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00:29:34 - 12/20/2024
General Dakota Board
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Lesley
GenIII
 
12/12/2001
12:34:54
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 Subject: Used Dak Review (long)
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I got this off our wire service, Jeremy Cato is a Canadian Auto writer & reviewer.
By JEREMY CATO
For Southam Newspapers
EDMONTON - Dodge engineers and designers reinvented the Dakota mid-size pickup for the 1997 model year making it more stylish, more pleasant to drive and quieter overall.
It arrived as a better truck in every way, compared to the one it replaced - a Dakota introduced in 1987 when Chrysler was engineering vehicles on a shoestring.
Still, the 1997-01 Dakota has had its quality issues. It’s ranked well below average in J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study and Vehicle Dependability studies, Consumer Reports puts reliability below average and there have been a fair number of noteworthy service bulletins and recalls since the 1997 remake.
That said, I very much like the Dakota and would note that ConsumerGuide rates it a “Best Buy.” I like it because it’s mid-size and available V8 power make for: a) a roomy cabin compared to comparably priced/equipped compact pickups; and, b) a big edge in towing and payload capacity versus the compacts.
In many ways the Dakota does all the jobs of a full-size pickup without all the bulk. It’s easy to drive and park in the city, yet if you need to pull a boat or trailer, odds are the Dakota will be up to the job - unless you’re towing or hauling something really humongous.
One other note: The 1997-2001 Dakota, the second-generation truck, is not to be confused in any way with the model it replaced. Pre-’97 Dakotas had what Consumer Reports described as “much worse than average” reliability. In 1996, Power’s Initial Quality Survey rated it a 1 on a scale of 1-5, with 5 the best. If you’re looking at a used Dakota, odds are you are better off with a newer one.
For 1997, the Dakota arrived with a choice of two cab sizes (standard and Club with seating for up to six people) and two bed sizes (6.5-feet and 8-feet). From day one buyers have been able to order either a strictly rear-drive truck, or opt for part-time four-wheel-drive. Rear-wheel anti-lock braking has always been standard, with four-wheel ABS optional.
Body styles have included regular cab, Club Cab and a four-door Quad Cab had its debut for 2000. Club Cabs come with four front-hinged doors, though the rears are not technically full-size. The Quad has more leg room than any rival extended cab model. And, of course, Dodge has offered at least nine different engine/transmission combinations over the years. Most likely you’ll come across the 3.9-litre V6 (175 horsepower) or a 5.2-litre V8 (230 h.p.)
An R/T version with a 5.9-litre V8 (250 h.p.) was sold in 1998. By 2000, a 4.7-litre V8 (235 h.p.) had replaced the 5.2-litre. The 4.7 is an overhead cam engine, where all these other engines are pushrod-type.
So what do you need to know about the re-make of 1997 Dakota. Well, it focused on seven key areas:
Durability and reliability: There’s no question the ‘97 body seams fit tighter and the panels are better aligned compared to older Dakotas.
Size and roominess: It’s bigger and more versatile than any compact pickup.
Powertrain performance: The optional V8 got 10 more horses for ‘97. A 120-h.p. 2.5-litre four-cylinder was available only with rear-drive Dakotas.
Ride and handling: A lot of work went into improving the structural rigidity of the chassis; it improved by 50 per cent. Also, the newer Dakota got a stronger frame, stiffer shocks and bigger bushings, along with revised steering. Result: better ride and handling.
Quietness: Note the more aerodynamic design, the tighter body/frame combination, new weatherstripping and better overall sealing.
Safety and security: all Dakotas got dual airbags and cutoff switch arrived in ‘98. Headlights offer good illumination.
Exterior and interior styling: From the outside, it looks like “Son-of-Ram.” That’s good. Inside, you’ll find an intelligently designed cockpit.
So if a big pickup is what you need, but a true full-size model is too much to handle, the Dakota should be on your test-drive list. I’d suggest focusing on ‘97-and-newer trucks and go for a thorough mechanical inspection before sealing the deal.
