2004 Dodge Dakota: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Dodge's entry in the compact-pickup class gains a new V6 and loses the larger of its two V8s for 2004. Dakota's 175-hp 3.9-liter V6 is replaced by a 210-hp 3.7-liter V6. And the 245-hp 5.9-liter V8 is dropped, leaving a 230-hp 4.7 V8. Also discontinued is the sporty R/T model. Dakota is larger than other compact pickups but not quite a full size. It offers a 3-passenger regular cab and a 6-passenger extended Club Cab, both with two doors. The crew-cab Quad Cab has four doors and up to 6-passenger capacity. Regular and Club Cab have a 6.5-ft cargo bed, the Quad Cab a 5.3-ft box. V6 models come with manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. The V8 is available with manual or a 5-speed automatic. Dakota is available with rear-wheel drive, 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement, or 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement; 4x4s include low-range gearing. Dakotas come with rear-wheel ABS; 4-wheel ABS is optional. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on Quad Cab and 4WD models, optional elsewhere.