2008 Dodge Dakota Review

The Dodge Dakota has long been a standout in the mid-size pickup truck segment with larger dimensions and greater hauling capabilities than its competitors.

For 2008, Dodge looks to further separate itself from its competitors with an all-new Dakota. The Dakota not only looks tough, but it's also the most powerful pickup in the segment.

Dakota's exterior includes a newly styled hood, grille, front fascia, fenders and headlamps. I like the signature Dodge styling cues.

For 2008, the restyled Dodge Dakota is offered in two body styles - Extended Cab and Crew Cab - and six trim levels: ST, SXT, SLT, TRX4, Sport and Laramie.

Dakota continues to offer best-in-class interior room and class-exclusive Full Swing rear access doors (open nearly 170 degrees) on the Extended Cab. There's a new under-seat storage system in the Dakota Crew Cab that includes a unique, collapsible and removable cargo management system that enables gear to be organized and taken anywhere you go.

Additional storage options are provided throughout the interior including a handy storage bin above the glove box and an all-new center console incorporating cup holders with modular inserts. There's a place for your MP3 player and cell phone, and yes, you can plug your MP3 into the sound system, and you can link your Bluetooth phone, too, with the available UConnect feature.

As for the cargo bed, the 6-foot, 6-inch bed found on Extended Cab models is the largest and longest in the segment. The built-in utility rails are clever and make cargo box tie-downs infinitely adjustable. I also like the dual-position tailgate that can be secured in a mid-position to provide support for long cargo.

The Dodge Dakota continues to be the only mid-size pickup to offer V-8 power. The 4.7-liter V-8 offered in Dakota has been reworked to deliver 302 horsepower (31 percent increase) and 329 pound-feet of torque (13 percent increase), along with better fuel economy and increased refinement.

Furthermore, the 4.7-liter V-8 in the Dakota is capable of operating on E85 fuel. The standard engine in the Dakota is a 210-horsepower 3.7-liter V-6.