- pickup
- 228 below average
- 3,495 fair
- Midland, TX
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- autoshopper.com
- 228 below average pickup gasoline red manual
1997 dodge dakota review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. The biggest little truck on the planet. introductionthe full-size dodge ram, introduced three years ago, brought big-rig styling and a host of innovative features and design details to the pickup truck market. For 1997 dodge has applied the ram look and feel to its mid-size pickup, the dakota. We predict this almost-all-new dakota will have a similarly resounding success. perhaps most important for many, the dakota is a uniquely nifty size, bigger than compact pickups such as the ford ranger, toyota tacoma and chevy sonoma, yet smaller than the full-size models. Dodge calls the dakota a compact, but there's nothing else quite like it. Next up is an optional 3. 9-liter v6 that gives a very useful 175 hp and 225 lb.-ft. With 220 hp and 300 lb.-ft. Based on reactions from people on the streets and in the parking lots, we think it will be every bit as popular as its big-brother. The base price on the window sticker was $19,690, but by the time the good people on the assembly line were finished welding and bolting this particular dakota together, the bottom line read $26,753, and that included the 'dodge discount' of $1000. Things were screwed together tight and snug, the doors and tailgate shut with an authoritative slam and nothing creaked or rattled. The center portion (of the standard bench) has a folding back that also serves as a center armrest and includes a quite large, multi-function storage console. With the bucket seats, there's a huge center console that's subdivided for tissue paper, maps and cassettes or cds. And for us, the front bucket seats were comfortable and offered good lumbar support. some other neat touches: three cupholders in the forward portion of the center console, in three sizes, for a two-liter bottle, 20-ounce bottle and soft-drink can--just right for papa bear, mama bear and baby bear. In the club cab, the rear seat cushions are split 60/40, to allow carrying combinations of additional people or cargo. In addition to the front cupholders, there are cupholders in the quarter panels for the rear-seat passengers. For example, no visor vanity mirror--maybe somebody at dodge figured truck passengers don't do makeup on the way to the tex-mex restaurant. The headrests are non-adjustable, a real comfort issue. the passenger seat doesn't fully recline. Fold the front seats forward to allow access to the rear, and there is no memory feature to allow the front seats to be easily returned to their former position. No grab handle above the passenger door to ease climbing in. something else that's missing is the option of a third door, to make access to the rear easier. But the dakota club cab is wide enough for three adults, and with cooperation from those in front, the three in back should find the trip livable at least to the football stadium parking lot. driving impressiontrucks keep getting better in ride quality, but they're still trucks. But like most pickups, the ride gets better with a load in back. other aspects of comfort, like the decent seats and loads of front seat room, make the dakota just fine for all-around driving. we think the dakota's handling will feel pleasantly surprising, especially to those familiar with bigger pickups. It has relentless straight-ahead stability, yet it works well when the pavement takes a few turns, as well. One important day-in, day-out aspect of handling is nimbleness, the ability to deal with tight spaces and crowded conditions. Fuel tankp235/75r15 tires, premium door trim, tachometer); power convenience package (includes power windows, power locks, keyless remote entry, overhead console, auto day/night mirror); deluxe convenience (includes tilt steering and cruise control); bucket seats with console, heavy duty service package, 4x4 protection group, security group, 3. 90:1 rear axle, anti-spin differential, sliding rear window, dual power mirrors, foglamps, am/fm/cd/cassette audio, 31x10. 5r-15 tires, aluminum alloy wheels, fender flares. model testedclub cab 4x4 sport. Power Locks✔ Power Windows✔ Power Mirrors✔ Tachometer✔ Bucket Seats✔ AM/FM✔ Sport Package✔ Air Conditioning✔ Cruise Control✔ Alloy Wheels
3,495 Midland, TXMidland, TX at autoshopper.com