Segment:
Mid-size pickup truck
Positioning:
Dodge's offering in the compact/mid-size pickup segment, known for its car-like ride and available V8 engines.
Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier.
Design:
Distinctive styling, available in regular cab, Club Cab (extended cab), and Quad Cab (crew cab) configurations. Club Cab offers rear-hinged doors for access to rear seating.
Powertrain Options:
Offered with a V6 and V8 engine, catering to a range of performance and utility needs.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission operation.
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Lighting system, instruments and gauges, driver information display, audio system, climate control system, power accessories, fuses and relays, battery.
Safety And Security:
Airbag system, seat belts, child restraint systems, anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction control, security system, keyless entry.
Body And Interior:
Doors, windows, seats, interior trim, cargo area, exterior features, windshield wipers, mirrors.
Operation:
Starting and driving, parking, towing, operating climate control, using audio system, adjusting seats and mirrors.
Maintenance:
Fluid checks and top-offs (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning and care.
Troubleshooting:
Warning lights and indicators, basic diagnostic information for common issues.
Depth:
User-focused, covering normal operation, basic maintenance checks, and safety information. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or repair instructions found in a service manual.
Engine Option 1:
3.7L Magnum V6
Displacement V6:
3.7 Liters (226 cubic inches)
Horsepower V6:
Approximately 210 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque V6:
Approximately 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine Option 2:
4.7L Magnum V8
Displacement V8:
4.7 Liters (287 cubic inches)
Horsepower V8:
Approximately 230-235 hp @ 5200 rpm (calibrated for 2008)
Torque V8:
Approximately 295-300 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (calibrated for 2008)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Emission Controls:
California Emission Certification (if applicable for specific models)
Standard Transmission:
5-Speed Manual (typically with V6)
Optional Transmission:
5-Speed Automatic (45RFE/545RFE)
Automatic Transmission V8:
5-Speed Automatic (45RFE/545RFE)
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
Wheelbase Club Cab:
Approximately 120.2 inches (3053 mm)
Overall Length Club Cab:
Approximately 209.7 inches (5326 mm)
Overall Width:
Approximately 77.0 inches (1956 mm)
Overall Height:
Approximately 70.6 inches (1793 mm)
Bed Length:
Typically 6.1 ft (73.1 inches) for Club Cab
Curb Weight V6 Rwd:
Approx. 4,200 - 4,400 lbs (1905 - 2000 kg)
Curb Weight V8 4Wd:
Approx. 4,600 - 4,800 lbs (2087 - 2177 kg)
Max Payload Capacity:
Varies by configuration, typically 1,300 - 1,700 lbs
Max Towing Capacity:
Varies by configuration and engine, up to approx. 6,500 lbs
NHTSA Frontal Driver Impact:
Likely 4 stars (based on 2007-2008 models, specific year data may vary)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger Impact:
Likely 4 stars (based on 2007-2008 models, specific year data may vary)
NHTSA Side Impact Driver:
Likely 5 stars (based on 2007-2008 models, specific year data may vary)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
Likely 5 stars (based on 2007-2008 models, specific year data may vary)
IIHS Frontal Offset Score:
Good (for models tested)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Standard front airbags, available side curtain airbags (check specific trim)
Seat Belts:
Front and rear seat belts, driver and front passenger pretensioners
Child Restraint:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system in rear seats
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional SiriusXM satellite radio, MP3 playback capability, and upgraded speaker systems.
Display:
Instrument cluster with driver information display showing trip odometer, fuel economy, tire pressure monitoring, and various system warnings.
Tpms:
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) standard.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Available remote keyless entry and Sentry Key immobilizer system.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles (5,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Refer to manual for specific intervals.
Tire Rotation:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km)
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 20,000 miles (32,000 km)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) for automatic transmissions, depending on usage.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (depending on climate and engine, verify with manual) API Certified
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
Approx. 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter
Engine Oil Capacity V8:
Approx. 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) with filter
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, Gold Color
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
Mopar ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 4)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or ATF+4
Common Concerns:
Potential for rust on frame and body panels, particularly in rust-belt regions. Some reports of issues with ABS sensors and ignition coils. Transmission coolers on early models were sometimes prone to leaks which could contaminate the transmission fluid.
Dodge Truck History:
Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, dating back to the Dodge Power Wagon. The Dakota was introduced in 1987 as Dodge's first mid-size pickup truck.
Second Generation:
The 2008 Dakota belongs to the third generation (2005-2011), which saw a significant redesign and introduction of larger V8 engines, including the 4.7L Magnum.
Club Cab Design:
The Club Cab offered a balance of seating capacity and cargo space, with rear-hinged doors providing access to a small rear bench seat.
Manufacturing Location:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA
