The fact the Ranger is too small for "real towing" is kind of the point. If the new Dakota can pull even 5000# comfortably, that's more than most people will ever need. Need to tow more? Check out a Ram.

 

Do they have any pictures of this "new" design? I think it's stupid. I want to see the 2010 actual look like the 08's and 09's. If they want to turn it into something to like look like some crap car, then like "cramerica" said, I'd rather see them get rid of the Dakota name rather than pass it on, what kind of crap would that be? Dakota owners would be furious at that, I know I would be! I don't ever want to see the Dakota go, but if they are gonna transform it into a "car" look-a-like rather than keep it as a TRUCK like it should be, then they should just say goodbye to the name

Sorry for the double-post, but I read this crap too...

According to the trucks platform PR manager, they want to move the Dakota from the "baby Ram" concept to being a lifestyle vehicle, and have been discussing different features, size, and other aspects of the Dakota with customers. Expect lots of changes to the Dakota in the future - but for now, we have new styling that looks far more at home on the mid-to-large pickups.

What the heck??? I like it being the "baby Ram"...that's what it's supposed to be!! What is a "lifestyle vehicle" anyways? I don't want "lots" of changes, the size is perfect. I don't want the Challenger, 300C, and Charger (or whatever else) chassis...they have PLENTY of cars...what trucks do they have to offer besides the Ram n the Dakota? If they don't want the big Ram, they take the Dakota...what will be their option if they want to turn the Dakota into ANOTHER car-based idea? They have enough cars. This really upsets me.

 

My point is you're now getting into the towing capacity of a wide swath of vehicles. A freaking Caravan can tow 3,800 pounds with the tow package...

 

Owned 3 dakota's, this will be my last if they ruin the "truck" portion of the Dak.

 

I am not making any judgment or decision on whether this is my last Dakota or not until I see a concept that is close to a production final or the production version of the new Dakota. Making comments on "this is my last Dakota" or the like is way too preliminary for me to say at the moment.

We'll see!

 

if they make the dakota a unibody "truck" i will not buy one, and ill probably be looking to get one in a couple of years (once i got a decent job and am settled into a routine)

 

I'd assuming it'd get better mileage...

It'd be easier to lower...

I don't see a problem with it, considering my truck doesn't really do much truck requests, ever...

I've put like, 600 pounds in the bed before, and that's like, three of my friends... so I can figure a new truck this way would handle that...

 

True enough Altair; with the improvements in engine HP and chassis strength, most large vehicles can pull alot. I guess the problem is worse now that the Ram 1500's tow rating has decreased with the new suspension. IRC it's a shade over 9000#, and a Dakota could be outfitted to pull 7000#.

Not that it's bad for the Dak to be that strong, but rather the guy with the 5500# boat is only going to choose one of the two Dodge models that can do the job for him. Chances are the Ram will win on looks, the HEMI and the negligible price difference.

Now look at the weekend warrior, really only needs a Dakota sized truck, but again, sees HEMI, Truck Month incentives, etc, and chooses the Ram anyway. Either that or he drives over to the Toyota dealer and picks up a Tacoma. Either way, Dakota loses.

By slimming down and "weakening" the Dakota, it might gain a legitimate price advantage over the Ram, and appeal more to people who need a truck for bopping around with plywood and mulch.

I'd normally add that I'm just an engineer, and not a marketing genius, but I don't think there are too many marketing geniuses at Chrysler right now anyway.

And one more thing, if the Dakota was better looking, I'd bet it would be a *much* stronger seller. Bring back the real "Baby Ram" looks! I'm still jealous of the regular cab 4x4 2nd gen's I see around town.

 

I agree with one of the previous members, Dakota competes far too much with the Dodge Ram, nearly half us try modify our vehicles so it emulates the Dodge Ram. I will most likely stay away from American cars, I have had numerous problems with this Dodge Dakota- granted I bought it used so that might be the factor but still I bought it with 36k miles. I have also bought used Honda's with twice the mileage of the Dakota and did not experience nearly as many problems. I own 2 honda civics, bought new, and have had minimal problems with both. Problems were detected early and covered by Honda and have had no other problems. Until American Cars earn the reputation of being dependable quality- I'll stay away from them. I think it is a smart move though on Dodge to change the Dakota to a smaller type pickup, they will be able to appeal to a different market other than sharing one with the Dodge Ram pickups. Honda is a Japanese company, they believe in building relationships; Dodge on the other hand, beleives in making profits. I would like to purchase American products but I'm not going to empty my wallet out so some CEO can make billions, run a company to the ground and not suffer any consequences at our expense.

 

No doubt, Nardelli is a douche. And call me a douche as well, but the Ridgelines with the cool mini-bed cap are kind of nice looking.

I just can't get over the stigma of a unibody *truck*. Yet I like the original Jeep Cherokee. Such conflict.