2007 Dodge Dakota Review
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The Dodge Dakota may be smaller than the Ram and not quite so well known, but somehow it has found a way to hold its own in the full size pickup truck market (even though the Dakota is technically in the md-sized category). Dodge must have been aware of the competition the Dakota was facing; when they redesigned it for 2005, the Dakota was promoted as ‘bigger, bolder and tougher" – the ultimate goal for any pickup. The standard engine on the Dakota is a V-6, but it can also be powered by either of two V-8s. For cab styles there are Club Cab and Quad Cab models and there are three trim levels for 2007: ST, SLT and Laramie. The 2007 is relative the same from the previous year, but the Dakota does get a standard two-position tailgate that can be locked at an angle to better carry cargo, available YES Essentials fabric is designed to be stain-, odor- and static-resistant, and a remote starter as an option.
Dakota Design
The Dakota is without a doubt a huge truck, especially the Quad Cab. Quad Cabs feature four huge doors; the rear doors open out to nearly 90 degrees, so ingress and egress are very good. Quad Cab interiors are roomy, with over 102 cubic feet of passenger space. Last redesigned for 2005, the Dodge Dakota hasn't changed much in appearance since then. The Dakota shares its design with the full-size Dodge Ram and Durango SUV. All three share the retro big-rig grille motif and bulging fenders that have become trademarks of the Dodge Truck brand. Front fender lines deliberately extended halfway along the length of the door. A coil-over-shock independent front suspension is used on both 2WD and 4WD models, with conv
entional leaf springs at the rear. All models come with front and rear tow hooks and tie-downs in the bed.
Inside the Dakota
The Quad Cab models can hold six people when configured appropriately. Club Cab models have forward-facing rear seats and rear-hinged access doors. The rear seats are stepped up on their bases so that rear-seat occupants can see out more easily and they are split into 40/20/40 folding sections with two rear cupholders. Rear-seat room is generous. The angular center stack houses the sound system, climate controls and vents. The thick four-spoke steering wheel features audio and cruise controls. Brushed metal accents brighten the cockpit, and the whole design works very well in terms of usability, convenience, and reach. The plastic materials are decent and interior finishes are good.
Driving Capability
The standard V-6 on the Dakota is a bit slight in power, it can sometimes feel sluggish for passing and merging. Because the V6 does not get that better mileage than the V8s, drivers may be better off to go with a V8. There is a regular V8 and a High Performance V8, in reality, though, the high-output engine isn't appreciably quicker than the regular one. When pushed, its automatic transmission slams hard into the next gear. Dodge's manual gearbox is pickup-truck typical with its slightly mushy feel, but it works with a well-behaved, easy-engaging clutch. The suspension reacts quickly to bumps and recovers promptly. On narrow two-lane roads, the Dakota maneuvers quite handily and with satisfying steering feel. Like all pickup trucks the 2007 Dodge Dakota can get choppy over small, high-intensity bumps and ruts. It's been upgraded for '07 with electronic throttle control and exhaust-gas recirculation. Thick glass, big mufflers, and generous sound insulation throughout the body and firewall help reduce noise.
Pick-up Power
A 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 is standard. For more power, the available 4.7-liter V-8 produces 230 hp and 290 pounds-feet of torque. At the top of performance is a high-output 4.7-liter V-8 that makes 260 hp. Transmission choices include a four-speed automatic, five-speed automatic and six-speed manual. The Laramie comes standard with the automatic. Either a part-time or full-time four-wheel-drive transfer case is available.
Safety Features
Rear-wheel antilock braking is standard; four-wheel ABS is optional. The Club Cab has earned five-star safety ratings in both front and side impact testing by the federal government (NHTSA).
The 2007 Dakota is the biggest pickup in the mid-size class, and the only mid-size truck available with a V8. Comparing the Dakota with its sibling Dodge Ram, it looks nearly as big and tough. All models come with front and rear tow hooks and tie-downs in the bed. Fuel economy range for the 2007 Dodge Dakota is estimated at 22 mpg Hwy, and 16 mpg City. For more specifications, read another 2007 Dakota overview.
