1996 Dodge Dakota Standard Cab 2.5L 5MT AWD (120 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Known also as the Baby Ram, the second generation of the Dodge Dakota appeared in 1996 for the 1997 model year and was available only as a regular or Club Cab, without a four-door version.

When the second generation of the Dodge Ram broke cover in January 1993, that pickup truck’s styling and performance made customers storm the carmaker’s showrooms. Furthermore, the automaker was already working on the second generation of the Dakota, which was similarly styled. That made it freeze the project in 1994 and launch the pickup in the summer of 1996 as a 1997 model year. By that time, the Ram was already known for its capabilities, and the Dakota looked promising, especially thanks to its wide range of engines that included a V8, which was unusual for a compact-sized pickup truck.

The second generation of the Dodge Dakota showed a broad grille up front that resembled a crosshair, similar to the one installed on the car’s bigger brother, the Ram. Furthermore, it had a taller engine compartment than its fenders, where the automaker installed the horizontal headlights underlined by the turn signal lamps. Depending on the grade, the car boasted a body-colored or chromed bumper with available fog lamps.

From its profile, the 1997 Dodge Dakota looked like a scaled-down version of the Dodge Ram, albeit with just two doors. The flared front fenders had a retro-design theme that charmed customers, and the cabin separated by the bed was a promise that the vibrations wouldn’t spoil the ride for those inside the cabin. Dodge offered the vehicle with a wide choice of wheels and tire sizes, even some 31-inch ones made for off-road, which were available for the 4×4 versions. The 8-ft (2.4-meter) bed in the back was the right size for those who wanted to use the truck for work and leisure. It could accommodate all the tools for a contractor. A 6,900-pound (3,129-kg) trailer could be attached for those who needed to carry larger items.

One of the most significant advantages of the 1997 Dodge Dakota standard Cab was its interior. It was the roomiest in the segment and designed with the private customer in mind. It featured a rounded dashboard with a visor that covered the instrument cluster and the center stack. Fronting the driver was the instrument panel that showed a full array of dials and gauges that showed all the important data, including the oil pressure and the ammeter. Vehicles fitted with an automatic transmission had the shifter behind the steering wheel, while a floor-mounted gear stick was placed for the three-pedal ones. Dodge offered the car with either a set of two individual bucket seats separated by a center console or a bench seat with folding armrests where up to three passengers could sit.

Under the hood, the base version received a 2.5-liter inline-four engine inherited from AMC. It was paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Those who wanted something quicker could get the 5.9-liter V8 powerhouse. At the same time, a four-speed automatic was available across the range. The pickup came with front disc brakes and drums in the rear, with standard ABS for the rear axle. However, customers could choose the 1997 Dodge Dakota with a four-wheel anti-lock braking system.