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1997 Dodge Dakota Overview

Dakota

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Trims

2 Dr SLT 4WD Extended Cab SB
12 national listings
Avg. Price: $5,218
2 Dr SLT 4WD Standard Cab SB
2 Dr SLT Extended Cab SB
Avg. Price: $4,512
2 Dr SLT Standard Cab LB
2 Dr SLT Standard Cab SB
Avg. Price: $4,317
2 Dr Sport 4WD Extended Cab SB
Avg. Price: $4,957
2 Dr Sport 4WD Standard Cab SB
Avg. Price: $5,950
2 Dr Sport Extended Cab SB
Avg. Price: $5,900
2 Dr Sport Standard Cab LB
2 Dr Sport Standard Cab SB
Avg. Price: $3,495
2 Dr STD 4WD Extended Cab SB
Show 4 more trims

Dodge Dakota Experts

#1 Justin Doucette
Justin Doucette
Reputation 380
#2 banana
banana
Reputation 230
#3 littlehorn
littlehorn
Reputation 150
View All

Average User Score

4.25 stars

Based on 16 reviews

Well Worth It!!!! by Drake
 — This truck has been exelent. I have driven this truck over 200000km and I have had only one thing happen to it. the belt started to squel at about 197000km so I took it back to the dealer for the... Read More
I Will Buy Another One If I Am Able To. by 58benny
 — I had been against Mopar products ever since I owned a 2001 Chrysler Town and Country mini van. I had a very bad experience with the quality of that vehicle. I had the opportunity to purchase the Dak... Read More
Shes A Beaut by Blake
 — 2in lift, 383 v8 , dua catbackl flowmaste exhaustr, 15in custom subwoofer box, 285 wide, 35in mudders, new paint job, K&N all around, 26 highway, 10 city, faster than hell, JVC Deck newly installed, ... Read More

1997 Dodge Dakota Overview

Overall User Score

4.2 out of 5 stars4.2 out of 5 stars4.2 out of 5 stars4.2 out of 5 stars4.2 out of 5 stars4.25

Based on 16 reviews

1997 Dodge Dakota

Despite the introduction of a new generation of the popular mid-size pickup, not much had changed for the 1997 Dodge Dakota.  Its look was slightly more muscular, taking its cues from the successful Dodge Ram.  But underneath the big rig-like exterior, it was really the same old Dakota drivers knew and loved.

Dropping the WS trim, the 1997 Dakota came now in base, Sport, or SLT models.  The three wheelbase options remained unchanged (112-inch, 124-inch, and the Club Cab's 131-inch) as did the engines -- the 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder, 120-hp, the 3.9-liter 175-hp, V6, and the 5.2-liter V8 Magnum, which returned to its former 230-horsepower.  2WD, rear anti-lock brakes, and 5-speed manual came standard, with 4WD, 4-wheel ABS, and 4-speed automatic optional.

A new addition for 1997 was dual front airbags, reinforcing the Dodge Dakota's lead in safety.  Inside, the dash got an update, but still looked plastic and cheap.  The cab comfortably fit three up front with standard bench seats.  Optional bucket seats made room for a well-designed center console with extra storage compartments.  The rear bench seat was still basically unfit for humans over the age of ten or over the size of Mini-Me and was hard to access with only the two doors, but it did provide extra storage beneath the seats.

Aside from the poor gas mileage, uncomfortable rear seats, and wide turn radius, most drivers praise the Dodge Dakota's handling and hauling capabilities.  The other big selling point is the cab's roominess and driving comfort.  Reviews mention the excellent braking response and relatively quiet interior.

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Dakota
Looking for a Used Dakota in your area?
CarGurus has 5,897 nationwide Dakota listings starting at $3,248.
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Similar Cars Compared to a 1997 Dodge Dakota

1997 Dodge Dakota 1997 Toyota Tacoma 1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500
1997 Dodge Dakota 2 Dr Sport 4WD Extended Cab SB, JEEP KILLER!, exterior
1997 Toyota Tacoma 2 Dr STD 4WD Extended Cab SB picture, exterior
1997 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 2 Dr LT 4WD Standard Cab LB picture, exterior
Cost $13,235 Original MSRP $7,282 Average Instant Market Value $4,962 Average Instant Market Value
Gas Mileage (highway) 23 26 20
Horsepower 120 142 175
Crash Test Rating 4 2 5
Front Leg Room (inches) 41.9 41.7 41.0

Dodge Dakota Questions

urbancrown
0

Why Does My Clutch Fall To Floor

Clutch fell to floor and is now hard to depress

25 views with 1 answer (last answer 3 months ago)
Fcyene Smhit
0

Sticky Situation

my 97 Dakota's rpm seems to stick in the winter time ? when it gets to a certain coldness the truck will drive good but the rpm will rise up to 25 or just under 3rpm as the truck drives to 100klmh it...

21 views with 4 answers (last answer 4 months ago)
Fcyene Smhit
0

Is This Normal To Have A High Number At Such A Low Speed ?

I have a97 Dakota i do the speed limit at 100 klmhr the RPM is at just a hair under 2 is this normal ?

41 views with 2 answers (last answer 5 months ago)
Fcyene Smhit
0

Engine Change Up

i have a 97 Dakota but i want to do some upgrades it is a v6 and i was thinking of having the engine switched to something newer and more powerful, what year make and model can i go to as for engine s...

45 views with 2 answers (last answer 6 months ago)
vickie1950
0

After Putting On Fuel Pump 1997 Dodge Dakota Won't Start What Could Be The ...

107 views with 2 answers (last answer 2 months ago)