2007 Dodge Dakota: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Remote engine start is newly available on 2007 versions of Dodge's compact pickup truck. Dakota comes in two body styles. Club Cab extended cabs have a 6.5-ft cargo bed and rear-hinged back doors that do not open independently of the fronts. They seat up to five. Quad Cab crew cabs have a 5.3-ft bed and seat up to six. Dakota's standard engine is a 210-hp V6. Available are V8s of 230 and 260 hp. The 260-hp V8 comes only with automatic transmission. The other engines come with manual or automatic. Dakota is available with rear-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive. The 4WD system should not be left engaged on dry pavement, but like the AWD system, includes low-range gearing. Traction control is unavailable. Rear-wheel ABS is standard, 4-wheel ABS is optional.

ST, SLT, and Laramie trims are offered. Curtain side airbags that cover both seating rows are optional on all. Remote engine start is optional on SLT and standard on Laramie. Other available features include heated cloth or leather front seats and a wireless cell phone link. Mitsubishi sells a retrimmed version of Dakota as the Raider.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Pickups offer a true-truck design in a relatively modest package. They are best suited for personal or light-duty use rather than commercial use, heavy hauling, or towing.

Our Best Buy is the Toyota Tacoma. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Dakota and Honda Ridgeline.

New or significantly redesigned is the Ford Explorer Sport Trac.