Coincidentally, I had the opportunity recently to drive the 2000 Nissan Frontier 4-door pickup, the Toyota Tundra 4x4, and the new Dodge Dakota Quad Cab pickup all in a row. What better way to be able to rate each, and comparative shop?

Just when I thought I might be sold on one, up came the next, and the next. It wasn’t an easy task rating the 4-door pickups; each had its advantages, and each its own idiosyncracies.

First Up: Nissan Frontier 4-Door

Having driven the Frontier 2-door pickup and not favoring it much, I was pleasantly surprised by the 4-door Frontier. The 2000 Frontier Crew Cab fits 5 passengers in its full front and “back” seats. Doors open like conventional doors, making exit and entry a heck of a lot easier than trying to climb into the back of other pickups.

Our 4-door Frontier , a 4x4 XE model, came equipped with lots of goodies, including deluxe 4-speaker AM/FM/Cassette audio system, with Dolby noise reduction and digital clock (CD available), halogen composite head lights, power mirrors, door locks and windows, a chrome grille, black fender flares, multi-adjustable driver’s seat, and velour seat trims.

The well-equipped XE was 4-speed automatic, with overdrive and 4-wheel-driveline system. Five-speed manual is also available. Standard engine on the Frontier is Nissan’s 3.3-liter V6, 170 horsepower. Although this V6 performs well in Nissan’s sedans, it leaves the Frontier under powered. Not that it needs a V8, but more horsepower would help its seemingly sluggish starts.

Safety features are standard on the Frontier: ABS, dual airbags, energy-absorbing steering column, etc.Standard tire size is 235/70R15, with an upgrade to 265/70R15 available on the XE Value Plus Package (alloy wheels, variable speed wipers, tailgate finisher and limited-slip differential).

The Frontier Crew Cab comes in 4x2 XE and SE models, and 4x4 XE and SE versions.

Toyota Tundra 4x4

The most expensive of this threesome, the Tundra bowed last year. Our 4x4 version came fully equipped, and at a premium price. MSRP for the Tundra 4x4, 4-door Access Cab is $25,585. With options, our test vehicle came to a whopping $28,790 (making the Dodge Dakota Quad Cab look even better.)

Standard features on the Tundra are many, including a 4.7-liter V8 engine, 4-speed electronic automatic transmission, a 16-inch tire, dual airbags with passenger cutoff switch, cruise, tilt steering wheel, deluxe AM/FM/Cassette with 6-speakers, and variable wipers. Antilock brakes are optional, and are available in a package with daytime running lights ($630).

Our 4x4 Tundra Access Cab came equipped with a 60/40 split bench seat in back, and captain’s chairs in front, thus, limiting passenger room. One nice feature on the Toyota Tundra is the cargo light, which automatically comes on after exiting the vehicle. A switch is located on the front dash for turning it off when it isn’t needed.

The Tundra’s ride is smooth and comfortable, as one would expect from a Toyota. However, it still has that pickup vibration. The other annoying feature are the back doors. To close the front door, the back must be closed first, and vica versa. This is cumbersome, and until one becomes accustomed to it, is a bother.

Dodge Dakota Quad Cab: 3 P’s

Saving the best for last. The Dakota 4-door “Quad” Cab gets our vote for most comfortable, roomiest, and easiest to drive of the three pickups. “Carlike” and versatile, we really enjoyed driving this vehicle. The ride is void of any pickup vibration, and the handling is to be commended.

Pitching the Dakota Quad Cab on its 3 “P’s” (power, people carrier, pulling potential), Dodge is aiming for the minivan and SUV owners who want a pickup, yet, can still have all the amenities and room of the other people movers.

Dodge incorporates lots of innovative ideas, such as pull out cupholders in back, and pouches on the bottom of the rear seats, to hold umbrellas, etc. This compact pickup, with the capability of towing 6,350 pounds, is a step up in size from the Frontier, and offers several engine choices: a V6 engine and a choice of a 4.7-liter V8 and a 5.9-liter engine. The RAM front is unmistakable.

Interior room in the Dakota is plentiful, front and back. One can stretch out her legs when riding in back, on full split bench seats. Six passengers can ride fairly comfortably when equipped with 2 bench seats. Front buckets are also available.

Pricing for the Frontier SE 2 & 4-door) ranges from $12,000-$24,000; the Dodge Dakota Quad Cab $19,490-$22,135; and Toyota Tundra (4 door), $$22,730-$24,975.