Mercedes management is being pressured to show results, and this is a way of transferring cash from profitable Chrysler to meandering Mercedes.

Chrysler Cirrus and 2001 Chrysler Sebring

Just as the Dodge Avenger has been folded into the Dodge Stratus, the Chrysler Cirrus is now the sedan version of the Sebring. (The names are a trifle inconsistent, since here the actual Chrysler car is being named after the Mitsubishi, which in turn is named after a 1970s Plymouth). See the Dodge Stratus section for details. For the Sebring Sedan, click here.

2001 Chrysler 300M

The Chrysler 300M gains an optional luxury package, with automatically adjusting outside mirrors (which tilt down when driving in reverse), walnut trim, and overhead trip computer ("electronic vehicle information center"). Chrome dual exhaust outlets and 17 inch, 12 spoke aluminum wheels have become standard across the line. Chrome wheels are optional.

New tail lamps have clear lenses, the latest style. Window opening mouldings are bright anodized aluminum, and the folding outside mirrors have a high gloss. New mouldings around the windshield deal with water better and reduce wind noise.

On the inside, the steering wheel now features radio controls, and the shift knob has a chrome insert. The clock face has "jewel-like wings," and a winged Chrysler medallion is on the horn pad. Finally, an extra power outlet has been added to the center console.

Safety features include optional side airbags, a center rear seat harness, and internal emergency trunk release. The standard (USA) 3.5 engine is now certified for LEV standards.

2001 Chrysler Concorde

The 22D package has been changed, and the steering wheel now has audio controls (with Infinity stereos only). The horn has a winged Chrysler medallion. See the Dodge Intrepid for other changes.

2001 Chrysler LHS

Many of us thought the LHS would not survive, but here it is again, for another year. It includes the same changes as the 300M, which is not surprising.

2001 Chrysler Voyager, Town & Country

See the listing for Dodge Caravan.