Dodge Dakota
Encyclopedia
The Dodge Dakota is a mid-size pickup truck
from Chrysler
's Ram
division. From its introduction through 2009, it was marketed by Dodge
. The first Dakota was introduced in 1986 as a 1987 model alongside the redesigned Dodge Ram 50
. The Dakota was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year
award for 2000.
The Dakota has always been sized above the compact Ford Ranger
and Chevrolet S-10
but below the full-sized pickups such as Dodge's own Ram
. It is a conventional design with body-on-frame
construction and a leaf spring
/live axle
rear end. The Dakota was the first small pickup with an optional V8 engine
. One notable feature was the Dakota's rack and pinion steering, a first in work trucks. Dakotas have been used by police and fire departments, as off-road vehicles, patrol cars, or even brush trucks.
The Dodge Dakota was conceived by Chrysler
management as the first "mid-sized" pickup combining the nimble handling and fuel economy of a compact pickup with cargo handling capacity approaching that of full-sized pickups. To keep investment low, many components were shared with existing Chrysler products and the manufacturing plant was shared with the full-sized Dodge D-Model. The name Dakota means "friend" or "ally" in the Sioux language
.
The first generation of the Dakota was produced from 1987 through 1996. Straight-4
and V6 engine
s were offered along with either a 5-speed manual
or 4-speed automatic transmission
. Four wheel drive
was available only with the V6. Both 2 m and 2.4 m beds were offered. Fuel injection
was added to the 3.9 L V6 for 1988 but the output remained the same.
In 1988, the Sport package was added as a mid-year release. Exterior colors came in Black, Bright White and Graphic Red. Available in both 2wd and 4x4, the Sport included:
The N-body platform was the result of operational efforts by Harold K. Sperlich, who was in charge of Chrysler's Product Planning in the early 1980s; in which Japanese-inspired compact pickups of the time lacked the size and features necessary to meet the demands of American buyers. In the late-1970s, Chrysler was still recovering from their near-bankruptcy and resources were in short supply. Sperlich challenged the N-Body team to search for all opportunities to reuse existing components to create the Dakota. The resulting highly investment-efficient program enabled Chrysler to create an all-new market segment at low cost. Key individuals involved in making this product a reality included Glenn Gardner, Glen House, Robert Burnham, Don Sebert, Jim Hackstedde, and Clark Ewing. The basic Dakota vehicle was ultimately used as a foundation to create the Dakota extended cab version and the Dodge Durango SUV.
1989 saw the unusual Dakota convertible
. The first American convertible pickup since the Ford Model A, it featured a fixed roll bar and an uncomplicated manual top. Roughly 2,482 were sold that first year. Another important addition that year was Carroll Shelby
's V8-powered Shelby Dakota
, his first rear-wheel drive vehicle in two decades.
An extended "Club Cab" model was added for 1990, still with two doors. This model allowed the Dakota to boast capacity for six passengers, even though the rear seat was best suited for cargo or children and shorter adults.
For 1991, the front of the Dakota received a new grille and hood which extended the engine compartment to better fit the optional 170 hp 5.2 L V8, which was inspired by the earlier Shelby Dakota
V8 option. By 1992, the standard square sealed beam glass headlamps were phased out for the aerodynamic style molded plastic headlamps attached to the grill components. It was equipped with halogen lights, making 1991 the only year for a unique front-end for the Dakota. Also debuting in 1991 were six bolt wheels (replacing the earlier five bolt wheels) based on Dodge's marketing attempting to differentiate the Dakota from competing manufacturers' trucks and the upcoming new Ram introduction. 1991 was also the first year for an optional driver side airbag (made standard in 1994) and the last year for the Dakota convertible.
In order to fulfill the Dodge Division's commitment to the American Sunroof Company (who were responsible for the modifications to these trucks), production of the "drop top" Dakota was extended into the 1991 model year. Production was extremely limited, with just 8 produced in total, making them the most rare of all Dakotas. Unlike the previous years, colors and options varied more than before as the manufacturer picked each of these trucks in a somewhat random fashion. No advertising was given to these trucks, and they do not appear in sales literature. This is most likely due to the fact that the majority of them were "pre-sold" before hitting dealer lots.
Both of the V-configuration engines were updated to Magnum specs the next year, providing a tremendous power boost. Along with the introduction of the Magnum engine came multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI). The EFI computer ( called a PCM by Chrysler techs ) was partially responsible for the improved performance. The new engine/computer combination produced about175 kW.