—-
Current Red Book Pricing (avg. retail): Dodge Dakota 4x4 Club Cab (unless otherwise indicated)
2001 - $26,000 ($227,915 original MSRP) Quad Cab 4x4
2000 - $20,675 ($25,825)
1999 - $18,250 ($25,235)
1998 - $15,175 ($24,430)
1997 - $12,300 ($24,080)
1996 - $9,925 ($21,675)
1995 - $8,550 ($21,200)
1994 - $7,600 ($18,275)
Buyer’s Alerts: A squeaking or creaking sound from the steering wheel area while turning could be addressed by installing new lock housing attaching screws (TSB 19-04-00, June ‘00); a clicking noise from the rear of the vehicle may be addressed by replacing the spring tip liners and installing spring clinch clips and isolators in the rear leaf springs (02-05-00, March ‘00); engine oil consumption (without any visible signs of a leak) and an engine knock during acceleration speeds could be due to an intake manifold pan gasket oil leak internal to the engine (09-05-00, February ‘00); a buzz, “whining, or moaning from a cold transmission in reverse could be addressed by replacing the transmission regulator valve (21-08-99, April ‘99); engine knock under load, misfiring and surging in fourth gear might be addressed by rerouting ignition wires (18-48-98, December ‘98); bucking during wide open throttle acceleration at high engine speeds may be caused by reaching the high RPM fuel shut off rev limit before the transmission can shift into the next higher gear (18-19-98, April ‘98); a popping noise from the rear of the cab might be traced to sleeves in the cab isolators that are too long and must be ground down (NO: 23-65-97 Rev. A, December ‘97); keyless remote batteries which die after less than two months may be providing power to a problem transmitter that should be replaced (08-39-97, November ‘97); some trucks with Radiant Red Metallic paint may suffer chipping problems because anti-chip primer was not applied during production (No. 727, June ‘97); poor heater performance could be traced to improperly directed heater air flow (24-04-97, April ‘97); dashboard lights and the overhead console may quit working because fuse 11 in the junction box tends to blow (08-03-97, February ‘97); for vehicles with the 3.9-litre V6 engine, the timing chain could make a rattling noise, requiring a replacement chain, sprockets and tensioner (09-07-97, June ‘97).
For recalls:
2000-2001: Transport Canada Recall Number 2001197 refers to certain Quad Cab pickup trucks. The front outboard lower seat belt anchor bolts may not be tightened correctly.
2001: No. 2001065 refers to four-wheel-drive vehicles. The electric shift transfer case may not fully engage into gear when the operator moves the transfer case selector switch.
2000: No. 2000162 refers to vehicles which may have been built with inadequate clearance between the left front brake tube and the power steering hose.
2000: No. 2001155 refers to certain pickup trucks equipped with 4.7-litre engine and automatic transmissions. The automatic transmission may expel fluid from the fill tube during normal temperature operation.
2000: No. 2001118 refers to sound deadener material internal to the air bag clock spring. It may detach rendering the air bag inoperative.
1997-2000: No. 2000170 refers to the rear axle vent hose. It could contact the rear brake hose which eventually could wear a hole in the brake hose.
1999: No. 2001134 refers to certain vehicles failing to comply with requirements of C.M.V.S.S. No. 209, “Seatbelt Assemblies.” The front seat belt retractor may not work properly.
1998: No. 1997179 refers to the front brake hoses or ABS sensor wires. They may be abraded at the front wheels by contact with a front wheelhouse splash shield.
1998: No. 1998186 refers to the bolts which attach the passenger cab and the heater core support to the frame. They may not have been properly hardened.
1997: No. 2000171 refers to vehicles with 3,327 mm (131-inch) wheelbase. There may be inadequate clearance between the fuel line and the cab underbody which could eventually wear a hole in the fuel line.
1997: No. 1997115 refers to vehicles with a 3.9 litre engine and automatic transmission. These vehicles do not comply with C.M.V.S.S. 1101 - emission device.
