2011 Dodge Dakota

The Dodge Dakota, though probably beckoning its end in the near future returns for the year 2011 model just representing minor changes from it releases in  previous years. The 2011 Dodge Dakota – Chrysler, representing the Dodge in the mid-size pick-up trucks segment this year shows very minor noticeable changes. As if to qualify the few changes, the introduced changes are very significant. It has introduced anti-lock brakes and side curtain airbags as standard in all Dodge versions.

Looking at the other features, the 2011 Dodge is the car that was refurbished in 2008 to an impressive shape, style and interiors. The 2011 Dodge retains the following options: a 6-cylinder of 8-cylinder power engine, a manual or automatic form and the option for either a 4-wheel or rear drive truck.

In respect to style, the Dakota is a big hit in the mid-sized trucks segment. It has an impressive industrial-grade interior a squared jaw and a box tail. The 2008 do up, left the dodge as a less sophisticated and cheaper-looking mid-size pick up. Its interior is heavily Spartan with white-face gauges, a lot of black plastic, a green LCD audio display in Vintage appearance and climate controls in Playskool-sized knobs.

The Dakota is more impressive in its utility than its looks and appearance.  There is arguably reason why you would opt for the 3.7 liter, 210 horsepower V-6. It is relatively noisy and weak, it is paired with an outdated 4-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission and is poorer in gas mileage that the 4.7 liter, 302-hp V-8 option.  The V-8 is a fairer choice with a 15/20 mpg rating on fuel economy; 14/18 mpg for the 4-wheel drive option, and a more superior 5-speed automatic. It has acceptable braking, handling and steering control.

The Dakota is arguably bigger as compared to the ford Ranger and the GM’s canyon and Chevrolet Colorado. It almost measures up with the Toyota Tacoma, the Honda Ridgeline and the Nissan Frontier. The Dakota may sometimes pass as a full-size pick-up were it not for its 131.3 inches wheel base which holds it way below the true full-size Rams and Titan pick-ups.

The Dakota has two body styles: an extended cab in appearance with its cargo area behind hinged rear doors and a real 4-door crew Cab. A Crate ‘N Go system features customized removable containers under the back seat usable in holding gear. The extended cab truck has a 6.6 foot bed while the Crew Cab’s is 5.3 foot and utility rails that have been built in are common in both styles.

The Dakota is expected to record new safety ratings after the standardization of anti-lock brakes and side-curtain airbags though neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA has done the new rating.

The 2011 Dodge Dakota is the car for small business though it faces stiff competition from the Nissan Frontier which offers better powertrains and packaging.