1994 saw a few minor changes, with the most notable being the addition of a driver's side airbag, located in a new, two spoke design steering wheel (also found in the Ram). Other changes included the discontinuation of the "SE" and "LE" trims. In following with the all new Ram full sized pickups, top end trim was changed to "SLT", with these models (along with select others) wearing the new chrome finished, styled 6 bolt steel wheels styled similar to the 5 bolt type found on the larger Ram. Other changes included revisions to color and overall trim options.
In 1996, the first generation's final year, the base K-based
2.5 L SOHC I4 engine option was out of production and had been considered vastly underpowered compared to the competition, so Dodge replaced it with another 2.5 L I4
engine; this being of American Motors
heritage with an OHV valvetrain and rated at 120 hp. This was the only major change for 1996, and the AMC 2.5 L would also be carried over as the base engine in the new, larger 1997 model.
Four-door "Quad-Cab" models were added for 2000 with a slightly shorter bed, 63.1 in (160.2 cm), but riding on the Club Cab's 130.9 in (332.5 cm) wheelbase. The aging 5.2 L Magnum V8 was replaced by a new high-tech 4.7 L SOHC PowerTech V8. The Quad-Cab featured a full-size flip up rear seat to provide room for 3 passengers in the back or lots of dry, interior room for cargo.
In spring 1998, a new limited edition R/T package was available as an option on the Dakota Sport model. This version is considered a true street/sport truck, only available in RWD. Factory modifications such as a 250 hp 360 cid/5.9 liter V8, heavy duty 46RE 4 speed automatic transmission, performance axle, limited slip differential, sport suspension and steering, uprated brakes, performance exhaust, special cast aluminum wheels, monotone paint, bucket seats, and many other standard options came with the package. Chrome wheels were available on 2002 models. Some of the last models made in 2003 came with the new stampede lower body cladding package and chromed version of the original cast aluminum wheels at no extra charge. This version of the R/T Dakota was produced through 2003, with the newer 2003 R/T trucks designated as their own trimline and no longer as part of an option package on the Dakota Sport trim.
2000 saw the introduction of the 4.7 liter V8 and 45RFE automatic transmission.
2001 saw a fairly extensive revision of the Dakota's interior, including a completely redesigned dash, door panels and revised seats. Other minor trim revisions were made, including redesigned aluminium wheels on various models.
2002 was the final year for the four-cylinder engine
in the Dakota, as Chrysler
ended production of the former AMC design. Most buyers ordered the V6 or V8 engines, which were considerably more powerful and, in the case of the V6, which was made standard for 2003, nearly as fuel-efficient with a manual transmission. Also, an automatic transmission was not available with the 4-cylinder.
2003 was the end of the old OHV V6 and the big R/T V8; the 2004 model year vehicles were available with a new 3.7 L PowerTech
V6 engine to go along with the 4.7 L V8 variant.
This generation was also assembled and sold in Brazil from 1998 to 2001.
The IIHS
gave this generation a Poor rating in the frontal offset crash test.
with the new Dodge Durango
SUV (which is now similar to the Ram platform). This model is 3.7 in (94 mm) longer and 2.7 in (69 mm) wider, and features a new front and rear suspension, and rack-and-pinion steering. This new generation model also reverted the wheels back to five lug wheels from the prior generation's six lug wheels due to cost and assembly time saving measures. The Dakota is built at the Warren Truck Assembly
plant in Warren, Michigan
.
There were a V6 and two V8 engines available: The standard engine is a 3.7 L PowerTech V6; the two 4.7 L V8 engines are the standard PowerTech V8 and the V8 High Output or HO. The 3.7 L V6 produces 210 hp and 235 lbft of torque. The standard output 4.7 L V8 produces 230 hp and 295 lbft of torque. The High Output 4.7 L V8 produces 260 hp and 310 lbft of torque. Both the 3.7 L and standard output 4.7 L V8s were available with the 6 speed manual transmission in 2005 and 2006. For 2007, that option was deleted on the V8 models.
In addition to a refresh of the Dakota's styling, the latest generation is not offered in a regular cab model. Only the club cab and quad cab configurations are available. 2006 saw the Dakota R/T return, however only with cosmetic modifications. Despite the "R/T" moniker which signifies "Road and Track", the newest Dakota R/T is simply an option package, characterized by a non functional hood scoop, exclusive gauge cluster, and hockey-stick style side stripes. The package was available on both 2 and 4 wheel drive models.