1997: No. 1997102 refers to the circuit design in the air bag electronic control module. It may allow the potential for inadvertent air bag deployment.
(Service bulletins provided by Alldata Inc.)
The Verdict: Stylish, pleasant to drive mid-size pickup capable of doing lots of chores. Be sure to go for a mechanical inspection.
——
Check The Specs
1997 Dodge Dakota Sport 4X4
Market segment: mid-size pickup.
Typical market competition: Ford Ranger, Mazda B-Series, Chevrolet S-10, GMC Sonoma, Toyota T100, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan pickup.
Engine: (front engine/rear- and part-time four-wheel drive) 5.2-litre V8; electronic engine management/multipoint fuel injection; 230 h.p. at 4,400 r.p.m.; torque rated at 300 ft-lbs at 3,200 r.p.m.
Transmission: five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic ($1,000 est.)
Steering: recirculating ball, power-assisted.
Brakes: power-assisted front disc/rear drum with available anti-lock (ABS).
Tires: P235/75R15XL all-terrain Goodyear Wrangler RT/S.
Fuel economy: 18.6 city/12.7 hwy (est. litres/100 km)
Wheelbase: 2,844 mm. or 112.0 in.
Max. payload: 907 kg. or 2,000 lbs.
Max. trailer weight: 2,948 kg. or 6,500 lbs.
GCWR (loaded truck & trailer max.): 4,763 kg. or 10,500 lbs.
Pros
(*) Son-of-Ram styling
(*) Only V8 in class
(*) Quiet, comfortable interior
(*) Solid ride and handling
Cons
(*) Previous version had serious quality woes
Overall Score: 7.5 (out of 10)
Road Test Report Card for 1997 Dodge Dakota Sport 4X4
Access: B+
Driving position: B
Instruments/Controls: B+
Visibility: B+
Climate Control: C+
Steering: B-
Brakes: C+
Handling: B-
Acceleration: B
Engine: C+
Transmission: C+
Interior space: B+
Trunk/Cargo: B+
Noise/Vibration/Harshness: B
Durability/Reliability Report Card
Overall: C
Mechanical: C-
Hardware/Body/Paint/Trim: C+
Insurance History
Collision cost rating: average
Comprehensive cost rating: average
Theft claim cost rating: average
97 3.9 V6 Sport Club Cab. Black. Auto 3.55
Quick D Intake, JBA Stainless headers
Autolite 3923s with Borg Warner Wires
Awaiting Installation: Borla catback, V8 R/T TB
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TallQuad
Dodge Dakota
12/12/2001
13:09:42
|  RE: Used Dak Review (long)
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Lesley, thanks for the info! I'm still new to the "Dakota world" so it helps to know all the short-comings and the good things that make our (newer) trucks so unique. Now I can go fix that rattling sound coming from the rear springs!
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Garry M.
Dodge Dakota
12/12/2001
15:11:49
|  RE: Used Dak Review (long)
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"engine knock under load, misfiring and surging in fourth gear might be addressed by rerouting ignition wires (18-48-98, December ‘98)" Can anyone tell me what engine this was for and what was involved?
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Chris W
Dodge Dakota
12/12/2001
16:39:36
| RE: Used Dak Review (long)
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Message:
I thought the Gen 2 trucks were old body styles with the magnum engines? you know, the 94 thru 96 trucks. I thought the gen 3 was when they changed the body style. some one correct me if I'm wrong.
Anyway, thats a good article Lesley, but I dont think the Gen 2 was less reliable than the gen 3. I think based on what i've heard and learned that it is a little more reliable.
Thanks for the Info though.
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joe
Dodge Dakota
12/12/2001
16:44:12
| RE: Used Dak Review (long)
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$227,915 for a 2001 Quad 4x4 whoa! That was a lot of typing Lesley. A little time on your hands today? :-). That was very informative. thanks
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joe
Dodge Dakota
12/12/2001
16:47:53
| RE: Used Dak Review (long)
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Message:
Chris W.- Gen 2 started with the 92 model year. That was also when the magnum 6 and 8 started. Gen 3 started with the 97 model year. I had both.
