2002 Dodge Dakota GSX

A 120-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder serves as the base engine for two-wheel-drive regular cabs and Club Cabs. Because it’s really too small for this truck the four-cylinder power plant is seldomly used in the Dakota. Most other models have a 175-hp 3.9-liter V-6 as standard equipment. Dakotas are unique among compact pickups because they can be fitted with V-8 engines. A 235-hp 4.7-liter V-8 is available for all three body styles. A 250-hp 5.9-liter Magnum V-8 — which is bigger than the V-8s in some full-size pickups — is available for all body styles and a special 250-hp version goes into the sporty Dakota R/T. Transfer-case operation on four-wheel-drive models relies on a convenient dashboard switch. Four-wheel antilock brakes are standard on the new “value-priced” SXT and come as optional equipment on all other models.