| Production | 1997–2004 (North America) 1998-2001 (Brazil) |
|---|---|
| Body style | 2-door pickup truck 4-door pickup truck |
| Platform | N/AN |
| Engine | 2.5 L AMC/PowerTech I4 2.5 L 425 OHV I4 Diesel 3.9 L Magnum V6 5.2 L Magnum V8 5.9 L Magnum V8 4.7 L PowerTech V8 3.7 L PowerTech V6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed 42RE automatic 4-speed 44RE automatic 4-speed 46RE automatic 4-speed 45RFE automatic 5-speed 545RE automatic 5-speed NV3500 manual 5-speed AX-15 manual |
| Wheelbase | 111.9 in (2,842 mm) (reg. short) 123.9 in (3,147 mm) (reg. long) 131.0 in (3,327 mm) (ext. cab) |
| Length | 1997-2001 Regular Cab: 195.8 in (4,973 mm) 1997-2001 Extended Cab & 2002-04 Quad Cab: 215.1 in (5,464 mm) 1997-2001 Club Cab: 214.8 in (5,456 mm) 2002-04: 196.0 in (4,978 mm)/215.0 in (5,461 mm) |
| Width | 71.5 in (1,816 mm) |
| Height | 1997-99 4WD: 68.0 in (1,727 mm) 1997-99 & 2002-04 Club Cab 4WD: 68.5 in (1,740 mm) 1997-2001 2WD: 65.6 in (1,666 mm)/65.3 in (1,659 mm) 2000-01 4WD: 67.9 in (1,725 mm) 2000-01 Club Cab 4WD: 68.6 in (1,742 mm) 2000-01 Quad Cab Sport 4WD: 68.8 in (1,748 mm) 2000-01 Quad Cab Sport 2WD: 66.3 in (1,684 mm) 2002-04 4WD: 67.3 in (1,709 mm) 2002-04 Club Cab 4WD: 67.4 in (1,712 mm) 2002-04 Quad Cab 4WD: 68.5 in (1,740 mm) 2002-04 2WD: 64.7 in (1,643 mm) 2002-04 Club Cab 2WD: 64.9 in (1,648 mm) 2002-04 Quad Cab 4WD: 65.6 in (1,666 mm) |
| Related | Dodge Durango |
The third-generation Dakota was built from 1997 through 2004. It inherited the semi truck look of the larger Ram but remained largely the same underneath. 1998 saw the introduction of the R/T model with the big 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 for the fact it remained the only truck in its class with an available V8 engine that rivaled many V8s found in full size trucks with payloads of up to 1500 pounds.
Four-door "Quad-Cab" models were added for 2000 with a slightly shorter bed, 63.1 in (160.2 cm), but riding on the Club Cab's 130.9 in (332.5 cm) wheelbase. The aging 5.2 L Magnum V8 was replaced by a new high-tech 4.7 L SOHC PowerTech V8. The Quad-Cab featured a full-size flip up rear seat to provide room for 3 passengers in the back or lots of dry, interior room for cargo.
In spring 1998, a new limited edition R/T package was available as an option on the Dakota Sport model. This version is considered a true street/sport truck, only available in RWD. Factory modifications such as a 250 hp 360 cid/5.9 liter V8, heavy duty 46RE 4 speed automatic transmission, performance axle, limited slip differential, sport suspension and steering, uprated brakes, performance exhaust, special cast aluminum wheels, monotone paint, bucket seats, and many other standard options came with the package. Chrome wheels were available on 2002 models. Some of the last models made in 2003 came with the new stampede lower body cladding package and chromed version of the original cast 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 trimline and no longer as part of an option package on the Dakota Sport trim.
2000 saw the introduction of the 4.7 liter V8 and 45RFE automatic transmission.
2001 saw a fairly extensive revision of the Dakota's interior, including a completely redesigned dash, door panels and revised seats. Other minor trim revisions were made, including redesigned aluminium wheels on various models.
2002 was the final year for the four-cylinder engine in the Dakota, as Chrysler ended production of the former AMC design. Most buyers ordered the V6 or V8 engines, which were considerably more powerful and, in the case of the V6, which was made standard for 2003, nearly as fuel-efficient with a manual transmission. Also, an automatic transmission was not available with the 4-cylinder.
2003 was the end of the old OHV V6 and the big R/T V8; the 2004 model year vehicles were available with a new 3.7 L PowerTech V6 engine to go along with the 4.7 L V8 variant.
This generation was also assembled and sold in Brazil from 1998 to 2001.
The IIHS gave this generation a Poor rating in the frontal offset crash test.
Read more about this topic: Dodge Dakota
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