The facelifted third generation Dakota was unveiled at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show
. The Dakota received another facelift and interior upgrade along with a few other upgrades including built-in cargo-box utility rails, heated bench seats, best-in-class towing (up to 7,050 pounds), the largest and longest standard bed in the class, and the largest mid-size truck cab. Its new 4.7 liter
V8 produces 302 hp and 329 lbft of torque. The standard engine remains the 3.7 liter V6 with 210 hp and 235 lbft. of torque. Production began in August 2007.
As of 2010, the Dakota is considered a part of the Ram
lineup. However, the "Dodge" emblem still exists on the tailgate, and the truck is interchangeably referred to as a Ram Dakota or Dodge Dakota. Its Mitsubishi Raider
sibling was discontinued in 2009, and Chrysler was readying the Ram brand to launch in the 2010 model year, making the Ram Dakota replace the Mitsubishi Raider
& Dodge Dakota.
The third-generation Dakota was discontinued in 2011, with the last one coming off the assembly line on August 23, 2011, ending the truck's 25 year run. According to Sergio Marchionne, the CEO of Chrysler Group, the Dakota will be replaced by a car-based vehicle at an undetermined time in the future.
Pickup truck
A pickup truck is a light motor vehicle with an open-top rear cargo area .-Definition:...
from Chrysler
Chrysler
Chrysler Group LLC is a multinational automaker headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA. Chrysler was first organized as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925....
's Ram
Ram Trucks
Ram Trucks is a United States-based brand of light to mid-weight pickup trucks established in 2009 as a division of Chrysler Group LLC.-Background:...
division. From its introduction through 2009, it was marketed by Dodge
Dodge
Dodge is a United States-based brand of automobiles, minivans, and sport utility vehicles, manufactured and marketed by Chrysler Group LLC in more than 60 different countries and territories worldwide....
. The first Dakota was introduced in 1986 as a 1987 model alongside the redesigned Dodge Ram 50
Dodge Ram 50
The Dodge Ram 50 was a compact pickup truck produced by Mitsubishi Motors and sold by the Chrysler Corporation from 1979 to 1993. Plymouth also received a version of the truck known as the Arrow Truck, sold from 1979 to 1982. This was Chrysler's belated answer to the Ford Courier from Mazda and...
. The Dakota was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year
North American Car of the Year
The North American Car of the Year is an automobile award voted annually in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The jury consists of no more than 50 automotive journalists.-Example:-Pre-1994:-1994-1999:-2000-2009:...
award for 2000.
The Dakota has always been sized above the compact Ford Ranger
Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger is a pickup truck produced by the Ford Motor Company. The "Ranger" name had previously been used for a premium styling package on the F-Series full-sized pickup trucks since 1965. The name was moved to this line of North American compact trucks for the 1983 model year.In North...
and Chevrolet S-10
Chevrolet S-10
The first compact pickup from General Motors was the rebadged Isuzu KB sold since 1972 as the Chevrolet LUV. The 1973 Arab oil embargo forced GM to consider designing a domestically-produced compact pickup truck. As usual, parts from other GM chassis lines were incorporated. The first S-series...
but below the full-sized pickups such as Dodge's own Ram
Dodge Ram
The Dodge Ram is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by the Chrysler Group LLC. As of late 2010, it has been sold under the Ram Trucks brand. Previously, Ram was part of the Dodge lineup of light trucks...
. It is a conventional design with body-on-frame
Body-on-frame
Body-on-frame is an automobile construction method. Mounting a separate body to a rigid frame that supports the drivetrain was the original method of building automobiles, and its use continues to this day. The original frames were made of wood , but steel ladder frames became common in the 1930s...
construction and a leaf spring
Leaf spring
Originally called laminated or carriage spring, a leaf spring is a simple form of spring, commonly used for the suspension in wheeled vehicles...
/live axle
Live axle
A live axle, sometimes called a solid axle, is a type of beam axle suspension system that uses the driveshafts that transmit power to the wheels to connect the wheels laterally so that they move together as a unit....
rear end. The Dakota was the first small pickup with an optional V8 engine
V8 engine
A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of four cylinders, in most cases set at a right angle to each other but sometimes at a narrower angle, with all eight pistons driving a common crankshaft....
