For 2009, Dodge's mid-size Dakota pickup sees a shake-up in its trim levels, eliminating the SLT and Sport editions and redistributing the options among the remaining ST, Big Horn, Laramie and TRX. Other changes include a dual-position tailgate for more cargo hauling options, increased body color and wheel options, new "Crate-N-Go" storage in the cab and E85 ethanol-blend flex-fuel capability in the available V8. There is also an increase in price seen mostly in the lower level trims.
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For 2008, Dodge's mid-size Dakota pickup gets a new optional V8 that's much more powerful than the one it replaces, yet it is also more refined and fuel-efficient. The Dakota also has been dressed-up with new styling for 2008 inside and out. Exterior changes include a new hood, grille, fenders, and headlamps, plus a protective surface for the cargo-box sides and built-in utility rails. Inside there's a new instrument panel and center console, and new trims and finishes, plus expanded storage areas, including a center console bin for electronics. A heated front bench seat is newly available, and the MyGig Infotainment System, which is already available on some other Dodge models, is now offered on the Dakota.
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The Dodge Dakota's V6 engine gets an electronic throttle and emissions improvements for 2007, and a new flex-fuel version of the V8 joins the lineup. Remote start and 18-inch chrome-clad wheels, and a chrome accent package are new standalone options on top SLT and Laramie models, and black painted 18-inch alloys are a new option. The Dakota also gets a new dual-position tailgate for all models, and some models with cloth upholstery get stain- and odor-resistant fabric.
SelectBrowse ListingsBuilt as a durable utility pickup for drivers seeking a smaller alternative to full-sized trucks, the Dodge Dakota featured smaller dimensions than the Dodge Ram but was also one of the most capable vehicles in its class. After a 1997 redesign that involved the adoption of a Ram-like front end, the Dodge Dakota was offered with a regular and Club Cab model.
With the regular cab version of the 1998 Dakota, a 6.5-foot and 8-foot bed box was available. For 1998, the performance ante of the medium-sized pickup truck was raised by the presence of an R/T version of the Dakota with a 250-horsepower 5.9-liter Magnum V-8 powerplant.
A 5.2-liter Magnum V-8 engine also available for the 1998 Dodge Dakota pickup truck. Before the Chevrolet Colorado SS models arrival in 2009, the Dakota was the only commonly available mid-sized pickup truck in the United States with a V-8 engine. Other powerplants available on the 1998 Dakota also included a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 3.9-liter V-6 engine.
Rear-wheel drive as well as a part-time four-wheel drive system allowed power to the ground. For the 2000 model year, a four-door Quad Cab version of the Dodge Dakota was introduced. Also in 2000, the trucks 5.2-liter V-8 engine was replaced by a new 4.7-liter displacement PowerTech V-8. Given a new look mirroring its full-sized Dodge truck counterpart, the Dakota was refreshed in 2005 with an all-new suspension. The regular cab version of the Dakota was discontinued on the newer model leaving the Club Cab and Quad Cab.
Engine choice for the 2005 Dodge Dakota consisted of a 3.7-liter V-6 or the 4.7-liter V-8 powerplant rated at up to 260 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. In 2010, the truck division of Dodge was divided into the Ram brand. As a result, the Dakota could be considered a Ram product for its final two years on sale. With dropping customer popularity, the Dakotas production ended after the 2011 model year.
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