2008 Dodge Dakota: Road Test
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2008 Dodge Dakota ▼
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- MSRP: $19,805 -$31,470
- Invoice: $18,226 -$28,688
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Our road test for the 2008 Dodge Dakota includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Dodge Dakota from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Dodge Dakota, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Dodge Dakota help you decide if a 2008 Dodge Dakota is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 4WD Ext. Cab V6, manual | 4WD Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 4.9 |
V8 Dakotas have good power in around-town driving, and adequate highway passing reserves. With either transmission, V6 Dakotas and all Raiders are underpowered for anything but daily commuting and light loads.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 4WD Ext. Cab V6, manual | 4WD Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission extended-cab Dakota with the V6 averaged 20.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. We haven't had an opportunity to measure with the V8. All Dakotas use regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| 4WD Ext. Cab V6, manual | 4WD Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Smooth and composed in any configuration. Dakota and Raider suffer little of the bounding and jiggle typical of the class. Some choppiness is apparent over broken surfaces.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 4WD Ext. Cab V6, manual | 4WD Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.9 |
Steering has a direct feel and lacks typical truck sloppiness. Body lean is evident in turns, but is well-controlled overall for a pickup. Four-wheel ABS is a worthwhile investment over the standard rear-only arrangement.
QUIETNESS
| 4WD Ext. Cab V6, manual | 4WD Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 4.5 |
Road noise is impressively hushed. Some wind rush is apparent at highway speeds. Well-muted engines sound refined in rapid acceleration, though the V8 is quieter overall.
CONTROLS
| 4WD Ext. Cab V6, manual | 4WD Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Controls are logically placed and readily accessible. Large gauges are easy to read.
DETAILS
| 4WD Ext. Cab V6, manual | 4WD Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
Interior materials look and feel budget grade. Hard shiny plastic covers most surfaces, and some controls lack a quality feel.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 4WD Ext. Cab V6, manual | 4WD Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
The spacious cabin has plenty of headroom and legroom. The crew cab versions of both Dakota and Raider have an available front bench seat that will accommodate three occupants in a pinch.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 4WD Ext. Cab V6, manual | 4WD Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 5 | 2.8 |
Crew cabs offer three-abreast rear seating, but only two adults will fit comfortably. Headroom and legroom is adequate for adults under 6 ft, but taller riders will want more legroom. Extended cab's available forward-facing jump seats best suit those under 5-ft-3 because legroom is scarce. Extended cab's available Full Swing rear doors open nearly 170 degrees, thereby easing entry and exit, as well as cargo loading.
CARGO ROOM
| 4WD Ext. Cab V6, manual | 4WD Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 3.6 |
Ample center-console and door-pocket storage. Folding rear seat adds to extended-cab utility.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 4WD Ext. Cab V6, manual | 4WD Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 5.8 |
This Recommended pick deserves a look for its refinement, available all-wheel drive, and curtain side airbags. It's a bit too big for easy daily commuting, but a V8 model is a terrific choice if you tow or do heavy hauling and don't want the bulk of a true large pickup truck.
Total Score
| 4WD Ext. Cab V6, manual | 4WD Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 58 | 49.8 |
Total Score: 54
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
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