Dodge Dakota Generation 1 (1996–2001)
Dodge Dakota Generation 1 (1996–2001) — production years, market prices by model year, NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, and live listings for sale on VehiSales.
Dodge Dakota — body generations
| Generation | Produced | Facelift |
|---|---|---|
| Generation 1 | 1996–2001 | — |
| Generation 2 | 2002–2004 | — |
| Generation 3 | 2005–2011 | — |
Vehicles within one generation share the same platform and body style.
Engines used in the Dakota
Engine families this model shipped with, by NHTSA VIN build data — each links to every model that shares it.
| Engine | Years in this model | Also used in | VIN builds ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chrysler 4.7L PowerTech V8 | 2000–2011 | 8 models | 279 |
| Dodge 3.7L 6-cylinder | 2004–2011 | 15 models | 183 |
| Dodge 3.9L 6-cylinder | 1987–2003 | 7 models | 147 |
| Dodge 5.2L (318) Magnum V8 | 1989–1999 | 17 models | 50 |
| Dodge 5.9L Magnum V8 | 1989–2003 | 14 models | 29 |
About this generation
The second-generation Dakota began development in 1991, with an exterior design proposal by Dennis Myles under design director John R. Starr 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 presented by press release in the summer of 1996 and manufactured from July 1996 through July 2004.
The Dakota inherited the semi truck styling of the larger Ram, and used mostly the same mechanicals as its predecessor – with the exception of its steering, which was updated to rack-and-pinion. That year had the introduction of the "R/T" model with the 5.9 L 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.
In the spring of 1998, a limited-edition R/T package was available as an option on the Dakota Sport model from 1998 to 2003. Available in 2WD, it included a 5.9-liter V8 which produced at 4,400 rpm and of torque at 3,200 rpm, mated to a 46RE four-speed automatic. Notable features included special 17×9" cast aluminum wheels mounted on P255/55R17 tires, monotone paint, bucket seats (with optional center console), thicker front and rear stabilizer bars, a rear axle with limited-slip differential, and suspension, braking, exhaust, and steering systems that were tuned for performance (the steering system from the R/T is the same as that from the standard Dakota), giving the R/T a ride height that was one inch lower than the standard Dakota.
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 and a maximum payload capacity of . 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 2.5 L 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 cancelled when Chrysler was purchased by Daimler. Gone for 2000 was the 8-foot bed on the regular cab, but new for that year was the Quad Cab. Four-door Quad Cab models had a slightly shorter bed, , but riding on the Club Cab's wheelbase. The Quad Cab featured a full-sized flip-up rear seat to provide room for three passengers in the back or room for cargo.
The 5.2 L Magnum V8 was replaced by the 4.7 L SOHC PowerTech V8 that year, and the new 45RFE automatic transmission was introduced. 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. There were also new radio options, with only the standard AM/FM radio (with no cassette deck) being discontinued, making an AM/FM radio with a cassette deck standard on all models.
The AM/FM radio with CD player or with both the cassette and CD players was also available.
Source: Wikipedia — Dodge Dakota — Second generation (1997–2004), CC BY-SA.