mopardad1
Member
The 2005 version of the Dodge Dakota sported styling that, with its big grille and flared fenders, was obviously inspired by its bigger brother, the Ram series pickup. Backing up the macho styling was a tougher platform with a fully boxed frame, a coil-over front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering and three solid engine choices. The latter included a new 3.7-liter, overhead cam V6 with 210 hp and a pair of V8s; a 4.7-liter rated for 230 hp and a high-output version of the 4.7 rated at 250 hp. Buyers could choose between four- and five-speed automatic and six-speed manual transmissions. In addition to the typical 2WD and 4WD options, full-time all-wheel drive became available for this year. The standard cab was history due to its low take rate, leaving the club cab (extended cab) and the quad cab (crew cab). There were three trim levels: base ST, nicely equipped SLT and luxury-themed Laramie.
A few luxury features debuted for 2006, including a sunroof and upgraded audio systems. Making it easier to load passengers and cargo, the club cab's rear doors now opened wider (nearly 180 degrees). There was also a trio of new packages available. The TRX package offered off-road tires and wheels while the R/T package had street-focused attitude with a high-output V8 and appearance package. Lastly, the aptly named Night Runner featured unique blacked-out paint treatment.
Not much changed for 2007, except for newly optional remote start, a dual-position tailgate and flex-fuel capability for the 4.7-liter V8 engine.
A big increase in power was the big news for 2008 as the optional 4.7-liter V8 was pumped up to 302 hp. Revised front end styling, a new instrument panel, more storage compartments, available heated seats and the MyGIG multimedia system (which entailed a hard-drive-based navigation system that could also store music) also came online this year as did built-in cargo box utility rails and a new trim level dubbed Big Horn (called the Lone Star in Texas). The latter's highlights included color-keyed bumpers and grille, full power features and a pair of jump seats for the club cab.
Trim levels were revised and streamlined for 2009, with the new lineup consisting of base ST, midlevel Big Horn, off-road-oriented TRX4 and luxury Laramie.
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A few luxury features debuted for 2006, including a sunroof and upgraded audio systems. Making it easier to load passengers and cargo, the club cab's rear doors now opened wider (nearly 180 degrees). There was also a trio of new packages available. The TRX package offered off-road tires and wheels while the R/T package had street-focused attitude with a high-output V8 and appearance package. Lastly, the aptly named Night Runner featured unique blacked-out paint treatment.
Not much changed for 2007, except for newly optional remote start, a dual-position tailgate and flex-fuel capability for the 4.7-liter V8 engine.
A big increase in power was the big news for 2008 as the optional 4.7-liter V8 was pumped up to 302 hp. Revised front end styling, a new instrument panel, more storage compartments, available heated seats and the MyGIG multimedia system (which entailed a hard-drive-based navigation system that could also store music) also came online this year as did built-in cargo box utility rails and a new trim level dubbed Big Horn (called the Lone Star in Texas). The latter's highlights included color-keyed bumpers and grille, full power features and a pair of jump seats for the club cab.
Trim levels were revised and streamlined for 2009, with the new lineup consisting of base ST, midlevel Big Horn, off-road-oriented TRX4 and luxury Laramie.
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