Segment:
Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck
Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier
Differentiation:
Known for V8 engine option in its class, comfortable ride for a truck, and versatile utility.
Powertrain Options:
Offered with a range of engines including a 4-cylinder, a V6, and a powerful V8, catering to various performance and towing needs.
Cab Configurations:
Available in regular cab and club cab (extended cab) configurations.
Bed Lengths:
Offered with different bed lengths to suit utility requirements.
Engine:
2.5L I4, 3.9L V6, 4.7L V8 (all engine variants and specifications)
Transmission:
4-speed automatic (42RE, 45RFE), 5-speed manual (NV3500)
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD), Four-wheel drive (4WD) systems (transfer case, differentials)
Suspension:
Front independent suspension (torsion bar or coil spring), Rear leaf spring suspension
Steering:
Power-assisted rack and pinion or steering box
Brakes:
Front disc, Rear drum/disc (ABS, brake system diagnostics and repair)
Electrical:
Charging system, Starting system, Ignition system, Lighting, Instrumentation, Body control modules, Fuses, Relays, Wiring diagrams
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair
Body:
Body panels, Doors, Windows, Interior trim, Exterior trim, Bumpers, Glass replacement
Restraint Systems:
Airbag system diagnosis and service
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, Fuel pump, Fuel injectors, Fuel lines, Emissions control systems
Maintenance:
Oil changes, Filter replacements, Fluid checks and changes, Tire rotation, Spark plug replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, Fault code interpretation, Symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Engine component replacement, Transmission overhaul, Suspension and steering component replacement, Brake system repair, Electrical component repair, Body panel repair
Overhaul:
Complete engine rebuild, Transmission overhaul, Differential rebuild
Diagnosis:
Component testing, Circuit diagnosis, OBD-II diagnostic procedures
Replacement:
Component replacement for all major systems
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics)
Detail Level:
Step-by-step instructions with torque specifications, diagnostic flowcharts, and exploded views
Engine 1 Variant:
2.5L (150 ci) Magnum I4
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 122 hp @ 4800 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 137 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine 2 Variant:
3.9L (239 ci) Magnum V6
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 175-177 hp @ 4800 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 225-230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine 3 Variant:
4.7L (287 ci) Magnum V8 (SOHC)
Engine 3 Horsepower:
Approx. 230-240 hp @ 4800-5200 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
Approx. 300-310 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm
Compression Ratio V8:
9.3:1
Bore X Stroke V8:
3.92 in x 3.13 in (99.5 mm x 79.5 mm)
Injection Type:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Wheelbase Regular Cab:
111.8 inches (2840 mm)
Wheelbase Club Cab:
124.2 inches (3155 mm)
Overall Length Approx:
177.8 - 201.3 inches (4516 - 5113 mm) depending on cab and bed
Overall Width Approx:
71.7 inches (1821 mm)
Overall Height Approx:
65.6 - 67.1 inches (1666 - 1704 mm)
Bed Length Short:
Approx. 6.0 feet (1.83 m)
Bed Length Long:
Approx. 7.0 feet (2.13 m)
Curb Weight Approx:
3,500 - 4,500 lbs (1588 - 2041 kg) depending on configuration
Gvwr Approx:
5,200 - 6,000 lbs (2359 - 2722 kg) depending on configuration
Towing Capacity Max:
Up to 7,000 lbs (3175 kg) with proper equipment and V8 engine
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
3-star (for 2001 model year, typical for trucks of this era)
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on front wheels, often rear-wheel ABS on 2WD models or 4-wheel ABS on 4WD models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts for all occupants
Radio Options:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, cassette player (early models), and optional premium sound systems.
Speaker Configuration:
Standard 4 or 6-speaker systems, with optional amplified systems.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Towing Features:
Optional trailer tow package including wiring harness, hitch receiver, and sometimes transmission cooler.
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically equipped with standard aux or USB inputs; aftermarket solutions may be available.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles (4,800-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specifics).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on dusty conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement V6 V8:
Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum/iridium plugs.
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
Approx. 5 quarts (4.7 L) with filter (refer to manual for exact capacity)
Engine Oil Capacity V8:
Approx. 6 quarts (5.7 L) with filter (refer to manual for exact capacity)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on temperature and engine variant - consult manual)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT, orange)
Common Issues:
Potential for camshaft/crankshaft position sensor failure, intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on V8), rear axle seal leaks, and heater core issues.
Rattles Noises:
Some owners report exhaust manifold cracks or ticking noises.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the Dakota slotting in as a mid-size option to complement the full-size Ram.
Second Generation:
The 2000-2004 models represent the second generation of the Dodge Dakota, which was introduced in 1997. This generation saw updates and refinements over its lifespan, including the introduction of the more powerful 4.7L V8 engine.
Manufacturing Location:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA
