Used Dodge Dakota in Des Moines               

The Dodge Dakota was conceived by Chrysler management as the first mid-sized pickup combining the nimble handling and fuel economy of a compact pickup with cargo handling capacity approaching that of full-sized pickups. To keep investment low, many components were shared with existing Chrysler products and the manufacturing plant was shared with the full-sized Dodge D-Model. The name Dakota means friend or ally in the Sioux Indian language.           

The first generation of the Dakota was produced from 1987 through 1996. Straight-4 and V6 engines were offered along with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Four wheel drive was available only with the V6. Both 2 m and 2.4 m beds were offered. Fuel injection was added to the 3.9 L V6 for 1988 but the output remained the same.           

The Dodge Dakota remains one of the best candidates for daily commuter duty among the current crop of compact and midsize pickups. Engine choices include a 210-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 and a 302-hp 4.7-liter V8. The base V6 will suffice if fuel economy and cost are your main considerations, but it won't impress anyone with its towing capabilities. The V8 offers considerably more torque and is thus better suited for towing.           

Find Used Dodge Dakota in Iowa

 For 1991, the front of the Dakota received a new grille and hood which extended the engine compartment to better fit the optional 170 hp (127 kW) 5.2 L V8, which was inspired by the earlier Shelby Dakota V8 option. By 1992, the standard square sealed beam glass headlamps were phased out for the aerodynamic style molded plastic headlamps attached to the grill surround and equipped with halogen lights making 1991 being the only year for a unique front end for the Dakota. Also debuting in 1991 were the six bolt wheels (replacing the earlier five bolt wheels) based on Dodge's marketing attempting to differentiate the Dakota from competing manufacturers' trucks and the upcoming new Ram introduction. 1991 was also the first year for an optional driver side airbag (made standard in 1994) and the last year for the Dakota convertible.            

In order to fulfill the Dodge Division's commitment to the American Sunroof Company (who were responsible for the modifications to these trucks), production of the drop top Dakota was extended into the 1991 model year. Production was extremely limited, with just 8 produced in total, making them the most rare of all Dakotas. Unlike the previous years, colors and options varied more than before as the manufacturer picked each of these trucks in a somewhat random fashion. No advertising was given to these trucks, and they do not appear in sales literature. For more info on the current line of Dakota visit the official Dakota page on Dodge.com This is most likely due to the fact that the majority of them were pre-sold before hitting dealer lots.           

The second-generation Dodge Dakota (1997-2004) features virtually all the strengths of the current truck. Spotty reliability is the one downside. Only standard and extended cabs were available from 1997-'99. In addition to the Quad Cab's arrival in 2000, a potent SOHC 4.7-liter V8 joined the lineup that year, replacing the old-tech 5.2-liter V8. If you want a six-cylinder Dakota, 2004 is the best year, as the more powerful 3.7-liter V6 pre-empted the aged 3.9-liter V6.