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Lesley
GenIII
12/12/2001
18:51:42
| RE: Used Dak Review (long)
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Message:
joe - I just downloaded it from our news site (I work at a newspaper) I sure didn't type all that!
97 3.9 V6 Sport Club Cab. Black. Auto 3.55
Quick D Intake, JBA Stainless headers
Autolite 3923s with Borg Warner Wires
Awaiting Installation: Borla catback, V8 R/T TB
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Matt
Dodge Dakota
12/12/2001
19:27:43
| RE: Used Dak Review (long)
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Message:
I have a few things to add:
"Club Cabs come with four front-hinged doors, though the rears are not technically full-size"
Actually, the club cabs only have 2 doors; the Quad cab comes with the 4 doors.
Also, I thought Gen II refered to the 2nd body style, which happened in '91 with the introduction of the 5.2 V8. Unfotunately, this was pre-Magnum engine, so they were not the most potent (180hp V8)
If any of you are looking for a used Dakota, I would suggest anything '91 & newer in a club-cab form (they had quality problems, but they run forever...my family has put 180k on a '91 4x4 with nothing more than regular maintainence)
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Jimmy
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/30/2005
07:11:59
| RE: 1994 ford ranger splash
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Message:
I have a 1994 ford ranger splash,and I have a loud
whining noise coming from the front of my engine.I
have installed a new power steering pump and a/c
compressor,and the whining is still there.Do you have
any sugestions as to what the problem might be.Please
help me if you can.
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2 things
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/30/2005
07:59:53
| RE: Used Dak Review (long)
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First, the first generation was through 1996 when the 97's came out Dodge themselves called it the Second generation. The true third gen started in 05.
Second,
Jimmy this is a Dodge Dakota site not a Furd Splash site. Try going where your types hang out and you may find your answers.
BTW, I thought all of that whining came from the driver.
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KJS
GenIII
7/30/2005
21:58:24
| RE: Used Dak Review (long)
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Dude your on crack! read all the other posts before you make yourself sound stupid. there are pictures of all the different generations to back up this information on this site! if you have proof from DC what you are saying is correct, then post that information and prove all of us wrong then. sorry to be a jerk but if you really don't know what you are talking about then don't post it without 100% proof from the source or other posts on this site.
gen 1 87-91
gen 2 92-96
gen 3 97-04
gen 4 05-?
My truck looks like it was in a knife fight, and lost! http://www.cardomain.com/ride/1275365
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mike142
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/31/2005
08:25:35
| RE: Used Dak Review (long)
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KJS is correct on the Gen model years. Also the club cab was introduced in 1990 (gen1) a rather
rare model now-a-days.
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KJS knows all
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
8/01/2005
19:18:40
| RE: Used Dak Review (long)
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Here is one:
When the second generation debuted in 1997, it was considered much more stylish than the earlier trucks. The new Dakotas contributed to price drops on the first-generation trucks.
And another:
The second-generation Dakota debuted in 1997, and featured styling inspired by the its stablemate, the ground-breaking full-sized Dodge Ram. Regular cab and "Club Cab" (Dodge for extended cab)
versions were available at that time. The Quad Cab follows in the footsteps of the Ram Quad Cab: a larger extended- cab body with four real doors and room inside for up to six people. It's not the first such compact truck to market, but it is larger than any competitors, with generous interior space and greater cargo area. And, unlike the new breed of sport-utilities with cargo beds, the Dakota Quad Cab is a pickup, and retains all pickup functionality.
And another:
The first generation of the Dakota was produced from 1987 through 1996. Straight-4 and V6 engines were offered along with either a 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission. Four wheel drive was available only with the V6. Both 6.5 ft (2 m) and 8 ft (2.4 m) beds were offered. Fuel injection was added to the 3.9 L V6 for 1988 but the output remained the same.
