Coming Soon

Dodge Dakota 2nd Generation

1997–2004 · truck

The 1997-2004 Dakota took the bold 'semi-truck' styling of the 1994 Ram and shrank it onto a mid-size pickup chassis. It remained the only mid-size pickup of its era to offer a V8 from the factory. Engines included the 2.5L AMC-derived four, the 3.9L Magnum V6, the 4.7L PowerTech V8 (from 2000), and the 5.2L and 5.9L Magnum V8s. The high-performance R/T trim and the rare 5.9L SLT made the Dakota popular with the truck-modifying crowd.

Watch out: Owner reports of frame rust on the rear shackle hangers and around the rear spring mounts, especially on Rust Belt trucks. The 46RE automatic behind the V8s benefits from regular fluid service. Lower ball joints and upper control arm bushings on 4x4s are common wear items contributing to a vague feel on-center.