Dodge Dakota II 4.7 V8 (238 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

7.2 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Dodge Dakota:

The Dodge Dakota, marketed as the Ram Dakota for the final two years of production, is a mid-size pickup truck manufactured by Chrysler and marketed by its Dodge Truck division and later its Ram Truck division — across three generations.
It used body-on-frame construction and a leaf spring/live axle rear end and was the first mid-size pickup with an optional V8 engine. For its entire production, the Dakota was manufactured at Chrysler's Warren Truck Assembly in Michigan....(Read more on Wikipedia)

II Overview:

Dodge Dakota (II). With 400 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. A vehicle with an open cargo bed at the back, suitable for transporting goods. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Dodge Dakota II was primarily sold in North America and was not tested by Euro NCAP. US safety ratings (NHTSA/IIHS) are available but not requested here.

4.7 V8 (238 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Strong and capable, providing ample power for towing and hauling, with smooth automatic transmission integration.

Fuel Economy

Better than the 5.9L V8, but still a V8 truck, so expect moderate to poor fuel efficiency.

Best Use Case: Moderate Towing / General Purpose Trucking

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Powerful V8 engine options (4.7L, 5.9L)
  • • Unique mid-size footprint with near full-size capability
  • • Robust chassis and suspension for truck duties
  • • Available in various cab and bed configurations
  • • Good towing and hauling capacity for its class

Cons:

  • • Poor fuel economy across the board, especially V8s
  • • Interior plastics and design feel dated
  • • Ride quality can be harsh, typical for a truck
  • • Some common reliability issues (e.g., plenum gasket on 5.9L, rust)
  • • Limited safety features compared to modern vehicles

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II: 1997 - 2005).

General:
Brand:Dodge
Model:Dakota
Generation:II
Modification (Engine):4.7 V8 (238 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:1999
End of production:2005
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Pick-up
Seats:6
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:238 Hp @ 4800 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:50.6 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:400 Nm @ 3200 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:PowerTech / EVA More details about the engine PowerTech / EVA
Engine displacement:4701
Number of cylinders:8
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:5.7 l
Coolant:16 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:93 mm mm
Piston Stroke:86.5 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.3:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Space:
Fuel tank capacity:91 l
Size:
Length:5463 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1818 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1699 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:3227 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1560 mm
Rear (Back) track:1585 mm
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesDisc
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Power steeringHydraulic Steering

Behind the wheel of the Dodge Dakota. How does it handle on the road?