Fargo Dodge Dakota truck shoppers will want to check out the great selection at Nelson Auto Center.

The Dodge Dakota pickup probably comes closest to providing what “hard-core truck people” expect without the price tag of an expensive full-size pickup. With a V8 engine and a towing capacity of 7,250 pounds (best in class), the Dakota can easily earn its way.

Every 2011 Dodge Dakota truck is powered by a standard 3.7-liter V6 engine that produces 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. The Dakota has a four-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive, but four-wheel drive is also available as an option for Fargo Dodge shoppers.

Fargo Dodge Shoppers Haul More With New Dakota

Fuel economy registers an EPA-estimated 15 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined for rear-wheel-drive models, and 14/18/15 mpg for 4WD versions. When properly equipped, the maximum towing capacity of V6 models is 4,950 pounds.

Optional on all models but the base ST trim is a 4.7-liter V8 that produces 302 hp, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. Estimated fuel economy with the V8 and two-wheel drive is 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined. When properly equipped, a V8 Dakota can tow up to 7,250 pounds!

The 2011 Dodge Dakota is offered as either an extended cab or crew cab, and there are three trim levels available, including the base ST trim, the midrange Big Horn, which is called the Lone Star in Texas, and the top-of-the-line Laramie, available as a crew cab only.

Standard features for the ST include 16-inch steel wheels, fog lamps, a dual-position tailgate, air-conditioning, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, a front center console, two rear folding seats  (available for extended cab only), a tilt-only steering wheel and a four-speaker sound system with a CD stereo and an auxiliary audio jack.

The Big Horn adds 17-inch alloy wheels, body-colored bumpers and front fascia, a rear under-seat storage system (on the crew cab only), keyless entry, full power accessories and cruise control (optional on ST). Big Horn options include full-swing rear doors (extended cab only), fold away mirrors, a sliding rear window, utility bed rails, bed liner, power driver seat, remote ignition, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and an upgraded six-speaker Alpine stereo with a six-CD changer and satellite radio.

The Laramie has all of the Big Horn’s optional features plus 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior accents, automatic headlights, a bedliner, heated front seats, leather upholstery and Bluetooth, which is optional on Big Horn/Lone Star. Larger outside heated mirrors and rear window defrosters are also available on all Dakotas except the ST.

For safety, the 2011 Dodge Dakota has four-wheel antilock brakes and side curtain airbags

Fargo Dodge Dakota drivers will find that the standard bucket seats are comfortable, and the available power seats offer numerous adjustments. The crew cab’s rear seat is split 60/40 for added flexibility, and provides a flat load surface with the bottom cushions raised. All crew cab models also feature a pair of handy boxes that fold up to keep loose items from rolling around the interior.

To learn more about the Dodge Dakota pickup truck at Nelson Auto Center, schedule a test drive by calling (888) 580-6098.

Don Marshall Chrysler, a popular Dodge dealer serving Lexington, has an impressive selection of Ram 3500 trucks available, including the Ram 3500 ST Truck Crew Cab. The Dodge Ram 3500 is now in its fourth generation, and the 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 is a solid option for Lexington Dodge buyers in need of serious towing and hauling capacity.

The first thing Lexington Dodge shoppers will notice about the 2011 Ram 3500 truck is that it’s BIG. It’s over 20 feet long, and seven of those feet extend past the 160.5-inch wheelbase. This big-hauling truck has a loyal following addicted to that classic muscular styling, and with names like “Hemi” and “Cummins” emblazoned under the hood, there’s plenty of actual muscle to back it up.

Lexington Dodge Ram Drivers Get Noticed in New 3500

In a full-size pickup, bigger almost always equals better. With the Ram 3500, everyone within a hundred-foot radius will know when one is going by. The 3500 models all have dual rear wheels, with the exception of Crew Cab short beds.

Once inside the truck, Lexington Dodge shoppers will take notice of its nicely appointed interior. This is easily one of the most luxuriously appointed trucks available on the market, with soft-touch hide and higher grade plastic covering every surface of the interior. Options abound with this vehicle, including leather seating surfaces, dual-mode automatic climate control, adjustable pedals, navigation, Bluetooth, trailer brake controls and heated and cooled seats.

Passenger room isn’t an issue for the 2011 Dodge Ram 3500, the front seat offers room for two or even three passengers with the optional bench seat. But it’s the rear quarters that are truly impressive. There’s 45.3 inches of rear legroom. Rear passengers busy stretching out their legs can also relax on the reclining heated seats. The 4-door truck crew cab offers easy access in and out of the truck for any passenger.

All in all, it’s almost impossible for Lexington Dodge shoppers not to be impressed with this latest heavy hauler from the Ram Truck division. Nothing available to consumers trumps this level of capability.

Don Marshall Chrysler serving Lexington Dodge shoppers encourages consumers to test-drive the new 3500 at their Somerset dealership. Appointments can be made by calling 606-678-8178.