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Dodge Dakota 3rd Generation (ND)

2005–2011 · ND · truck

The 2005-2011 Dakota is the third and final generation of the nameplate that defined the mid-size pickup category in the late 1980s. It shared its platform with the Dodge Durango (HB) and was the largest Dakota ever sold, big enough that some buyers wondered why they wouldn't just step up to a Ram. Engines were the 3.7L PowerTech V6 and the 4.7L PowerTech V8; a 5.7L HEMI was reserved for the Mitsubishi Raider sibling but never offered in the Dakota itself. Production ended in 2011 and the model was retired without a replacement.

Watch out: Owner reports of frame rust on the rear leaf-spring perches and around the rear shock mounts on trucks from snow-state climates. The 4.7L PowerTech V8 of this era is also known to be sensitive to missed oil changes and detonation on low-octane fuel, leading to top-end issues. The 545RFE automatic is generally durable when serviced.