Flatbed Dodge Dakota

The Dodge Dakota, known as the Ram Dakota for the final two years of production, is a mid-size pickup truck from Chrysler’s Ram (formerly Dodge Truck) division. The first Dakota was introduced in late 1986 as a 1987 model. From its introduction through 2009, it was marketed under the Dodge brand, and for the final two years under the Ram brand.The Dakota was sized above the compact Ford Ranger and Chevrolet S-10, but below the full-sized pickups such as Dodge’s own Ram. It is a conventional design with body-on-frame construction and a leaf spring/live axle rear end. The Dakota was the first mid-size pickup with an optional V8 engine.The facelifted third-generation Dakota was unveiled at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show as a 2008 model. The Dakota received another facelift and interior upgrade along with a few other upgrades, including built-in cargo-box utility rails, heated bench seats, best-in-class towing (up to 7,050 lb (3,198 kg)), the largest and longest standard bed in the class, and the largest mid-size truck cab. Its new 4.7-liter V8 produced 310 hp (231 kW) and 330 lb⋅ft (447 N⋅m) of torque. The standard engine remained the 3.7-liter V6 with 210 hp (157 kW) and 235 lb⋅ft (319 N⋅m) of torque. Production began in August 2007.

The N-body platform was the result of operational efforts by Harold K. Sperlich, who was in charge of Chrysler’s product planning in the early 1980s. During that time the available Japanese-inspired compact pickups of the time lacked the size and features necessary to meet the demands of American buyers. In the late-1970s, Chrysler was still recovering from its near-bankruptcy and resources were in short supply. Sperlich challenged the N-Body team to search for all opportunities to reuse existing components to create the Dakota. The resulting highly investment-efficient program enabled Chrysler to create an all-new market segment at a low cost. Key individuals involved in making this product a reality included Glenn Gardner, Glen House, Robert Burnham, Don Sebert, Jim Hackstedde, and Clark Ewing. The Dakota platform spawned several variants such as the Club and Quad Cabs, as well as the Dodge Durango/Chrysler Aspen SUV.An extended Club Cab model was added for 1990, still with two doors. This model offered six-passenger seating, though the rear seat was best suited for cargo, children, and shorter adults.

The SXT, introduced for the 2001 model year served as the “mid-range” Dakota model. It added the following features to the Sport model: an A/M-F/M stereo with a single-disc CD player, air conditioning, power windows and door locks with keyless entry (available as an option), and a premium interior. It was available with all engines except for the high-performance 5.9L V8 engine. An SXT Plus model was available that added “value” features such as an A/M-F/M stereo with cassette and single-disc CD players with integral CD changer controls, a premium cloth interior, and sixteen-inch alloy wheels mounted on sixteen-inch tires. The Sport convertible was the only convertible Dakota available, and only from 1989 until 1991, when it was discontinued. It added the following features to the mid-range Sport trim level: sport-styled alloy wheels, cloth seating surfaces with vinyl inserts and accents, an AM/FM stereo with cassette player and a four-speaker audio system, air conditioning, a manual-folding vinyl convertible roof, and “Sport” decals on the doors of the Dakota. The V6 engine and two-door regular cab was the only available configuration of the Sport convertible. The redesigned 2005 Dakota still shared its platform with the new Dodge Durango SUV (which was now even more similar to the Ram platform). This model is 3.7 in (94 mm) longer and 2.7 in (69 mm) wider, and features a new front and rear suspension, and rack-and-pinion steering. This new generation model also reverted to five-lug wheels from the prior generation’s six-lug wheels due to cost and assembly time-saving measures. The Dakota is built at the Warren Truck Assembly plant in Warren, Michigan.

The 2003 model was the end of the OHV V6 and the big R/T V8; the 2004 model year vehicles were available with a new 3.7 L Magnum V6 engine and the 4.7 L V8 variant.The first generation of the Dakota was produced from 1986 through 1996 (for the 1987-1996 model years). The Dakota was the first pickup truck with rack and pinion steering (2WD only, and early years were available without power steering). Inline-four and V6 engines were offered along with either a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive was available only with the V6. Both 6.5- and 8-foot beds were offered.

