PUTC Buyer's Guide: 2002 Dodge Dakota

		Reader Ratings: See what others have to say or add your own comments about the Dodge Dakota Discussion Board: Chat about Dodge Trucks Shop For This Truck: CarsDirect.com Price: $14,810* (4x2 Regular Cab) $18,135* (4x2 Club Cab) $22,030* (4x2 Quad Cab) $18,405* (4x4 Regular Cab) $21,460* (4x4 Club Cab) $23,190* (4x4 Quad Cab) Add $570 destination charge. *Prices are base prices. Engines: Four engines are available to fill the Dakota's engine bay - 2.5 liter OHV Magnum® inline four-cylinder with sequential multi-port fuel injection. - 3.9 liter OHV Magnum® V-6 with sequential multi-port fuel injection. - 4.7 liter SOHC Magnum® V-8 with sequential multi-port fuel injection. - 5.9 liter OHV Magnum® V-8 with sequential multi-port fuel injection Transmissions: Four transmission choices exist for the Dakota Lineup: - Five-speed manual overdrive. - 42RE Four-speed automatic overdrive. - 45RFE Multi-speed automatic overdrive. - 46RE Four-speed automatic overdrive. Competitors: Chevrolet S-10 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Ford Ranger GMC Sonoma Mazda B-Series Nissan Frontier Toyota Tacoma
Click Arrows to View Models Overview: Dodge won't be altering the exterior or interior styling of their Dakota compact pickup lineup for 2002 but will introduce a new 'value-priced' model, the Dakota SXT. The Dakota SXT will start around $17,000 and come equipped with stylish graphite bumpers, fascia, grille and fender flares and 16-inch aluminum wheels. Standard air conditioning and bucket seats round out the package. There are four engines and four transmission choices for the Dakota, not to mention two transfer cases for 4x4 models -- a part-time and a full-time version. 4x2 drive set-ups are also available. Cab choices include: Regular Cab, Club Cab and Quad Cab. The latter sports the longest bed in the segment at 5'3", and is capable of seating up to six passengers. Longer cargo boxes may be ordered for regular cab models. The diverse Dakota offers Best-In-Class power and capability. Varying trim levels make it possible to tailor Dakotas to suit their specific needs -- There's even a performance version in the Dakota R/T that is driven by the 5.9 liter Magnum® V-8. Dakota R/T for 2002 is equipped with a special version of the 5.9-liter Magnum V-8 engine and a large-bore, free-flow exhaust that delivers increased engine performance. The truck's performance capability is supported with a throaty and powerful-sounding exhaust note. The 250-horsepower engine is mated to a four-speed transmission, and is supported by massive 255/55x17-inch tires. A myriad of after market goodies are offered to further modify and personalize the roomy and comfortable Dakota. Exterior Design: The Dakota's popular exterior design that resembles a stylized version of its full-size sibling the Ram, will remain status quo for 2001. Interior Design: During the 2001 model year inside styling for all Dakotas was freshened. Additional creature comfort and upgraded safety features and changes to virtually everything the driver sees or touches, including a rotary dial for the new electronic transfer case, were done. No interior changes are planned for 2002. Powertrain: Engine choices for Dakota range from a 2.5 liter, 120 horsepower four-banger to a 5.9 liter, 250 horse motor that also generates a whopping 345 pound feet of torque. If that's not enough, a Hemi crate motor may be ordered from Mopar.