New Rival: RAM DAKOTA name announced for midsize pickup in US / North America

[Administrator]

Just confirmed:
https://www.dakotaforums.com/forum/...icially-confirmed-for-us-north-america.24108/

* you can copy your account to Dakota Forums via your Account Copy Menu

Sponsored

 

[Will721]

I'm actually a big mopar guy, and pre-stellantis I would have been excited for a new Dakota. Personally own a 1998 Dakota which I loved everything about, except fuel economy. The Magnum series engine they came with (the 4.7L doesn't count), is slowly taking over the Mopar hot rod world similar to the LS for its reliability, ease of installation and cheap HP.

Frankly, I never understood why it was canceled in the first place. As cafe standards inevitably pushed out compact trucks Chrysler had a head start to dominate the midsized market, atleast for "domestic brands". Instead we got the Gladiator which wasn't what the fans wanted at all. We wanted an all new Dakota, Camanche, and Scrambler.

At this juncture though, releasing new models just doesn't seem to the correct direction to me. Despite the Fiat merger, mopar was building their market as the "high horsepower, "adrenaline inducing", and "cool" automaker desipite the reliability issues they suffered. Stellantis on the other hand, has continued to push out new hot garbage and killed off the models that built that reputation since the merger which is killing the brands. The conversion of the charger to an EV, dropping the hemi and the TRX, the death of the SRT team, and the push for new unwanted models like the Cherokee or Hornet has their "street cred" gone and frankly their nuts in a vise.

They need to focus on rebuilding their reputation, increase reliability, and a fresh generation of Hemis without that garbage e-torque before trying to compete in new markets. Kill the hornet, kill the hybrid jeeps, make the wrangler actually reliable, put a v8 in the charger and drop the EV, and re-establish the SRT team. Then if you want to bring out new models, bring ones that really bring the spotlight to themselves, like a Viper or a Prowler that doesn't suck. You can't just keep introducing mediocre trash and expecting the customers to come back.

I love mopars, always have. Infact I still own several. But I wouldn't even consider trading in my Tacoma for a new Dakota and I don't think anyone else would either. Including Ranger, Colorado, or frontier owners.

 

[LincolnSixAlpha]

I had a 2020 Ram Rebel which I enjoyed. I wouldn't say I'm a Mopar/Dodge guy per se, but I did like that truck. They are way, way over priced now. I guess the 5.7 is back, but dont want that e-torque garbage. None the less, Stellantis went insane under that previous CEO, and at this point couldn't pay me to take one of their vehicles. Maybe the'll recover, and readjust prices, but I dont care, nor have hope. Happy with my little 4 banger Toyota.

I will tell you, that I'd love to have a 2500 with the cummins, but again that price nonsense enters into the thought processes. Should have got one back in 2019 when I got the Rebel, much cheaper.

 

[Lando]

I agree with both you guys. Mopar had been slowly losing me since the sellout for personal gain by Bob Eaton of Chrysler to Daimler.
I did buy a Challenger in 2009 and a new Ram 1500 in 2012. They were comfortable and caused me minimal issues when I had them (though the Ram was gone after 2.5 years and 50,000 miles due to a red light runner).

The pure greed on mark ups and slimy behaviour by Dodge dealerships in 2023 when I was considering a last call Challenger soured me on the brand for good.

The 5.2 Magnum stands head and tails above the 4.7 and even the modern Hemis in terms of longevity and reliability. I’d buy a low mile mint 1993-‘96 Dakota extended cab 4x4 today if I found one. I would never buy a 4.7L.
I’m a GM Sierra 1500 guy now if I want a full size and my mid size choice is obvious.

Sponsored