. One notable feature was the Dakota's rack and pinion steering, a first in work trucks. Dakotas have been used by police and fire departments, as off-road vehicles, patrol cars, or even brush trucks.
First generation
- See also Shelby DakotaShelby DakotaThe Shelby Dakota was a limited-production performance version of the Dodge Dakota Sport pickup truck. Offered by Shelby for 1989 only, it was his first rear wheel drive vehicle in many years....
The Dodge Dakota was conceived by Chrysler
Chrysler
Chrysler Group LLC is a multinational automaker headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA. Chrysler was first organized as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925....
management as the first "mid-sized" pickup combining the nimble handling and fuel economy of a compact pickup with cargo handling capacity approaching that of full-sized pickups. To keep investment low, many components were shared with existing Chrysler products and the manufacturing plant was shared with the full-sized Dodge D-Model. The name Dakota means "friend" or "ally" in the Sioux language
Sioux language
Sioux is a Siouan language spoken by over 33,000 Sioux in the United States and Canada, making it the fifth most spoken indigenous language in the United States or Canada, behind Navajo, Cree, Inuit and Ojibwe.-Regional variation:...
.
The first generation of the Dakota was produced from 1987 through 1996. Straight-4
Straight-4
The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
and V6 engine
V6 engine
A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
s were offered along with either a 5-speed manual
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
or 4-speed automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
. Four wheel drive
Four Wheel Drive
The Four Wheel Drive Auto Company, more often known as Four Wheel Drive or just FWD, was founded in 1909 in Clintonville, Wisconsin, as the Badger Four-Wheel Drive Auto Company by Otto Zachow and William Besserdich.-History:...
was available only with the V6. Both 2 m and 2.4 m beds were offered. Fuel injection
Fuel injection
Fuel injection is a system for admitting fuel into an internal combustion engine. It has become the primary fuel delivery system used in automotive petrol engines, having almost completely replaced carburetors in the late 1980s....
was added to the 3.9 L V6 for 1988 but the output remained the same.
In 1988, the Sport package was added as a mid-year release. Exterior colors came in Black, Bright White and Graphic Red. Available in both 2wd and 4x4, the Sport included:
- AM/FM Stereo radio with cassette player
- Carpeted logo floor mats
- Center armrest bench seat
- Charcoal/Silver Deluxe Cloth interior with fold-down arm rest
- Color-keyed leather-wrapped sport steering wheel
- Deluxe wipers
- Dual remote control outside mirrors
- Floor Carpet
- Gauge Package
- Mopar Air Dam with Bosch Fog Lamps
- Mopar Light Bar with Bosch Off-Road lamps (4x4 only)
- Unique bodyside tape stripes
- Euro-style black out grille and bumpers
- Sliding rear window
- 3.9 L V6 engine
- 15" aluminum wheels (5 bolt: 5 x 4.5in / 5 x 114.3 mm)
The N-body platform was the result of operational efforts by Harold K. Sperlich, who was in charge of Chrysler's Product Planning in the early 1980s; in which Japanese-inspired compact pickups of the time lacked the size and features necessary to meet the demands of American buyers. In the late-1970s, Chrysler was still recovering from their near-bankruptcy and resources were in short supply. Sperlich challenged the N-Body team to search for all opportunities to reuse existing components to create the Dakota. The resulting highly investment-efficient program enabled Chrysler to create an all-new market segment at low cost. Key individuals involved in making this product a reality included Glenn Gardner, Glen House, Robert Burnham, Don Sebert, Jim Hackstedde, and Clark Ewing. The basic Dakota vehicle was ultimately used as a foundation to create the Dakota extended cab version and the Dodge Durango SUV.
1989 saw the unusual Dakota convertible
Convertible
A convertible is a type of automobile in which the roof can retract and fold away having windows which wind-down inside the doors, converting it from an enclosed to an open-air vehicle...
. The first American convertible pickup since the Ford Model A, it featured a fixed roll bar and an uncomplicated manual top. Roughly 2,482 were sold that first year. Another important addition that year was Carroll Shelby
Carroll Shelby
Carroll Hall Shelby is an American retired automotive designer and racing driver. He is most well known for making Mustangs for Ford Motor Company known as Mustang Cobras which he has done since 1965...
