Recall Alert: 2001-2002 Dodge Durango, Dakota, Ram

More than 576,000 Dodge trucks, SUVs and vans are being recalled because of a faulty gearshift that could shift out of park without the key in the ignition. This is a serious defect because of the chance of children playing in parked cars. 

Vehicles included in the recall are all 2001- and 2002-model-year Dodge Durango SUVs, Dakota pickups, Dodge Ram vans and 2002-model-year Dodge Ram pickups.

The problem stems from a part that can wear out over time. Nine injuries have been reported. The company instructs owners to always use the parking brake and, obviously, to follow the recall notice for instructions on getting the vehicles serviced and fixed. 

Dodge Trucks Recalled (AP)

Cars.com Reviews the 2008 Dodge Dakota

Dodge has given the 2008 Dakota a face-lift, streamlining the design for a more appealing look. Will this and other adjustments be enough to help it face down competition from other midsize trucks, offered by Nissan and Toyota? Mike Hanley takes a look at the updated Dakota and offers his take on the Dodge staple.

2008 Dodge Dakota Expert Review

Chrysler Killing Models: What Would You Euthanize?

Ever since Chrysler changed ownership earlier this year, the new owners have been trying to turn things around, and quick. Today, comes news — or really well-sourced rumors — that the company is looking to cut up to five models in its Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge lineups. That could be particularly meaningful for UAW members, whose new contract only ensures their jobs as long as the product they’re working on is being built. There has been talk about dissent over the Chrysler contract, and UAW members at Chrysler will vote on that new contract soon. This news could make winning that vote harder for Chrysler.

The Detroit Free Press story mentions the Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Dakota, Jeep Commander and Jeep Compass as likely candidates while the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Durango are also up for review. We wouldn’t miss any of those vehicles, but a new Pacifica would probably compete well in an auto landscape now full of crossovers that mimic its layout and usefulness. 

That’s what Chrysler is reportedly thinking of axing, but we figured we’d poll our readers to see if they agree with the above or have ideas of their own. Sound off in the comments. 

Chrysler Set to Ax Models (Detroit Free Press)

2008 Dodge Dakota: Now With Crate 'N Go

Chrysler created Stow 'N Go — second-row seats that stow in pockets in the floor of its minivans to expand cabin cargo capacity — and Swivel 'N Go, which lets those second-row seats swivel around to face the third row. You can even install a companion table between the two rows so the kids can lunch or play games while you drive.

But Chrysler can't have all the fun.

Mark Kudla, senior manager of product planning at Chrysler, says "We saved an 'N Go for Dodge."

It's called Crate 'N Go, and it's offered as standard equipment in all but the base Crew Cab versions of the redesigned 2008 Dodge Dakota pickup, and it ranks up there with the cupholder as one of the neatest novelties in the industry.

Dodge Announces 2008 Dakota Prices

There sure aren’t a lot of new mid-size pickups these days. The trend is to build profitable full-size trucks like the Dodge Ram and Ford F-150 and forget about everything else. Dodge, however redesigned its Dakota mid-size pickup truck for 2008 and today announced pricing.

When the Dakota goes on sale in August, the starting price for the extended cab will be $19,435, $22,135 for the crew cab, not including $645 in destination charges.  The Dakota comes with a 210 hp 3.7-liter V-6 engine standard in ST and SXT trim levels and a 302 hp 4.7-liter V-8 comes in the SLT and TRX trim levels.

Full pricing for the Dakota’s six trim levels is below.

2007 Chicago Auto Show: 2008 Dodge Dakota

The new Dodge Dakota will have a new look, inside and out, and a new optional V-8 engine when it goes on sale in August. The base engine remains a 3.7-liter V-6 with 210 hp, but the optional 4.7-liter V-8 pumps out 290 hp — a 25% increase over the outgoing engine — and 320 pounds-feet of torque, a 10% bump. The new V-8 is also a FlexFuel engine and can run on either regular gas or E85 ethanol. The maximum towing capacity is 7,050 pounds.

What about the new look? Well, the Dakota definitely got a thorough face-lift. Out is the rounded-yet-bold look of past Dodge trucks, in is the squared-off crosshair grille found on new Dodge vehicles, like the Nitro SUV. It’s a dramatic change and we’d love to hear what Dodge fans think of it. Inside, the Dakota upgrades to an interior more akin to its Dodge siblings as well.

Other new features include a standard remote starter, built-in utility rails in the bed, heated bench seats and an under-seat storage system. We’ll have more on the Dakota after we see it in person later this week at the Chicago Auto Show, but for now check out more photos below.