Market Segment:
Mid-size pickup truck, often competing in a segment with offerings from Ford (Ranger), Chevrolet (Colorado), Toyota (Tacoma), and Nissan (Frontier).
Key Selling Points 2007:
The 2007 Dakota offered a range of engine options, including V6 and V8 configurations, a more substantial feel than smaller compact trucks, and available 4x4 capability.
Highlighted Features Owner:
Emphasis on user-friendly operation, understanding dashboard indicators, basic maintenance procedures, and maximizing the utility of the vehicle for everyday use and light towing.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic/manual), drivetrain.
Chassis:
Braking system (ABS, parking brake), steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting (interior/exterior), instrument cluster, dashboard indicators, fuses, relays.
Body & Interior:
Doors, windows, locks, seating, seat belts, airbags, climate control system, audio system, instrument panel controls, interior trim.
Driver Aids & Safety:
Towing considerations, trailer wiring, safety features, emergency procedures.
Operation:
Starting and operating the vehicle, shifting gears, using vehicle controls, climate control operation, audio system use.
Maintenance:
Recommended service intervals, fluid level checks and top-offs (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, filter replacement (air filter, cabin air filter).
Do-It-Yourself (Diy):
Minor maintenance tasks, such as changing wiper blades, checking and replacing common bulbs, jump-starting the vehicle.
Safety & Emergency:
Using seat belts, understanding airbag systems, emergency brake operation, safe towing practices, procedures for flat tires.
Depth:
Covers basic operation and routine maintenance for the average vehicle owner. Does not typically include in-depth diagnostic procedures or complete repair instructions found in a service manual.
Base Engine 2007 Dakota:
3.7L V6 Magnum (PowerTech)
Optional Engine 2007 Dakota:
4.7L V8 Magnum (PowerTech)
Optional Engine 2007 Dakota 2:
4.7L V8 High Output (HO)
3.7L V6 Horsepower:
Approx. 210 hp @ 5200 rpm
3.7L V6 Torque:
Approx. 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
4.7L V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 230 hp @ 4500 rpm
4.7L V8 Torque:
Approx. 300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
4.7L Ho V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 255 hp @ 5200 rpm
4.7L Ho V8 Torque:
Approx. 330 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Standard Transmission:
5-Speed Manual (typically with 3.7L V6)
Optional Transmission 1:
4-Speed Automatic (42RLE) (typically with 3.7L V6)
Optional Transmission 2:
5-Speed Automatic (5-45RFE) (typically with 4.7L V8)
Drivetrain Options:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 Stars (for 2007 model year, refer to official NHTSA records for exact ratings)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (for 2007 model year, refer to official NHTSA records for exact ratings)
IIHS Front Impact:
Good (for 2007 model year, refer to official IIHS records for exact ratings)
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control (on some models/trims).
Passive Safety Features:
Driver and front passenger airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, available side-curtain airbags (check specific vehicle configuration).
Infotainment Options 2007:
Optional upgraded audio systems with CD player, satellite radio readiness (SiriusXM), and potentially auxiliary input jacks. Navigation systems were less common in this segment for 2007.
Driver Assistance Features 2007:
Limited driver assistance features for 2007. Primarily focused on ABS and traction control. Backup cameras and advanced warnings were not standard or widely available.
Connectivity Options 2007:
Basic connectivity through auxiliary inputs for audio devices. Bluetooth hands-free calling systems might have been dealer-installed or aftermarket options.
Engine Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months, or as indicated by the oil change reminder system. Consult the manual for specific driving conditions.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Typically every 7,500 miles.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Typically every 15,000-30,000 miles, depending on driving environment.
Engine Oil Specification 3.7L V6:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic (API certified). Check manual for exact MB approval if applicable.
Engine Oil Specification 4.7L V8:
SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic (API certified). Check manual for exact MB approval if applicable.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, typically Orange.
Transmission Fluid Type 42Rle:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 4)
Transmission Fluid Type 5-45Rfe:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 4)
Common Issues 2007 Dakota V8:
Occasional reports of intake manifold gasket leaks (3.7L V6), and some earlier models had issues with camshaft position sensors (4.7L V8). Check for TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins).
Common Issues 2007 Dakota Other:
Brake component wear, some electrical gremlins (e.g., power window issues) can occur with age and mileage.
Dodge Truck History:
Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, dating back to the 1930s. The Dakota nameplate, introduced in 1987, was positioned as a mid-size truck to fill a gap between smaller compact trucks and larger full-size pickups.
Dakota Generation 2007:
The 2007 Dodge Dakota is part of the third generation of the Dakota, which began with the 2005 model year. This generation featured a significant redesign with a larger, more aggressive appearance and the introduction of the HEMI V8 engine option.
Production Location 2007:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA.
Industry Awards 2007:
While specific major 'award' wins for the 2007 model year might be limited, the Dodge Dakota was generally well-regarded for its V8 engine power and truck-like capability within the mid-size segment.
Consumer Reviews 2007 Dakota:
Often praised for its strong engine options, particularly the 4.7L and 5.7L HEMI (though the HEMI was often in the Ram 1500, the 4.7L was a strong performer in the Dakota). Criticisms sometimes pointed to interior materials quality and ride comfort compared to some competitors.