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03:57:46 - 12/24/2024
General Dakota Board
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KotaEthx
Dodge Dakota
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12/02/2007
22:25:50
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 Subject: 2008 Dakota
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Message:
Any opinions on the 08 (3.7 & 4.7)?
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dakota2112
Dodge Dakota
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12/03/2007
11:08:24
| RE: 2008 Dakota
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Message:
I bought one recently.
http://s169.photobucket.com/albums/u227/dakota2112/2008%20Dakota/
It replaced my trusty '97 Dakota V6 5-speed with 170k miles on the odometer and original clutch. That was one H of a truck in terms of reliability, hopefully the new one lives up to that standard.
My 2008 is a 3.7L 6-speed manual extended cab. That combination only comes with 3.21 gears, so it isn't exactly a hotrod - but it'll work for me since I don't plan any frequent or heavy towing.
My chief complaints about the 2008 revolve around the interior - namely, seats and storage. My '97 was a base model, and it came with very nice front seats standard. The front seats literally looked brand new after 10 years of use. They also provided great support. My new 2008 front seats on the other hand are of much lower quality and comfort. As for storage... my '97 had wide storage bins under the rear bench seat. My 2008 has NO underseat storage whatsoever - so I've had to put a bulky toolbox on one of the rear seats to contain the items stored underseat in my old truck. The rear seats themselves in the 2008 are more like Ford Ranger's jumpseats than the older bench seat in the previous gen Dakota. The 2008's rear seats also feel significantly lower quality than the old bench was. Another complaint is that, at least on my trim level, the rear side windows are FIXED and do not open. These are all relatively minor complaints, but they add up to a somewhat significant step backwards in terms of functional interior appointments.
There were a few manufacturing defects in the paint, on numerous different body panels (right rear fender, right door, and hood).
I'm quite pleased with the rest of the truck though. It has a much higher ride height than my old truck, but it drives and handles nicely (maybe due in part to the monstrous front sway bar it has). The new 6-speed transmission took a little while to get used to, and I either still prefer, or am just still used to, the solid and crisp feel of my old truck's shifter.
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dakota2112
Dodge Dakota
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12/03/2007
11:17:36
| RE: 2008 Dakota
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Message:
one more thing I just remembered... the rear bumper on the 2008 is pretty chintzy compared to the older one. When I step on the rear bumper at the far ends, I can actually SEE it flexing. There is more substantial framing near the center of the bumper to accomodate a hitch ball - but it's a little disconcerting to stand on the bumper ends and feel it flexing.
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brianj
Dodge Dakota
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12/03/2007
11:21:00
| RE: 2008 Dakota
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Message:
i actually like the style on the new ones, cant wait to drive one.
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