Dodge Dakota III 4.7 V8 (238 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.7 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 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)

III Overview:

Dodge Dakota (III). With 400 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 3200 kg, it’s on the heavier side. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. The top speed reaches 180 km/h. A vehicle with an open cargo bed at the back, suitable for transporting goods. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Dodge Dakota III was primarily sold in North America and was not tested by Euro NCAP. Safety ratings from NHTSA or IIHS would be more relevant for this model, which generally performed adequately for its time.

4.7 V8 (238 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Provides robust V8 power, delivering strong acceleration and excellent capability for hauling and towing, potentially with a manual transmission.

Fuel Economy

With 11.5 l/100 km (approx. 20.5 MPG US), this variant offers surprisingly good fuel economy for a V8, likely due to a manual transmission or 2WD setup.

Best Use Case: General utility, light to moderate towing, drivers prioritizing efficiency with V8 power.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Strong V8 engine options offering excellent power
  • • Good towing and hauling capabilities for a mid-size truck
  • • Available 4x4 for off-road and adverse conditions
  • • Spacious interior for its class, especially in Quad Cab
  • • Robust and durable chassis design

Cons:

  • • Fuel economy can be poor, particularly with V8 and 4x4 configurations
  • • Interior quality is utilitarian and lacks modern amenities
  • • Ride can be truck-like and firm, especially when unloaded
  • • Limited advanced safety features compared to contemporary vehicles
  • • Aging design and technology by the end of its production run

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II: 1999 - 2005).

General:
Brand:Dodge
Model:Dakota
Generation:III
Modification (Engine):4.7 V8 (238 Hp)
Start of production:2005
End of production:2007
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Pick-up
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:238 Hp @ 4800 rpm.
Power per litre:50.7 Hp/l
Torque:400 Nm @ 3200 rpm.
Engine displacement:4698
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:12.5 l
Engine layout:Rear, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:93 mm mm
Piston Stroke:86.5 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.3:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:15.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:9.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:11.5 l/100 km
Maximum speed:180 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:13.4 kg/Hp, 74.4 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:8 kg/Nm, 125 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:3200
Fuel tank capacity:83 l
Size:
Length:5558 mm mm [95mm more]
Width:1887 mm mm [69mm more]
Height:1745 mm mm [46mm more]
Wheelbase:3335 mm mm [108mm more]
Front track:1595 mm
Rear (Back) track:1598 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears6
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size265/65 R17; 265/60 R18
Wheel rims size8J x 17; 8J x 18
Front suspensionIndependent torsion bar, double wishbone
Rear suspensionDependent suspension of two longitudinal semi-elliptic leaf springs

How many miles have you covered in your Dodge Dakota? Share your journey!