2007 Dodge Dakota [ 2008 ]
Dodge Dakota
Overall Score - 8.0 (Very Good)
The Dakota impresses reviewers with its optional 260-horsepower V8 engine, road handling, hefty towing capability and class-leading six-passenger capacity. Nevertheless, mediocre standard powertrain combinations and low-grade cabin materials detract from its overall appeal. If you're in the market for a compact truck, you should also consider the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma.
The 2007 Dodge Dakota receives accolades for its optional 260-horsepower V8 engine, smooth handling, hefty towing capacity and available six-passenger seating. Still, reviewers are left disappointed with its standard powertrain combinations, as well as a drab and generally low-quality interior cabin.
The 2007 Dodge Dakota is available in three trim-levels: ST, SLT and Laramie. While standard engine options include a 210-horsepower V6 and 235-horsepower V8, reviewers generally agree that only its optional 260-horsepower V8 engine is powerful enough to vitalize the hefty Dakota. Overall, the Dakota's maximum 8,500 pound (ST Club Cab 4x4) towing capacity and generally smooth handling impress, but reviewers are left disappointed in its lack of traction and stability control. Still, Kelley Blue Book asserts, "If you want or need V8 power, but prefer a pickup with more manageable dimensions than a full-size Ram, the new Dakota is a fine choice. It also just happens to be your only choice."
The Dodge Dakota is available in both a Club and Quad Cab body style -- which most reviewers agree are bold, yet not appealing to everyone. According to the Boston Globe, "It features the gaping grill of the bigger Ram pickup. It may sit lower, but it still looks imposing." Its interior, however, receives mixed reviews. Its optional class-leading six-passenger seating arrangement and ergonomic design please reviewers, but cramped back seat, lackluster styling and use of seemingly low-grade materials disappoint them. According to the Detroit Free Press, "The hard plastic on the dashboard and doors recalls the days when pickups were utilitarian work vehicles."
IntelliChoice gives the Dodge Dakota Club Cab ST 2WD a rating of "Average" for its predicted five-year total cost of ownership compared to other vehicles in its class. While all Laramie trim levels receive a rating of "Poor," all other 2007 Dakota trims are rated "Worse Than Average." Even so, the Detroit Free Press asserts that the 2007 Dakota is "the best midsize truck you can buy today." Kelley Blue Book explains, "With no rival from Ford or GM, and only a handful of Japanese competitors (none of which can best the Dakota's torque, towing capacity or cabin volume), the Dakota continues to play in a league of its own." Car and Driver disagreed, however, ranking the Nissan Frontier and the Toyota Tacoma above the Dakota in 2005 a compact pick-up comparison test.
Dakota Performance - 7.4 (Good)
Despite the Dakota's offering of four possible power-plants, reviewers generally agree that the only one worth having is its optional 260-horsepower V8 engine. Though its refined power steering and suspension configuration, as well as its large towing capacity, leave many reviewers impressed, its restricting bed size and very basic braking system leave much to be desired. continue
Dakota Exterior - 7.6 (Good)
Most auto reviewers agree that the 2007 Dodge Dakota's bold and imposing body style may not appeal to everyone. Nevertheless, Kelley Blue Book concedes that "Dakota maintains much-needed visibility in what has become a competitive category." continue
Dakota Interior - 7.7 (Good)
With available seating for up to six passengers, the 2007 Dakota receives accolades for its class-leading passenger capacity, ergonomic design and large cargo hold. Reviewers, however, are disappointed in the interior cabin's overall comfort and dull styling. According to MSN, the "interior has easily read gauges and climate controls. But it suffers from drab colors and too much hard shiny plastic." continue
Dakota Safety - 8.9 (Very Good)
Though the Dakota comes equipped with many safety features, others, like anti-lock brakes (ABS) and side curtain air bags are not standard. Combined with the lack of available traction and stability control, the Boston Globe comments, "The news on safety features is good and bad." Still, the Dakota does well in government crash tests. continue
Dakota Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Dodge Dakota reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Every new Dakota comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. continue