's V8-powered Shelby Dakota
Shelby Dakota
The Shelby Dakota was a limited-production performance version of the Dodge Dakota Sport pickup truck. Offered by Shelby for 1989 only, it was his first rear wheel drive vehicle in many years....
, his first rear-wheel drive vehicle in two decades.
An extended "Club Cab" model was added for 1990, still with two doors. This model allowed the Dakota to boast capacity for six passengers, even though the rear seat was best suited for cargo or children and shorter adults.
For 1991, the front of the Dakota received a new grille and hood which extended the engine compartment to better fit the optional 170 hp 5.2 L V8, which was inspired by the earlier Shelby Dakota
Shelby Dakota
The Shelby Dakota was a limited-production performance version of the Dodge Dakota Sport pickup truck. Offered by Shelby for 1989 only, it was his first rear wheel drive vehicle in many years....
V8 option. By 1992, the standard square sealed beam glass headlamps were phased out for the aerodynamic style molded plastic headlamps attached to the grill components. It was equipped with halogen lights, making 1991 the only year for a unique front-end for the Dakota. Also debuting in 1991 were six bolt wheels (replacing the earlier five bolt wheels) based on Dodge's marketing attempting to differentiate the Dakota from competing manufacturers' trucks and the upcoming new Ram introduction. 1991 was also the first year for an optional driver side airbag (made standard in 1994) and the last year for the Dakota convertible.
In order to fulfill the Dodge Division's commitment to the American Sunroof Company (who were responsible for the modifications to these trucks), production of the "drop top" Dakota was extended into the 1991 model year. Production was extremely limited, with just 8 produced in total, making them the most rare of all Dakotas. Unlike the previous years, colors and options varied more than before as the manufacturer picked each of these trucks in a somewhat random fashion. No advertising was given to these trucks, and they do not appear in sales literature. This is most likely due to the fact that the majority of them were "pre-sold" before hitting dealer lots.
Both of the V-configuration engines were updated to Magnum specs the next year, providing a tremendous power boost. Along with the introduction of the Magnum engine came multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI). The EFI computer ( called a PCM by Chrysler techs ) was partially responsible for the improved performance. The new engine/computer combination produced about175 kW.
1994 saw a few minor changes, with the most notable being the addition of a driver's side airbag, located in a new, two spoke design steering wheel (also found in the Ram). Other changes included the discontinuation of the "SE" and "LE" trims. In following with the all new Ram full sized pickups, top end trim was changed to "SLT", with these models (along with select others) wearing the new chrome finished, styled 6 bolt steel wheels styled similar to the 5 bolt type found on the larger Ram. Other changes included revisions to color and overall trim options.
In 1996, the first generation's final year, the base K-based
Chrysler K engine
The 2.2 and 2.5 are a family of inline-4 engines developed by Chrysler Corporation originally for the Chrysler K- and L-platforms cars and subsequently used in many other Chrysler vehicles...
2.5 L SOHC I4 engine option was out of production and had been considered vastly underpowered compared to the competition, so Dodge replaced it with another 2.5 L I4
AMC Straight-4 engine
The American Motors Corporation straight-4 engine was used by a number of AMC, Jeep, and Dodge vehicles from 1984-2002.*For an outline of all engines used by AMC see -Development:...
engine; this being of American Motors
American Motors
American Motors Corporation was an American automobile company formed by the 1954 merger of Nash-Kelvinator Corporation and Hudson Motor Car Company. At the time, it was the largest corporate merger in U.S. history.George W...
heritage with an OHV valvetrain and rated at 120 hp. This was the only major change for 1996, and the AMC 2.5 L would also be carried over as the base engine in the new, larger 1997 model.
Engines
- 1987-1988 - 135 cu in (2.2 l) K I4, SOHC, 97 hp
- 1987-1991 - 238 cu in (3.9 l) LA V6, 125 hp
- 1989-1995 - 150 cu in (2.5 l) K I4, 99 hp
- 1991 - 318 cu in (5.2 l) LA V8, 170 hp
- 1992-1993 - 238 cu in (3.9 l) Magnum V6, 180 hp
- 1992-1993 - 318 cu in (5.2 l) Magnum V8, 230 hp
- 1994-1996 - 238 cu in (3.9 l) Magnum V6, 175 hp
- 1994-1996 - 318 cu in (5.2 l) Magnum V8, 225 hp
- 1996 - 1996 150 cu in (2.5 l) AMCAMC Straight-4 engineThe American Motors Corporation straight-4 engine was used by a number of AMC, Jeep, and Dodge vehicles from 1984-2002.*For an outline of all engines used by AMC see -Development:...
