What do you get when you leave a Dodge Ram truck in the dryer too long and it shrinks? It comes out as a Dodge Dakota. The new generation of the mid-size Dakotas, that drive like a compact, but have the power of a full-size, looked like a smaller version of the Ram, though underneath they were still very much true to Dakota. Since 1987, the engine options remained pretty much the same -- 2.5-liter I4, 3.9-liter V6, and 5.2-liter V8.

Until 1998. Mid-year, alongside the base, Sport, and SLT Dakotas, Dodge took the Ram's 5.9-liter Magnum V8 and put it into their Dakota. The Dakota R/T (I'll call it the Mini-Ram), only available as a 4-speed automatic, hit 250-horsepower and allegedly made 0-60 in seven seconds (for those must-have emergency plywood runs). Of course the 3.9-liter, 175-horsepower engine was still the most popular, but for people that appreciated the driving experience as much as the need to haul stuff, the 5.2-liter and 5.9-liter V8 engines were highly prized. There are claims out there that the 5.2-liter was able to tow up to 6700 pounds.

Other new additions to the 1998 Dakota were keyless remote entry and alloy wheels on the SLT. As always, drivers love the spacious cab, particularly for long trips, and the easy handling. Optional 6X9 power mirrors are recommended for extra visibility. Major complaints focus on gas mileage, the need for a four-door truck to access the rear seats, and constant repair shop visits.

They look sweet; if you bag 'em, shave 'em, body drop 'em, and chop the roof 3inches!!!