Buyer's Guide / Dodge / 2008 Dodge Dakota

Overview

Dodge is launching an updated version of its Dakota midsize pickup truck for the 2008 model year that features new exterior and interior styling and a more powerful version of the optional 4.7-liter V-8. Offered in extended and crew cab body styles, the Dakota hits dealerships in August.

Exterior
Even though the 2008 Dakota features a new hood and fenders, it retains the general shape of the 2007 model. There are hints of the Dodge Rampage concept truck — shown at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show — in the Dakota's new grille and headlights. The standard cargo box measures 6.5 feet long.

Interior
Extended-cab Dakotas have seating for five, and crew cab versions have room for six. The Dakota's dashboard has been mildly revised, now including a storage cubby in front of the passenger seat. A remote starter is standard, and stain- and static-resistant seat upholstery is available.

All Dakota audio systems have an auxiliary input jack for connecting MP3 players to the pickup truck's sound system. Sirius Satellite Radio and a DVD-based navigation system are available.

Under the Hood
While the output of the standard 3.7-liter V-6 is unchanged — 210 horsepower and 235 pounds-feet of torque — the optional 4.7-liter V-8 now produces 302 hp and 329 pounds-feet of torque. That's 42 hp and 19 pounds-feet of torque more than the most powerful version of the engine found in 2007 Dakotas. Two- and four-wheel-drive models are offered.

V-6 Dakotas come standard with a six-speed manual transmission; a four-speed automatic is optional. The V-8, which can run on E85 ethanol as well as gasoline, drives a five-speed automatic. Maximum towing capacity when properly equipped is 7,050 pounds.

Safety
Antilock rear brakes are standard and an antilock feature for all four wheels is optional. Side curtain airbags are also optional.

-Cars.com

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Reviews

03.11.08
Road Test: 2008 Dodge Dakota Club Cab V8

04-17-05
Road Test: 2005 Dodge Dakota

Specifications

Retail Price:
$19,805-$31,470

Engines:


	3.7-liter V6

	210 hp		235 lb-ft
	@5200 rpm		@4000 rpm


	4.7-liter V8

	302 hp		329 lb-ft
	@5200 rpm		@3600 rpm

Transmissions:
- Four-speed automatic
- Five -speed automatic
- Six-speed manual

Fuel Economy:


	3.7-liter V6 Manual

	16 mpg		20 mpg
	City		Highway


	3.7-liter V6 Automatic

	16 mpg		20 mpg
	City		Highway


	4.7-liter V8 Automatic

	14 mpg		18 mpg
	City		Highway


	4.7-liter V8 HO Automatic

	14 mpg		18 mpg
	City		Highway

NHTSA Safey Ratings:
Frontal Crash Test
Crew Cab
- Driver Front: 5/5 Stars
- Passenger Front: 5/5 Stars
Extended Cab
- Driver Front: 5/5 Stars
- Passenger Front: 5/5 Stars

Rollover Crash Test
Crew Cab
- Rollover: 4/5 Stars
Crew Cab
- Rollover: 4/5 Stars

Side Crash Test
Crew Cab
- Driver Front: 5/5 Stars
- Passenger Front: 5/5 Stars
Extended Cab
- Driver Front: 5/5 Stars
- Passenger Front: N/A

IIHS Safey Ratings:
2007 Dodge Dakota ST Club Cab Tested
- Overall: Acceptable
- Structure / Safety Cage: Good
- Head/Neck: Good
- Chest: Good
- Leg/Foot Left, Right: Poor, Acceptable
- Restraints: Good