The Dodge Dakota is a pickup truck that is larger than the traditional compact truck but smaller than the traditional full-size truck. If a mid-size pickup category exists, the Dakota created it when it first debuted way back in 1987 and today most formerly compact trucks mimic the Dodge in size. The Dakota is offered in extended cab and crew cab body styles with rear- or four-wheel drive. Six trim levels are available for 2008: ST, SXT, SLT, TRX, Sport and Laramie.

Here’s what changed on the 2008 Dodge Dakota:
• Restyled inside and out
• New 4.7-liter V-8 engine with Flex Fuel capability
• Built-in cargo box utility rails
• New underseat storage system
• Available MyGIG multimedia infotainment system with navigation
• Heated bench seat option

The 2008 Dodge Dakota ST is a basic truck designed for commercial use. The Dakota SXT model adds an overhead console with a compass, trip computer and exterior temperature display; cruise control; floor mats; power windows, locks and mirrors; remote keyless entry; a tilt steering wheel; and alloy wheels. The Dakota SLT includes fog lights, body-color exterior trim, a rear defroster or a sliding rear window, in-bed cargo utility rails, a power driver’s seat, stain-resistant seat fabric, satellite radio, a security alarm, and an engine immobilizer.

The Dakota TRX builds on the SLT with black-out trim, bodyside moldings and fender flares, slush mats, a skid plate group (4WD models), tow hooks, unique seats, a Heavy Duty Service package (4WD models), and bigger tires mounted to special alloy wheels. The Dakota Sport adds to the SLT an automatic transmission, body-color grille, bodyside moldings, sport seats with two-tone trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 18-inch tires mounted to unique alloy wheels. The Dakota Laramie includes SLT trim plus a V-8 engine, automatic transmission, chrome exterior trim, a bedliner, automatic headlights, leather seats, an Alpine audio system with a six-disc CD changer, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Options depend on the trim level selected, but include features such as a trailer towing package, heated seats, heated power folding outside mirrors, a navigation system, a SoundBox audio system with more than 500 watts of power, full-time 4WD, antilock brakes, side-curtain airbags and Dodge’s UConnect hands-free communication system.

The 2008 Dodge Dakota is powered by a standard 3.7-liter V-6 engine. This engine makes 210 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm. A 4.7-liter V-8 engine is standard or optional depending on trim level and cab style. This engine makes 302 horsepower at 4,600 rpm and 329 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600 rpm. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on most Dakotas with a V-6 engine, and a four-speed automatic is available. Every V-8-powered Dakota is equipped with a five-speed automatic. As with most pickups, the powertrains drive the rear wheels, with 4WD offered as an option. The standard 4WD system is a part-time setup, with a full-time 4WD system available as an option. The 2008 Dodge Dakota can tow up to 4,850 pounds with the V-6 engine and up to 7,050 pounds with the V-8 engine, when properly configured.

Standard safety features on the 2008 Dodge Dakota include dual front airbags. Side curtain airbags and antilock brakes are optional. All Dakotas come with a front passenger airbag cutoff switch to allow children to safely travel in the front seat when necessary.

J.D. Power and Associates says the 2008 Dodge Dakota competes against other mid-size pickups like the Chevrolet Colorado, Honda Ridgeline, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma.
 
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