The R/T, otherwise known as the 5.9 R/T was known as the “high-performance” and “top-line” Dakota model from 1997 to 2003. It added the following features to the SLT model: sport front seats, sport-styled chrome-clad wheels, larger performance-rated tires, an A/M-F/M stereo with cassette and single-disc CD players, a six-speaker Infinity amplified premium audio system, and the high-performance 5.9L V8 engine. It was available in all available Dakota models except for the 4-door Quad Cab model.

The Dakota S was the base trim level. It included the following standard features: base vinyl seating surfaces, radio delete package, and audio system delete package (later, an AM/FM stereo with a two-speaker audio system became standard equipment on the Dakota model with a two-speaker audio system), a heater with fan control, vinyl flooring, a black front grille and front bumper, full-faced steel wheels, all-season tires, and manual “roll-up” windows and door locks. A black painted back step bumper, air conditioning, AM/FM or AM/FM/Cassette radio, and power steering were extra-cost options. This model was not typically seen as a Club Cab model, and also was not available with a V8 engine option like the other Dakota models were.The second-generation Dakota began development in 1991, with an exterior design proposal by Dennis Myles under design director John R. Starr being approved in mid-1993 and frozen for production in January 1994, 30 months ahead of Job 1. Design patents were filed on May 20, 1994, under D373,979 at the USPTO. The 1997 model year Dakota was unveiled via press release in the summer of 1996 and built from July 1996 through July 2004. It inherited the semi truck look of the larger Ram, but remained largely the same underneath, although steering was updated on 2-wheel drive models to rack and pinion as a part of the re-design. That year had the introduction of the ‘R/T’ model with the 5.9 L 250 hp (186 kW) Magnum V8. At the time of its introduction, it was seen as one of the most radical in its class, not only for its styling, but also because it remained the only truck in its class with an available V8 engine that rivaled many V8s found in full-sized trucks with payloads up to 1,500 lb (680 kg).

For 1989, the Dakota convertible was introduced. It featured a fixed roll bar and a simple manual top. The idea came from Jerry York and they were manufactured by ASC (American Sunroof Company). About 2,482 were sold during the first year.

The SLT served as the “mid-level” Dakota model. It added the following features to the base ST model: sixteen-inch sport-styled alloy wheels, cloth seating surfaces, and power windows and door locks with keyless entry. The SLT was available with any engine offered on the Dakota. A Big Horn (all states other than Texas), or Lonestar (Texas Only) Package was also available for the SLT model, which included “value-added” features, as was an SXT Package that added a color-keyed front grille, color-keyed front and rear bumpers as well as sport cloth seating surfaces.

The Laramie, otherwise known as the SLT Laramie, was the “top-line” Dakota model. It added the following features to the “mid-level” SLT model: seventeen-inch chrome-clad alloy wheels, seventeen-inch tires, an A/M-F/M stereo with a six-disc, in-dash CD/MP3 changer and auxiliary audio input jack (on most models), a premium Infinity (later Alpine) six-speaker amplified audio system, leather-trimmed heated seating surfaces, power front seats, a security system, a five-speed automatic transmission, and the base 4.7L “Power-Tech” V8 engine, though the high-output version of the same engine was also available on the Laramie or SLT Laramie.The Sport served as the “step-up” Dakota model. It added the following features to the ST model: an A/M-F/M stereo with a cassette player (later, a single-disc CD player), cloth seating surfaces, sport-styled alloy wheels, and carpeted flooring. It was available with all engines except for the high-performance 5.9L V8 engine.The SLT was the “top-line” Dakota model from late 2000. It added the following features to the SXT model (2001 to 2004 model years) or the Sport model (1997 to 2000 model years): power windows and door locks (Sport only) with keyless entry, a premium interior (Sport only), and premium-styled alloy or chrome-clad wheels. It was available with all available engines on the Dakota. An SLT Plus Package was available that added “value” features to the SLT model, such as sixteen-inch alloy wheels, sixteen-inch tires, an A/M-F/M stereo with cassette and CD players (and integral CD changer controls on 2001 through 2004 year models), a premium cloth interior, and more “upscale” features.The third-generation Dakota was discontinued in 2011, with the last unit coming off the assembly line on August 23, 2011, ending the truck’s 25-year run. As of 2011, according to Sergio Marchionne, the CEO of Chrysler Group, the Dakota will probably not be replaced by a similar vehicle, mostly due to declining popularity of compact trucks on the North American market (see Ford Ranger for similar outcome). Another problem was that buyers complained that the smaller pickup was not priced lower than the full-sized Ram 1500; nevertheless, the Dakota’s return continues to be reported since 2012. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced in September 2014 an agreement with Mitsubishi Motors to codevelop the next-generation Mitsubishi Triton/L200 to be sold globally by both companies. It is sold as RAM 1200 in some Middle Eastern countries.