I4, 120 hp
Second generation
The second-generation Dakota was built from 1997 through 2004. It inherited the semi truck look of the larger Ram but remained largely the same underneath. 1998 saw the introduction of the R/T model with the big 5.9 L 250 hp (186 kW) Magnum V8. At the time of its introduction, it was seen as one of the most radical in its class, not only for its styling, but for the fact it remained the only truck in its class with an available V8 engine that rivalled many V8s found in full size trucks with payloads of up to 1500 pounds.Four-door "Quad-Cab" models were added for 2000 with a slightly shorter bed, 63.1 in (160.2 cm), but riding on the Club Cab's 130.9 in (332.5 cm) wheelbase. The aging 5.2 L Magnum V8 was replaced by a new high-tech 4.7 L SOHC PowerTech V8. The Quad-Cab featured a full-size flip up rear seat to provide room for 3 passengers in the back or lots of dry, interior room for cargo.
In spring 1998, a new limited edition R/T package was available as an option on the Dakota Sport model. This version is considered a true street/sport truck, only available in RWD. Factory modifications such as a 250 hp 360 cid/5.9 liter V8, heavy duty 46RE 4 speed automatic transmission, performance axle, limited slip differential, sport suspension and steering, uprated brakes, performance exhaust, special cast aluminum wheels, monotone paint, bucket seats, and many other standard options came with the package. Chrome wheels were available on 2002 models. Some of the last models made in 2003 came with the new stampede lower body cladding package and chromed version of the original cast aluminum wheels at no extra charge. This version of the R/T Dakota was produced through 2003, with the newer 2003 R/T trucks designated as their own trimline and no longer as part of an option package on the Dakota Sport trim.
2001 saw a fairly extensive revision of the Dakota's interior, including a completely redesigned dash, door panels and revised seats. Other minor trim revisions were made, including redesigned aluminium wheels on various models.
2002 was the final year for the four-cylinder engine
Straight-4
The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
in the Dakota, as Chrysler
Chrysler
Chrysler Group LLC is a multinational automaker headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA. Chrysler was first organized as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925....
ended production of the former AMC design. Most buyers ordered the V6 or V8 engines, which were considerably more powerful and, in the case of the V6, which was made standard for 2003, nearly as fuel-efficient with a manual transmission. Also, an automatic transmission was not available with the 4-cylinder.
2003 was the end of the old OHV V6 and the big R/T V8; the 2004 model year vehicles were available with a new 3.7 L PowerTech
Chrysler PowerTech engine
The PowerTech was a new engine family for Chrysler, and was not based on the Chrysler A engine as existing Chrysler V8s were. A 4.7 L V8 came first, fitted in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and a 3.7 L V6 version debuted in 2002 for the Jeep Liberty. The PowerTech V6 and V8 were direct...
V6 engine to go along with the 4.7 L V8 variant.
This generation was also assembled and sold in Brazil from 1998 to 2001.
The IIHS
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a U.S. non-profit organization funded by auto insurers, established in 1959 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. It works to reduce the number of motor vehicle crashes, and the rate of injuries and amount of property damage in the crashes that...
gave this generation a Poor rating in the frontal offset crash test.
Engines
- 1997-2002 - 150 cu in (2.5 l) AMCAMC Straight-4 engineThe American Motors Corporation straight-4 engine was used by a number of AMC, Jeep, and Dodge vehicles from 1984-2002.*For an outline of all engines used by AMC see -Development:...
I4, 120 hp - 1997-2003 - 238 cu in (3.9 l) Magnum V6, 175 hp
- 1997-2000 - 318 cu in (5.2 l) Magnum V8, 225 hp
- 1998-2003 - 360 cu in (5.9 l) Magnum V8, 250 hp
- 2000-2004 - 287 cu in (4.7 l) PowerTech V8, 230 hp
- 2004 - 226 cu in (3.7 l) PowerTech V6, 210 hp
Third generation
The redesigned 2005 Dakota still shared its platformAutomobile platform
An automobile platform is a shared set of common design, engineering, and production efforts, as well as major components over a number of outwardly distinct models and even types of automobiles, often from different, but related marques...
with the new Dodge Durango
Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango is a full-size crossover SUV from the Dodge division of Chrysler. It was introduced in 1998 as a mid-size SUV, and as a replacement for the Ramcharger discontinued in the North American market in 1993, and was redesigned to full-size for 2004....
