years ago, brought big-rig styling and a host of innovative features and

design details to the pickup truck market. For 1997 Dodge has applied the

Ram look and feel to its mid-size pickup, the Dakota. We predict this almost-all-new

Dakota will have a similarly resounding success.

Perhaps most important for many, the Dakota is a uniquely nifty size,

bigger than compact pickups such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma and

Chevy Sonoma, yet smaller than the full-size models. Dodge calls the Dakota

a compact, but there's nothing else quite like it. It's a little roomier

than its smaller competition, but not as cumbersome around town as a full-size

pickup.

The Dakota also offers a wide range of powerplants. At the bottom is

a 2.5-liter four-cylinder--120 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque.

Next up is an optional 3.9-liter V6 that gives a very useful 175 hp and

225 lb.-ft. of torque. It's the top choice for many buyers, particularly

those whose lifestyles don't include trailer hitches.

At the top is a Dakota exclusive: an optional 5.2-liter V8, easily the

strongest engine available in any truck anywhere near the Dakota's size.

With 220 hp and 300 lb.-ft. of torque, it gives the Dakota a maximum towing

capability of up to 6700 pounds, and an appetite for hard work you can't

match without moving up a size class.