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Dodge Dakota II 3.9 i (177 Hp) Automatic
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. 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) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers adequate power for basic needs, but the automatic transmission can feel sluggish, especially when loaded.
Fuel Economy
Poor fuel efficiency, exacerbated by the automatic transmission, making it costly for regular use.
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) Automatic |
| 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) |
| 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 | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
If you could change one thing about the Dodge Dakota, what would it be?