Dodge · 1997-2004
Dakota (2nd Gen)
The 1997-2004 Dakota grew in size and looks to mimic the Ram, with V6 and V8 power including the 250-hp 5.9-liter R/T and the new 4.7 PowerTech V8. A four-door Quad Cab joined the Club Cab.
- Years
- 1997-2004
- Drivetrain
- RWD · 4WD
- Engines
- 2.5 L AMC · 3.9 L Magnum V6 · 5.2 L Magnum V8
- Sold in
- US · Canada · Brazil
Spec sheet
- Generation
- 2nd Gen
- Production
- 1997–2004
Production: July 1996 to July 2004.
- Assembly
- Warren, MICampo Largo, Brazil (1998-2001)
- Sold in
- USCanadaBrazil
- Codes
- DN platform
- Body styles
- Regular cabClub Cab (1997-2001)Quad Cab (2002-2004; 4-door)
- Bed lengths
- 6.5 ft (111.9 in WB)8 ft (123.9 in WB)
- Drivetrains
- RWD4WD
- Transmissions
- 5-speed manual (NV1500/NV3500/AX-15)4-speed 42RE/44RE/46RE automatic5-speed automatic (2003-2004)
- Trims
- ST (base)SportSXT (2001+)SLT (late 2000+)R/T 5.9 (1998-2003)
- Wheelbase
- 111.9 / 123.9 / 131 in
- Width
- 71.5 in
- Payload
- 1,275-2,000 lb (1999; standard to upgraded capacity)
- Towing
- 1,900-6,700 lb (1999)
Engines
- Displacement
- 2.5 L
- Config
- I4
- HP
- 120 hp
- Torque
- 140 lb-ft
- Years
- 1997-2002
- Notes
- 120 hp; manual transmission only (1999)
- Displacement
- 3.9 L
- Config
- V6
- HP
- 175 hp
- Torque
- 225 lb-ft
- Years
- 1997-2003
- Displacement
- 5.2 L
- Config
- V8
- HP
- 230 hp
- Torque
- 300 lb-ft
- Years
- 1997-1999
- Displacement
- 5.9 L
- Config
- V8
- HP
- 250 hp
- Torque
- 345 lb-ft @3200
- Years
- 1998-2003
- Notes
- 4,400 rpm; 46RE automatic
- Displacement
- 4.7 L
- Config
- V8
- HP
- 230 hp
- Torque
- 295 lb-ft
- Years
- 2000-2004
- Displacement
- 3.7 L
- Config
- V6
- HP
- 210 hp
- Torque
- 235 lb-ft
- Years
- 2004
- Displacement
- 2.5 L
- Config
- Diesel turbo
- Years
- 1998-2001
- Notes
- Brazil-only Dakota (R1 program, built at Campo Largo 1998-2001); not sold in the US
Highlights
- 01
- Larger, more truck-like body (cab widened to 71.5 in)
- 02
- R/T package: 5.9 L Magnum V8 250 hp / 345 lb-ft, 17x9 wheels (spring 1998 intro)
- 03
- 4.7 L PowerTech V8 from 2000
- 04
- Club Cab 1997-2001; four-door Quad Cab 2002-2004 (per Wikipedia infobox)
Photos
Dodge Dakota (2nd Gen) 1997-2004, image 1 of 2
Dodge Dakota (2nd Gen) 1997-2004, image 2 of 2
Related
Overview
Built from July 1996 on the DN platform shared with the Durango, the second-generation Dakota was larger and borrowed Ram styling. Base engines were an AMC 2.5-liter four (120 hp) and a 175-hp 3.9-liter V6, with the 5.2-liter V8 (225 hp) until 1999.
A limited-edition R/T option arrived in spring 1998 with a 250-hp 5.9-liter Magnum V8 and 345 lb-ft of torque, 17-inch wheels, and sport seats; it was offered through 2003. The 230-hp 4.7-liter PowerTech V8 joined in 2000. In Brazil a diesel Dakota was built from 1998 to 2001.
The 2004 model year gained a 210-hp 3.7-liter PowerTech V6, and the third generation arrived for 2005.
Note: Wikipedia classes the Dakota as mid-size; it is listed here because it bridged the compact and full-size segments.