Vehicle Description
1997 Dodge Dakota Sport - 3.9L V6 - 5 Speed Manual Transmission -
14k Miles - One Owner - Black Over Agate Interior - Split Bench
Seat With Armrest (Please note: If you happen to be viewing this
1997 Dodge Dakota Sport on a website other than our Garage Kept
Motors site, it's possible that you've only seen some of our many
photographs of the truck due to third-party website limitations. To
be sure you access all the more than 165 photographs, as well as a
short start-up and walk-around video, and a link to its one-owner,
accident and damage-free Carfax history, please go to our main
website: GKM.com) The NewCarTestDrives internet site described the
'97 Dakota: The full-size Dodge Ram, introduced three years
(earlier), brought big-rig styling and a host of innovative
features and design details to the pickup truck market. For 1997
Dodge... applied the Ram look and feel to its mid-size pickup, the
Dakota. 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. Offered here is a 1997 Dodge Dakota Sport in black
over Agate gray. In addition to the many desirable features
mentioned in the review (the full review is available online here:
https://www.newcartestdrive.com/reviews/1997-dodge-dakota/), this
example offers two more distinctions: the odometer shows just
14,213 miles, or fewer than 600 miles per-year on average since
new, and it's been owned by just one individual since original
delivery at K&M Northfield Dodge in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The
truck's factory window sticker (shown in the gallery for reference)
verifies the Sport Package and lists all standard and optional
equipment. The exterior black clearcoat finish retains excellent
gloss across the entire body (including the sport tailgate with
integrated spoiler) showing only minor patina on the driver's side
of the roof and light swirls. There are no dings, dents, or other
damage on the sheet-metal panels. Part of the Sport Package, the
front grille, lower fascia, and both bumpers are painted in the
body color with no chrome trim anywhere on the body. (To best
assess the quality of the paint and trim finishes, please be sure
to view the close-up photographs of the car in the accompanying
gallery.) The cargo box features a black-fabric cover; the cargo
bed itself shows scratches from normal use. Tinted cabin glass and
all lighting lenses (including on the matte-black trimmed
taillights) are clear and free of cracks. Factory badging is
limited to the Dodge Ram hood emblem and V6 Magnum front-fender
emblems. Factory, cast-aluminum, 15-inch, 5-spoke wheels with
Ram-logo center caps (part of the Sport Package) are mounted with
GoodYear® Invicta GL outline-white-letter 215/75 all-season tires.
The truck's interior Sport Package upgrades include premium door
trim with gray-cloth inserts and map pockets, and black floor
carpeting with matching carpet mats. The 40-20-40 split-bench,
high-back seat with armrest (allowing 3-across seating) is
upholstered in Agate gray, tweed-look fabric. The light-gray cabin
headliner is free of imperfections. A 4-spoke, Ram-branded SRS
steering wheel fronts the black dash with full analog
instrumentation. The dashboard's center stack includes the factory
audio system and HVAC controls. A small console hosts the shift
lever for the 5-speed manual transmission. (P