Production numbers for the Expresses and Warriors were in the hundreds. A few were made with the 5.2 L Magnum V8 engine, which was only an option during 1992, the final model year of Express and Warrior.

In addition to a refresh of the styling, this generation was not offered in a regular cab model. Only the Club and Quad Cab configurations were available. The Dakota R/T returned in late 2005 for the 2006 year model, but only with cosmetic modifications. Despite the “R/T” moniker which signifies “Road and Track”, the newest Dakota R/T was simply an option package, characterized by a non-functional hood scoop, exclusive gauge cluster, and hockey stick-style side stripes. The package was available on both two- and four-wheel drive models.The ST served as the base model of the Dakota. It included features such as an A/M-F/M stereo (later with cassette player) and a four-speaker sound system, vinyl-trimmed seating surfaces, front (or front and rear) bench seats, styled steel fifteen-inch (later sixteen-inch) wheels, and vinyl flooring. It also included, and was only available with, the 3.9L (later 3.7L) V6 engine. The ST was also not offered as a four-door Quad Cab model.

The ST served as the base Dakota model. It included the following features: sixteen-inch styled steel wheels, sixteen-inch tires, front cloth bench seats, vinyl-trimmed seating surfaces, manual windows and door locks, black plastic bumpers, an A/M-F/M stereo with a single-disc CD player (later, single-disc CD/MP3 player), and auxiliary audio input jack (on most models), a four-speaker sound system, air conditioning, a 3.7L “Power-Tech” V6 engine came standard, or the optional 4.7L “Power-Tech” V8 Engine also available on the ST model.The sport package was added as a mid-year release. Exterior colors came in black, bright white, and graphic red. Available in both 2WD and 4×4, the sport option included:

Also in 1998, the Dakota R1 was released for production in Brazil through the efforts of a small team known as Truck Special Programs and featured a base four-cylinder engine and offered a 2.5L VMI turbodiesel along with a V8, all designed around a reinforced four-wheel drive chassis used on both two- and four-wheel drive models. Altogether, 28 roll-in-chassis R1 configurations were designed for the Brazilian market to be built at the Curitiba assembly facility as CKDs. This program was canceled when Chrysler was purchased by Daimler.The Li’l Red Express Dakota was made to resemble the original 1978–1979 Express models that were based on the Dodge D-Series. It featured the step-side bed and dual vertical exhaust stacks behind the cab that were non-functional. The Dakota Warrior was made to resemble the Warlock trim from the late 1970s. Warriors included the bed as the Express, but lacked the vertical exhaust stacks. Both the Express and Warrior Dakotas had a graphics package made to resemble those of the original models.

A revision of the interior was made for the 2001 models, including a completely redesigned dash, door panels, and revised seats. Other minor trim revisions were made, including redesigned aluminum wheels on various models. All vehicles also got new radio options. Only the standard AM/FM radio (with no cassette deck) was discontinued, making an AM/FM radio with a cassette deck standard on all models. AM/FM stereo CD and cassette/CD variants were also available.A V6 and two V8 engines were available: The standard engine is a 3.7 L Magnum V6; the two 4.7 L V8 engines are the standard Magnum V8 and the V8 High Output or HO. The 3.7 L V6 produces 210 hp (157 kW) and 235 lb⋅ft (319 N⋅m) of torque. The standard-output 4.7 L V8 produces 230 hp (172 kW) and 295 lb⋅ft (400 N⋅m) of torque. The high-output 4.7 L V8 produces 260 hp (194 kW) and 310 lb⋅ft (420 N⋅m) of torque. Both the 3.7 L and standard output 4.7 L V8s were available with the six-speed manual transmission in 2005 and 2006. For 2007, that option was deleted on the V8 models.

