Dodge Dakota still dazzles after 15 years

2002 Dodge Dakota

WINDSOR, ON, May 8 /CNW/ - 15 years ago, a totally new kind of pickup truck was born. It was 1987 when Dodge Dakota made its debut as the first mid-

2001 Dodge Dakota

size pickup in North America. In 1997, the second-generation Dodge Dakota made a dramatic entrance, sporting an all-new body and chassis. Today, Dodge Dakota is

2000 Dodge Dakota

Canada's No. 1 selling truck in its class.

"Since the first Dodge Dakota rolled off the assembly line in 1987, it's

been the leader in power and capability," said John MacDonald, Dodge Brand Manager, DaimlerChrysler Canada. "Whether for work applications or long family trips, Dodge Dakota is, far and away, still the most capable compact pickup truck in Canada."

"With its bold design, wide range of model and engine choices, car-like

1999 Dodge Dakota

ride-and-handling, unique versatility and the only.. V-8 engine offerings in its

1998 Dodge Dakota

class, Dodge Dakota wears the crown in the compact segment.It leads the pack in terms of cab roominess, towing capability, hauling capacity and engine performance," added MacDonald.

Available for a limited time, Canada's No. 1 selling truck in its class is celebrating its anniversary with a special Dodge Dakota XV appearance package that includes: chrome grille, R/T colour key front and rear fascias, black bodyside moldings and special Dodge Dakota XV badging. Available colours

1997 Dodge Dakota

are black, flame red and bright silver on Club Cab and Quad Cab models (4x2/4x4), with both Sport and Sport Plus Packages, 3.9L or 4.7L Magnum

1996 Dodge Dakota

engines. In order to purchase the Dodge Dakota XV appearance package for only $210 MSRP, customers must order the Tire & Handling Group and Fog Lamps.

For

1995 Dodge Dakota

additional information about the anniversary package, check out the Dakota section of the Dodge website: www.dodge.ca

	                             PRODUCT CHRONOLOGY

	    1987 Model Year    Rear Wheel Drive Model, Initial introduction spring
	                       1986 as 1987 model
	                       Four-wheel drive model initial introduction

	    1990 Model Year    Club Cab(R) Body introduced

	    1991 Model Year    Industry-first 5.2-litre V8 engine with four-speed
	                       automatic transmission
	                       Club Cab(R) available with four-wheel drive

	    1993 Model Year    Four-wheel Anti-lock Brakes available

	    1994 Model Year    Driver Air Bag

	    1997 Model Year    All-new Body and Chassis
	                       Passenger Air Bag

	    1998 Model Year    R/T Group with 5.9-litre Magnum(R) V-8 Engine
	                       Next generation Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags
	                       Passenger Air Bag on/off switch

	    2000 Model Year    Quad Cab(TM)
	                       Next-generation 4.7-litre Magnum(R) V-8 Engine
	                       Multi-speed 45RFE Automatic Transmission
	                       Rack and Pinion Steering on 4WD models
	                       Early compliance with 2003 model-year head-impact
	                       safety standard
	                       Child seat Tether Anchors in cab back panel

	    2001 Model Year    NV233HD and NV244HD electrically shifted 4WD transfer
	                       cases
	                       Sentry Key(TM) Engine Immobilizer added to optional
	                       Security Alarm
	                       All-new Interior-Instrument panel, cluster, floor
	                       consoles and trim panels