1997 Dodge Dakota Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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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.
User reviews for 1997 Dodge Dakota
Write a review1997 Dodge Dakota Pricing
Trims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: vinyl
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: vinyl
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: chrome · Paint: two-tone · Rear bumper color: chrome
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: chrome · Paint: two-tone · Rear bumper color: chrome
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Skid plate(s): front and rear
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: vinyl
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: chrome · Paint: two-tone · Rear bumper color: chrome
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Skid plate(s): front and rear
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: chrome · Paint: two-tone · Rear bumper color: chrome · Skid plate(s): front and rear
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Skid plate(s): front and rear
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Skid plate(s): front and rear
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: chrome · Paint: two-tone · Rear bumper color: chrome · Skid plate(s): front and rear
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