Two special editions of the first were constructed with step-side beds. Both were constructed by L.E.R. Industries of Edwardsburg, Michigan. The step-side beds were constructed out of fiberglass and galvanneal. Wooden bed rails were also available.In the spring of 1998, a new limited-edition R/T package was available as an option on the Dakota Sport model from 1998-2003. This version is considered a true street/sport truck, only available in RWD. Factory modifications such as a 360 cid/5.9-liter V8 which produced 250 hp (186 kW) at 4,400 rpm and 345 foot-pounds of torque at 3,200 rpm. The only transmission choice available was the 46RE four-speed automatic, performance axle, limited-slip differential, sport suspension and steering, upgraded brakes, performance exhaust, special 17×9-inch cast aluminum wheels, monotone paint, bucket seats, and many other standard options came with the package. Chrome wheels were available on 2002 and 2003 models. Some of the last models made in 2003 came with the new stampede lower body cladding package and a chromed version of the original cast 17×9 aluminum wheels at no extra charge. This version of the R/T Dakota was produced through 2003, with the newer 2003 R/T trucks designated as their own trim line, and no longer as part of an option package on the Dakota Sport trim. The Dakota R/T could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.9 seconds and complete a quarter-mile sprint in just over 15 seconds. It had a maximum towing capacity of 1,800 lb (816 kg) and a maximum payload capacity of 970 lb (440 kg). The RT Package: The R/T package included additional upgrades. It came with a performance-tuned suspension, quicker steering gear, thicker stabilizer bars front and rear, P255/55R17 tires, and a ride height that was 1-inch lower than the standard Dakota.

The 2002 model was the final year for the four-cylinder engine in the Dakota, as Chrysler ended production of the American Motors Corporation design. Most were built with the V6 or V8 engines that were more powerful. An automatic transmission was not available with the four-cylinder engine. SIRIUS Satellite Radio was also now available as an option, and revised radios with new wiring harnesses could accommodate this new feature. A CD changer radio was also available, eliminating the need for a separately mounted unit located elsewhere inside the truck. The drivers could load up to six discs into the unit at a time and could switch out the discs at any time. Radio Data System became standard equipment on some radios.The 1994 model year had a few minor changes, with the most notable being the addition of a standard driver’s-side airbag, located in a new, two-spoke steering wheel (also found in the Ram). Other changes included the discontinuation of the “SE” and “LE” trims. In following with the all-new Ram full-sized pickups, the top-end trim was renamed to “SLT”, with these models (along with select others) including new chrome-finished, styled six-bolt steel wheels styled similar to the five-bolt type found on the larger Ram. Other changes included revisions to color and overall trim options. SRS airbags were also added for 1994. A CD player became optional, as did a combination cassette player and CD player unit. Leather seats were also available on LE models. New alloy wheels were available.

One of the most common complaints with the 2000 model was with the body and paint of the vehicle. Customers reported items like paint fading off the top of the roof fast, oxidation of the clear coat on the roof, and even rusting wheel wells.

The Dodge Dakota was a solid mid-size pickup truck that came from the Chrysler Ram division of Dodge. It began production in 1987 and continued strong until its discontinuation in 2011. If you’re interested in an excellent mid-size pickup, the Dodge Dakota may be on your list. But, as with any vehicle, you might wonder which Dodge Dakota years to avoid.

Only looking for newer models? CoPilot Compare is the search engine for nearly-new cars. Only see cars five years or newer with low mileage — CoPilot Compare is the best way to find off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO cars.The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to make you a personalized list of the best car listings in your area. Engine troubles were one of the most prominent issues that popped up in models of the Dodge Dakota. The 2000 model and the 2006 model were especially prone to this issue, receiving dozens of complaints in this category over the years. There were a few reasons the Dodge Dakota suffered this bad year streak. We’ll dive into some of the prominent issues with the pickup truck that made it difficult for users to drive. The more you know, the better a decision you can make.We’ve talked a lot about the Dodge Dakota years that are worth avoiding. But, which ones are okay to drive? If you’re looking into purchasing a used Dodge Dakota, it’s just as vital to know which models are okay as it is to know which are not. We can help you with that.

If you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy spending hundreds of dollars on repairs on your engine, avoid these models at all costs. A faulty engine can add lots of trouble to your life that could easily be avoided with the choice to invest in a different model of the Dodge Dakota.

