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Dodge Dakota II 3.9 i (177 Hp)
Overall Rating
Dodge Dakota:
The Dodge Dakota, marketed as the Ram Dakota for the final two years of production, is a mid-size pickup truck manufactured by Chrysler and marketed by its Dodge Truck division and later its Ram Truck division — across three generations.
It used body-on-frame construction and a leaf spring/live axle rear end and was the first mid-size pickup with an optional V8 engine. For its entire production, the Dakota was manufactured at Chrysler's Warren Truck Assembly in Michigan....(Read more on Wikipedia)
II Overview:
Dodge Dakota (II). With 305 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. The top speed reaches 168 km/h. A vehicle with an open cargo bed at the back, suitable for transporting goods. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Dodge Dakota II was primarily sold in North America and was not tested by Euro NCAP. US safety ratings (NHTSA/IIHS) are available but not requested here.
3.9 i (177 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Adequate for light duty and daily driving, offering decent low-end torque but feeling strained under heavy loads.
Fuel Economy
Poor fuel economy for a V6, typical of its era, making it less ideal for long commutes.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Powerful V8 engine options (4.7L, 5.9L)
- • Unique mid-size footprint with near full-size capability
- • Robust chassis and suspension for truck duties
- • Available in various cab and bed configurations
- • Good towing and hauling capacity for its class
Cons:
- • Poor fuel economy across the board, especially V8s
- • Interior plastics and design feel dated
- • Ride quality can be harsh, typical for a truck
- • Some common reliability issues (e.g., plenum gasket on 5.9L, rust)
- • Limited safety features compared to modern vehicles
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Dakota: 1996 - 1996).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Dodge |
| Model: | Dakota |
| Generation: | II |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.9 i (177 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1997 |
| End of production: | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Pick-up |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 177 Hp @ 4800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 45.3 Hp/l [worst than previous generation] |
| Torque: | 305 Nm @ 3200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | EHC More details about the engine EHC |
| Engine displacement: | 3906 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 99.3 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84.1 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.1:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed: | 168 km/h |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 91 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5463 mm mm |
| Width: | 1818 mm mm |
| Height: | 1699 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 3227 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1560 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1585 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Dodge Dakota!