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| Shortcuts --->>> Feature Highlights | Product Chronology | Feature Availability BEST-IN-CLASS TOWING, PAYLOAD AND POWER FIVE-SPEED 5-45RFE ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED TRANSMISSION AVAILABLE ON MAGNUM® 4.7-LITER ENGINE In the compact pickup segment, the 2003 Dodge Dakota stands alone as the most versatile and powerful compact pickup, delivering bold full-size pickup styling, capability, car-like ride-and-handling and the unique versatility of the four-door Quad Cab™ model. With the wide range of model choices, Dodge Dakota wears the versatility crown in the compact segment. For 2003, Dodge Dakota is available with a new “Stampede” package (late availability) on Regular Cab and Club Cab® Sport models. The Stampede model features unique monochromatic custom front and rear body color fascia moldings, ground-effect side body moldings, 16" x 8" aluminum wheels, wheel flares and rear stabilizer bar. Also new for 2003 are standard cast-aluminum 16" x 7" wheels, standard four-wheel disc brakes on Quad Cab, four-wheel drive models and R/Ts, and the five-speed 5-45RFE electronically controlled transmission is now available on the Magnum® 4.7-liter engine. This state-of-the-art transmission uses a unique dual-ratio second gear to aid in towing, passing and grade-change situations, and now provides a fifth gear for improved fuel efficiency and highway refinement. Dakota R/T for 2003 is equipped with a special version of the 5.9-liter Magnum V-8 engine and a large-bore, free-flow exhaust that delivers increased engine performance. “Dodge Dakota offers unsurpassed versatility in the compact pickup segment,” said Jim Julow, Vice President — Dodge Division Global Brand Center, DaimlerChrysler Corporation. “Dakota sets the standard with the only V-8s available in the segment, a choice of Regular Cab, Club Cab and Quad Cab — with four real doors. As the most versatile compact pickup, Dakota allows buyers to choose a truck for their every need.” MOST VERSATILITY OF ANY COMPACT PICKUP The compact pickup world changed for good with the introduction of the Dodge Dakota Quad Cab for 2000. With its four full-size doors, optional six-passenger seating capacity and best-in-class towing and hauling capability, Dakota Quad Cab remains the most versatile compact pickup in the class. Dakota Quad Cab’s interior is the largest among four-door compact pickups, with the most front and rear shoulder and hip room as well. While designed to seat up to three rear passengers comfortably, convenient 60/40 split rear seats can fold up together to accommodate large objects, or individually to accommodate a combination of people and cargo. A pull-out cupholder is packaged under the seat, while map pockets on the back of the front passenger seat and a package shelf provide extra storage. Rear doors open a full 90 degrees with windows that lower all the way down, making the rear area comfortable for passengers on long rides, or providing the capability to carry large packages. All this is accomplished without sacrificing outside cargo capacity or towing. The five-foot three-inch bed is the largest among four-door compact pickups and can handle up to 1780 pounds of payload. Quad Cab can tow up to 6200 pounds, making it one of the strongest pickups in the segment. Two additional models — Regular Cab and Club Cab — are the largest of their kind in the compact class, adding to Dakota’s versatility quotient. Both boast the roomiest and most comfortable front seating areas in the class. In fact, the Dakota Club Cab is the only Club Cab model in the compact segment to offer a full-size, forward-facing rear bench seat. Introduced for 2002, the value-priced Dakota SXT model continues to offer a unique look and standard features that are uncommon at its price. With its graphite bumpers, fascia, body color grille and fender flares and sporty 16-inch aluminum wheels, Dakota SXT makes a bold styling statement. And with standard air conditioning and bucket seats, it’s as much fun to drive as it is to look at. With a price of just over $17,000 including destination, Dakota SXT surpasses all other compacts in the value-for-content department. “Whether customers need a primary people hauler, cargo hauler or any combination in between, Dodge Dakota meets the needs of compact pickup drivers at the best value in the market,” Julow added. DAKOTA POWER PLAY: BEST-IN-CLASS TOWING, PAYLOAD AND POWER Since the first Dodge Dakota rolled off the assembly line in 1986, it’s been the segment leader in power and capability. With the widest range of engines and the best towing and hauling numbers in the class, Dakota offers work and performance capability that rivals even some full-size pickups. Dakota offers three powerful Magnum engines designed to meet the varying needs of the compact pickup buyer, including the only two V-8 engines in the class. At 250 horsepower (187 kW) and 345 lb.-ft. (468 N•m) of torque, the 5.9-liter Magnum V-8 is the most powerful engine among all compact offerings. Following close behind is the 235-horsepower (175 kW), 295 lb.-ft. (400 N•m) torque 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 engine. The standard 3.9-liter Magnum V-6 is rated at 175 horsepower (139 kW) and 225 lb.-ft. (305 N•m) of torque. Dakota’s powerful engines support the segment’s best truck for towing and hauling. Dakota’s 6600-pound maximum towing capacity and 2160-pound maximum payload capability far exceed its compact competitors. “With Dakota, we deliver a truck that can do it all, and that begins with all of the engine choices,” said Frank Klegon, Vice President — Dodge Truck Platform. “Whether it’s hauling on the job, towing on the weekend, or delivering the family to dinner, there is an engine, transmission and body configuration to meet the need.” Dakota is available in both two- and four-wheel drive models and features rack and pinion steering. DAKOTA R/T: THE ULTIMATE COMPACT SPORT TRUCK The genesis of the R/T name came from Dodge Truck engineers who in their youth cut their teeth building street rods and looked to bring that feeling of power and performance to the compact truck segment. Dropping a big motor in a small truck provided the performance; truck racing delivered the handling. Today, the Dakota R/T is a performance truck like no other. It meets the highly unique needs of the performance truck enthusiast and provides yet another image beacon for the Dodge brand. The truck’s performance capability is supported with a throaty and powerful-sounding exhaust note. The 250-horsepower (187 kW) engine is mated to a four-speed transmission. Power connects to the pavement with massive 255/55x17-inch tires. Bringing the R/T to a halt are new-for-2003 standard four-wheel disc brakes with optional ABS. Dakota R/T is lowered one inch compared to other Dakota models, and features unique suspension tuning and front/rear stabilizer bars for added control. Further enhancing its street truck reputation, Dakota R/T is offered only in two-wheel drive. Timberland Green is new to Dakota’s color palette for the 2003 model year. All Dakota models are built at DaimlerChrysler’s “Dodge City” Warren Truck Assembly Plant, in Warren, Michigan. POWERTRAIN CHASSIS INTERIOR ELECTRICAL
AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS SAFETY
AND SECURITY ENVIRONMENTAL NOTE: The information shown is preliminary and based on data available at the time of publication. 2002 Model
Year 2001 Model
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Year (a) Certified
to federal regulations that allow less forceful air bags. Always
use seat belts. Remember, a back seat is the safest place for
children. 1997 Model
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2003
DODGE DAKOTA ‘STAMPEDE’ BRINGS AN ADDED DOSE OF STYLE
TO THE MOST POWERFUL RANGE OF COMPACT PICKUPS