2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission why the dakota??

[Cummins Cowboy]

I got to thinking, why the dakota was marketed with such a varity of configuations, true 4 door, extended cab etc. and and the ram was left with only 2 cabs. the dakota has never been a high volume seller not near on the scale of the ram. I was wondering why from a business and marketing standpoint dodge put so much effort into the dakota when the extra development money would be much better spent on the ram. Does anyone have the answer

 

[nps]

No answer, but looks like they really cut back on the design $$$ recently, because that thing is sure gettin' ugly.



One speculation - the Dakota had the potential to make/take a market segment where it was clearly head and shoulders above any competition. The Ranger, S-10, and rice burners were all much smaller. Recently this has changed with the Colorado and the "full size" rice burners.



The Ram was always competing head to head with the other full size trucks, thus the market was competitive and defined. Alot harder to justify $$$ spent because the history and future potential is not as ambiguous.



Another factor is that the Dakota shares alot of commonality with the Durango. So alot of Dakota offerings are 'free' or reduced cost from the R&D team.

 

[cyborg]

Imho

Thank you.

Dodge would have been lengths ahead the competition if they would have left the quad cab alone (suicide stealth doors), had the regular cab, and came out with a real crew cab. The mega is too much, too late.



The second gens made history in light truck style history. The Dakotas looked even better and "I" think are some of the most handsome trucks ever. Just think if the Der Fuhrer of DCX would have commited to putting a lightweight, performance oriented diesel in a dakota in '95?



The current Rams are designed for soccer-moms using german-euro styling ques melted into good ole, US of A , western good looks. The 3rd gen quad cab is an attempt to morph quad and crew cabs and have one truck to do both. 1st gen club cab was better.

Before I get flame broiled, 3rd gens (pre-06) front clips look good.

 

[Turbo Thom]

I think there is a spy at the top and he woeks for GM. He had "Mr Goegin Shrimps" ear and dis is whats wes got.



. . PT. .

 

[cyborg]

I think there is a spy at the top and he woeks for GM. He had "Mr Goegin Shrimps" ear and dis is whats wes got... PT. .

That would explain the drift to the slanted, bug-eye look, and attempt to be more car/mini-van like. Which IMHO is ruining the Ram line. I know others like it, save your breath.

 

[amnewsom]

I Dakota with a V6 or inline 4 Diesel would be a great option, the Lib has a CRD V6, that might be even be an afterthought really.