It seems like pickup trucks are growing bigger and bigger every year. Small pickups are now "mid-size" and full-size are getting more and more cumbersome with each redesign.
The Dodge Dakota was the first American mid-sized pickup to offer V8 power, and to this day offers the power and capability of a full-size, but in a more manageable package that can get into more places than its full-size counterparts.
The Dakota has been redesigned for 2008 with an updated grille sporting Dodge's crosshair motif and new, more squared off headlights. The new headlights give it a more masculine presence than the outgoing "bright-eyes" assembly.
Versatility is a key feature of the new Dakota, as there are a number of new ways to haul, store, and pack away whatever you chose to bring along on a weekend getaway or a trip to the jobsite. Built-in utility rails with adjustable tie-downs make securing awkwardly shaped cargo easier.
From the in-dash compartment to the multi-compartment center console, to the stow-and-go foldable rear seats on the available 4-door crew cab model, the Dakota has seemingly endless storage options.
The Dakota's base engine is a 210 horsepower 3.7-liter V6, while our test vehicle came with a flex-fuel-capable 290 horsepower 4.7 liter V8. The V6 comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox. A 4-speed automatic is an available option. The V8 is only offered with a 6-speed automatic. Power is sent to the rear wheels or available 4-wheel-drive with center console mounted controls.
Fuel economy for the V6 is 16 miles per gallon around town and 20 miles per gallon on the highway. The Flex-fuel V8 gets 14 miles per gallon city, 19 miles per gallon highway.
An optional DVD/navigation system is available. The full color touch screen unit offers voice-activated navigation, real-time traffic updates, SIRIUS satellite radio and a 16-gigabyte hard drive that can store up to 1600 songs. The display slides down allowing access to the DVD player as well.
Base MSRP for the 2008 Dodge Dakota is $19,435. A top of the line Laramie edition Dakota crew cab with full options will cost as much as $37,000.
The 2008 Dodge Dakota may not be classified as a full-size pickup, but with V8 power, 4-available doors and plenty of storage options, there's not much that a full size can offer over this very capable pickup.