SUV (which is now similar to the Ram platform). This model is 3.7 in (94 mm) longer and 2.7 in (69 mm) wider, and features a new front and rear suspension, and rack-and-pinion steering. This new generation model also reverted the wheels back to five lug wheels from the prior generation's six lug wheels due to cost and assembly time saving measures. The Dakota is built at the Warren Truck Assembly
Warren Truck Assembly
Warren Truck Assembly is a Chrysler automobile factory in Warren, Michigan. The factory opened in 1938. The nearby Warren Stamping opened in 1949 and just south of Eight Mile Road, the Mound Road Engine plant opened in 1953...
plant in Warren, Michigan
Warren, Michigan
Warren is a city in Macomb County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The 2010 census places the city's population at 134,056, making Warren the largest city in Macomb County, the third largest city in Michigan, and Metro Detroit's largest suburb....
.
There were a V6 and two V8 engines available: The standard engine is a 3.7 L PowerTech V6; the two 4.7 L V8 engines are the standard PowerTech V8 and the V8 High Output or HO. The 3.7 L V6 produces 210 hp and 235 lbft of torque. The standard output 4.7 L V8 produces 230 hp and 295 lbft of torque. The High Output 4.7 L V8 produces 260 hp and 310 lbft of torque. Both the 3.7 L and standard output 4.7 L V8s were available with the 6 speed manual transmission in 2005 and 2006. For 2007, that option was deleted on the V8 models.
In addition to a refresh of the Dakota's styling, the latest generation is not offered in a regular cab model. Only the club cab and quad cab configurations are available. 2006 saw the Dakota R/T return, however only with cosmetic modifications. Despite the "R/T" moniker which signifies "Road and Track", the newest Dakota R/T is simply an option package, characterized by a non functional hood scoop, exclusive gauge cluster, and hockey-stick style side stripes. The package was available on both 2 and 4 wheel drive models.
Chicago Auto Show
The Chicago Auto Show is held annually in February at Chicago's McCormick Placeconvention complex. It is among the largest auto shows in North America....
. The Dakota received another facelift and interior upgrade along with a few other upgrades including built-in cargo-box utility rails, heated bench seats, best-in-class towing (up to 7,050 pounds), the largest and longest standard bed in the class, and the largest mid-size truck cab. Its new 4.7 liter
Litér
- External links :*...
V8 produces 302 hp and 329 lbft of torque. The standard engine remains the 3.7 liter V6 with 210 hp and 235 lbft. of torque. Production began in August 2007.
As of 2010, the Dakota is considered a part of the Ram
Ram Trucks
Ram Trucks is a United States-based brand of light to mid-weight pickup trucks established in 2009 as a division of Chrysler Group LLC.-Background:...
lineup. However, the "Dodge" emblem still exists on the tailgate, and the truck is interchangeably referred to as a Ram Dakota or Dodge Dakota. Its Mitsubishi Raider
Mitsubishi Raider
The Mitsubishi Raider is a pickup truck from Mitsubishi Motors that debuted in the fall of 2005 as a 2006 model for the United States market and is based largely on the Dodge Dakota...
sibling was discontinued in 2009, and Chrysler was readying the Ram brand to launch in the 2010 model year, making the Ram Dakota replace the Mitsubishi Raider
Mitsubishi Raider
The Mitsubishi Raider is a pickup truck from Mitsubishi Motors that debuted in the fall of 2005 as a 2006 model for the United States market and is based largely on the Dodge Dakota...
& Dodge Dakota.
The third-generation Dakota was discontinued in 2011, with the last one coming off the assembly line on August 23, 2011, ending the truck's 25 year run. According to Sergio Marchionne, the CEO of Chrysler Group, the Dakota will be replaced by a car-based vehicle at an undetermined time in the future.
U.S. sales figures
| Calendar Year | Sales |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 144,148 |
| 2000 | 177,395 |
| 2001 | 154,479 |
| 2002 | 130,712 |
| 2003 | 111,273 |
| 2004 | 105,614 |
| 2005 | 104,051 |
| 2006 | 76,098 |
| 2007 | 50,702 |
| 2008 | 26,044 |
| 2009 | 10,690 |
| 2010 | 13,047 |