And another:
Like the second-generation Dakota and its SUV sibling, the Durango,
I could do this all day, take five minutes and search the web, you will see plenty.
Just because a bunch of missguided fools think they are right doesn't make it a fact.
The first gen had 1 styling change in 92, it was not a new generation rather a continuation of the same platform.
BTW, pass the pipe you are hitting on.
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KJS
GenIII
8/01/2005
21:45:00
| RE: Used Dak Review (long)
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Message:
so i guess everybody on this site is wrong then according to you a$$hole, "OKAY EVERYBODY THIS A$$HOLE KNOW IT ALL WILL BE ANSWERING ALL DAKOTA QUESTIONS FROM NOW ON BECAUSE HE THINKS WE ALL KNOW NOTHING AND ALL QUESTIONS CAN BE ANSWERED FROM A WEB SEARCH ON THE INTERNET" maybe your right maybe your wrong, just because you read it on the web and not from chrysler themselves doesn't make it true, okay then next time you have a legit question about your truck, i think everybody should refer you to the web, but you'll prolly b!tch out and change your user name you punk a$$ b!tch.
My truck looks like it was in a knife fight, and lost! http://www.cardomain.com/ride/1275365
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KJSknows all
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
8/02/2005
06:52:21
| RE: Used Dak Review (long)
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My, my testy arn't we. The information is from 1996-97 press releases, information that is provided by Dodge to the press to announce the next geeneration truck.
I have the press release from Dodge themselves, it might take me awhile to find it again.
What it must be like to be a punk ass kid again.
mmmmmmmm.........knows all and has the world by the balls.
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KJSknows all
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
8/02/2005
12:18:26
| RE: Used Dak Review (long)
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Plus I can suck on my own balls and shove my own fist up my old geezer rectum.
Time to go watch cartoons.
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Now, now boys
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
8/02/2005
20:10:53
| RE: Used Dak Review (long)
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Setting the childish bickering aside here...
To be honest I never quite understood either why the 1992 Dakota is considered by some here to be a different generation. I owned a 1990 Dak and to me they remained pretty much unchanged until 1997 when they were totally revamped.
I will say this...to me, I don't consider a grill styling change (1992) and a motor update option to be a generational difference. Sure there may have been a few other updates going into '92 also but it still seems to me to be the same truck as it was in ‘91.
An example of what I'm talking about is to look at Camaros or Corvettes. Just because there is a change or update in the bumpers or grills and or a different motor option doesn't mean it's a different generation.
So having said that, aside from the different front end styling and magnum series of engines, what are the other differences that set the ’91 apart from the ’92 Dak?
Did they both carry the same under pinnings? Does the glass interchange? Why can’t I tell them apart other than the grill and headlights? How much of the sheet metal interchanges between ’91 and ‘92? Is the suspension vastly different? ( I don’t know, I’m asking).
Tell me what sets the ’92 apart from the ’91 that started a whole new generation of dakotas….was it just the grill and the magnum (updated) engines???
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KJS
GenIII
8/03/2005
03:12:53
| RE: Used Dak Review (long)
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Message:
okay enough said but then you better post this info on it's own post then because i know half a dozen people on this site that think the 97-04 is considered a gen 3 even Mark the forum moderater thinks that as well.
My truck looks like it was in a knife fight, and lost! http://www.cardomain.com/ride/1275365
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cc
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/06/2008
22:11:04
|  RE: Used Dak Review (long)
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Message:
could someone please tell me where the fuse is for your brakes on a 95 dodge dokota pickup.. V8,
my brake lights was working this moring and now they arent.. Also i got gas and my needle would not move then it moved to full(which it should have been) then while I was sitting still it dropped down to empty causing my low fuel light to blink and now it is back up to full again .. HELP ME I am totally lost
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yea well
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/06/2008
23:37:53
| RE: Used Dak Review (long)
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Message:
1st thing that wont help is attaching this to a post that is nearly 3 years old!
2nd
making a NEW top level post with the words
"help with brake lights" will more then likely net you the help that you seek...............
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