1997 Dodge Dakota Summary & Specs Review at Automotive.com
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1997 Dodge Dakota Review: Summary & Specs

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1997 Dodge Dakota Review

The biggest little truck on the planet.

1997 Dakota Review Summary & Specifications

Some truck buyers have been stuck in a quandary: don't need that big

honkin' full-size pickup, but the next size down doesn't meet the power

requirement to tow the boat to the lake.

Like no other truck on the planet, the Dakota fills that niche perfectly.

If you need to tow or haul something bigger than the Dakota will handle,

then face it: You need a full-size pickup. If you don't contemplate heavy

loads, one of the other compacts might do just fine. But if you have needs

that are somewhere in that great middle ground, there's nothing else available

that will do the job like the Dodge Dakota.

Review Sections
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1997 Dodge Dakota Specs
Vehicle CategoryPickups
EditorDon Fuller
Model Lineup
Engines (standard)2.5-liter ohv 4-cyl.
Transmissions (standard)5-speed manual
Engines (optional)175-hp 3.9-liter ohv V6; 220-hp 5.2-liter ohv V8
Transmissions (optional)4-speed automatic
Safety Equipment (standard)Rear ABS, dual airbags
Safety Equipment (optional)
Basic Warranty3 years/36,000 miles
Assembled InWarren, MI
Manufacturer Phone1-800-4A-DODGE
Manufacturer URLwww.4adodge.com
Base Price MSRP13235


1997 Dodge Dakota Specs as Tested
Model Tested MSRPClub Cab 4X4 Sport
Standard Equipment(Club Cab 4X4 Sport) Shift-on-the-fly 4WD, AM/FM/cassette audio
Options as Tested (MSRP)V8 engine, 4-wheel ABS, automatic transmission, air conditioning, Sport Package #26B (includes sport decor, 22-gal. fuel tankP235/75R15 tires, premium door trim, tachometer); Power Convenience Package (includes power windows, power locks, keyless remote entry, overhead console, auto day/night mirror); Deluxe Convenience (includes tilt steering and cruise control); bucket seats with console, heavy duty service package, 4X4 protection group, security group, 3.90:1 rear axle, Anti-Spin differential, sliding rear window, dual power mirrors, foglamps, AM/FM/CD/cassette audio, 31x10.5R-15 tires, aluminum alloy wheels, fender flares
Destination Charge
Gas Guzzler Tax
Price as Tested26753
Layout
Horse Power120 @ 5200
Torque145 @ 3250
Fuel Economy21/25
Wheelbase111.9
Length/Width/Height195.8/71.5/65.6
Track Front/Rear60.5/61.5
Turning Radius
Seating Capacity5
Front Head/Hip/Leg room40.0/56.7/41.9
Middle Head/Hip/Leg room
Rear Head/Hip/Leg room38.0/58.1/22.1 (Club Cab)
Trunk Volume
Payload1,250 lbs. (as tested: 1,800 lbs.)
Towing Capacity2000 (as tested: 6200)
Front SuspensionIndependent
Rear SuspensionLive axle
Ground Clearance7.6
Curb Weight3273 (as tested: 4177)
Stock TiresP215/75R-15
Brakes Front/Reardisc/drum
Fuel Capacity15.0
1997 Dodge Dakota