We hope this information can help you out with your next vehicle purchase. There’s a lot to consider when attempting to get a Dodge Dakota that will keep you safe and save money at the same time. The more you know, the better a decision you can make when the time comes to pick out your pickup truck.Different tints block different levels of UV light and in the long run can prevent sun damage to your skin and eyes, but how much does it cost to tint car windows? We’ve got the answer.

When you shop for a new or used car, CoPilot helps you know more. We search every car at every dealer so you don’t have to, we give you data and insights you won’t find anywhere else, and we rank every car so it’s easy to find the best car at the best price.Let’s dive into each of these problems in further detail, determining the biggest issues within each category and giving you an overview of what the Dodge Dakota experienced with each of these. There are solid reasons why these are the Dodge Dakota years to avoid.

If you want your car to look beautiful for as long as possible, steer clear of the 2000 Dodge Dakota. With nearly thirty complaints about the paint and body of the car, it’s clear that this year is one of the Dodge Dakota years to avoid.Several models of the Dodge Dakota stood out over the years, but there are a few Dodge Dakota years to avoid if you want to ensure you get the most bang for your buck from a used car investment.There are a few factors that make these years worth avoiding. These were the complaints that customers found most amongst the vehicles listed above, and they’re the ones that will either put you in danger or cost lots of money to repair.We’re here to help you out! Read on to learn more about which Dodge Dakota years to avoid and which ones will work well on the road. The best models are the ones that save you money in expensive repairs and keep you safe at the same time. The more you know, the better a decision you can make for your next car.The Dodge Dakota is a powerful pickup truck that stopped production almost ten years ago. If you want a used version of this vehicle, it’s vital to know which ones will be worth your money and which ones will cost you tons of cash in repairs. Models like the 2000 and 2002 Dakota suffer extensive issues, while the 2010 and 2011 varieties do not.

When you get a pickup truck like the Dodge Dakota, you expect it to have a braking system that works well every single time. Ensure you pick a model year that has an excellent stopping system. This choice will save you money and keep you safe on the road.

None of these were appealing back then to drivers, and they’re not appealing now to new drivers. Steer clear from the 2002 model and 2005 model if you don’t want to deal with the brakes.Because the car buying experience is so stressful, it’s helpful to go into the dealership with information ahead of time. Therefore, we’ve curated a list of the 10 most reliable American cars so you can approach the process from a place of empowerment.

Brake issues are the secondary issue prominent in several models of the Dodge Dakota. The 2002 model is easily the worst Dodge Dakota out of all of them, and brakes are the leading trouble with this vehicle. Almost sixty-nine people reported brake problems with this model.

The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network. Contact Us – Manage Preferences – Archive – Advertising – Cookie Policy – Privacy Statement – Terms of Service – Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information – One of the products planned for Ram is a new Dakota pickup truck. That model will share the Jeep Gladiator’s platform, although differences in design will likely give this midsize model a distinct appearance. We haven’t seen a Dakota in a decade when Dodge trucks became Ram and the Dakota name was canceled soon thereafter.

We’ve received confirmation that the beleaguered Chrysler and Dodge brands will survive under Stellantis and also know that Jeep and Ram are important components, and profit centers, for the company.

That said, Auto Trends maintains that a midsize pickup truck is essential for the Ram line, perhaps more so than for Jeep. Yes, the Gladiator is already in place, but Ram is Stellantis’ truck brand, thus giving customers a 1-2 pickup truck punch makes sense. You wouldn’t know if the cat was dead or alive until the box was opened, so in a sense, the cat was considered both “dead and alive” while in that state. As February drew to a close, rumors surfaced online that Stellantis canceled the Dakota product. At least one automotive blog shared the “news,” which was disseminated on Twitter through the following tweet, “Stellantis has cancelled the Ram Dakota so the company can focus towards Electrification. The Dakota was expected to be based on the Jeep Gladiator and be powered by the 3.6L Pentastar V6.”For the long story made short, the Schrödinger Cat experiment is often used to relate to other worldly matters, particularly news of a product’s impending demise (or resurrection). The scientific reference is perhaps fitting, given the uncertainty/vagueness/contradiction of the rumors.

Later, Fiat Chrysler officials confirmed a new Dakota model, one utilizing the Gladiator’s platform, but with some distinct differences to align the truck with the brand.Given that the Gladiator platform will support an EV, it’s logical that the Ram Dakota would also see such an option. That’s a great way to spread and share costs, by utilizing two or more models and building out from there.

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