Introduction
The Dodge Dakota model was introduced along with the Dodge Ram 50 in the year of 1987.
The first truck under the Dodge Dakota label had a conventional design with a body-on-frame construction and a leaf spring/live axle suspension at the rear end. It is also the only mid-sized pickup truck to offer an optional V8 engine package. The Dodge Dakota also features a first in work trucks: a rack and pinion steering.
The third generation Dakota was unveiled by Dodge on February 4, 2007. It underwent another face lift and interior upgrading along with a few other upgrades such as built-in cargo-box utility rails, heated bench seats, a best-in-class towing with up to 7,050 lbs, the largest and longest standard bed in its class and the larges mid-size cab in its class.
The new Dodge Dakota is offered as either the Dakota Club Cab package or the Dakota Quad Cab package and both of which are further divided into ST, LST and LARAMIE configurations.
Performance And Drive
The engine for the Dodge Dakota is available as a 3.7 liter or 4.7 liter Magnum V6 or V8. Transmission for the truck is available in either automatic or manual configurations. Front disc brakes and rear drum brakes with 4-wheel ABS provide stopping power. In 4x4 models, an electric part-time shift on the fly transfer case is available.
The Dodge Dakota has been rated as having the most powerful line of engines in its class. It also has the best available torque in its class, and the best maximum available towing capacity when properly equipped.
The overall stiffness, strength and durability of the Dodge Dakota's fully boxed hydroformed frame allows it to be the best in its class in maximum towing capacity, best in its class in gross vehicle weight rating at 6,010 pounds, and the most standard payload in its class and the longest standard cargo bed in its class.
Interior Features
The Dodge Dakota is also a cut above in its interior styling with the most overall interior room in its class and an available six passenger comfort, versatile 60/40 split folding rear bench and 37 cubic feet of storage space. The Dodge Dakota's high level standard features also include a CD player that sports an auxiliary audio jack and heated cloth front seats, available full swing rear access doors that open to nearly 170 degrees for ease of entry that is unrivaled and a UConnect voice activated hands free communication system.
Safety Features
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has awarded the Dodge Dakota a five star rating for its front and side-impact crash tests. The safety and security features of the truck also include advanced multistage driver and front-passenger air bags with an occupant classification system (OCS), available supplemental side-curtain air bags, a class-exclusive replaceable hydroformed front frame structure and octagonal rail tips and child seat tether anchors (LATCH) and child-protection rear door locks.
The Dodge Dakota also features large front disc brakes and standard rear, or available four wheel anti lock brakes that can help to prevent wheel lockup and improve steering control in extreme braking conditions or in slippery road conditions.
The truck’s internal rear head restraints also have a foam-padded steel rod structure with ladder-style design that not only increases protection for rear seat passengers and but also allows for wider rearward visibility for the driver.
Dodge Dakota Packages
The Dodge Dakota is available in multiple packages that are offered in a variety of prices. The Club Can ST 4x2 is touted by the company as being functional and competent and is priced at $19,880. The Quad Cab SLT 4x4 (V6) is known as roomy yet powerful and is priced at $29,435. The Laramie Quad Cab 4x4 (V6) is tagged as having capability as its middle name and is priced at $30,425.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, the Dodge Dakota is at the top of its class. With an unrivaled performance package and great set of features, it is one of the best if not the best mid-sized pickup truck to own even with the slightly steep tag price.
