Overview & Reviews
A new value-priced 2002 Dodge Dakota SXT debuts and includes 16-inch alloys, automatic tranny, air conditioning, bucket seats and CD player. An appearance group consisting of graphite-colored bumpers, grille and fender flares is also fitted to the SXT.
- Available V8 power, commodious cabin, commendable performance on road and off.
- Poor fuel consumption with V8, upper trim levels can get pricey if loaded up with options.
User Reviews:
Showing 11 through 20 of 110.00-
Geat Truck - 2002 Dodge Dakota
By Bryan - January 20 - 4:47 pmI have the 3.9L v6 with 87k mi on it. No major problem as would be expected for a truck with this much mileage. Only problem is from time to time the evap system triggers the check engine light, a trip to Autozone fixes that. Gas mileage could definitely be better. I drive approx 20 miles a day to work, and bought the truck when I went to school right down the street. Most fun to drive of any other vehicle Ive owned. For a truck with this much power it is still easily driven in inclement weather if you know what you are doing, if not youre in trouble quickly. Another bad feature is the the center console was designed for the automatic and they didnt change it for the manual, can get in way
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Solid Truck - 2002 Dodge Dakota
By Dakota - November 21 - 8:43 amOverall a very reliable truck. Never had any problems w/ the drivetrain or any major mechanical issues. That said, the brakes are awful and the ball joints are junk - getting them replaced by Dodge, even with a recall, was a real hassle. Fuel economy averaged a disappointing 15mpg, and the 3.9 V6 just does not have enough power to get the heavier quad-cab moving or passing with enough authority. At highway speeds, the ride is smooth for a truck, but very noisy. Had to upgrade sound system just to hear the music. After 50k, it still runs great, but I shouldve opted for the V8 instead. This has been one of the most reliable vehicles I have owned, but more power is a must for a truck.
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Great buy - 2002 Dodge Dakota
By Tom - July 10 - 9:00 pmWe bought this used from a private owner to replace our 1988 Dakota last November. The 88 got to where it would just die on the road. Weve been very pleased with it and it hasnt given us any trouble at all, and it never gave the previous owner any trouble. It rides smooth as silk, seat is very comfortable, drives well, great truck. Plenty of space, though back seat is terrible to ride in. All in all, great buy.
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Just keep walking passed a Dodge - 2002 Dodge Dakota
By GI Tiger - March 7 - 11:34 pmI had the V8 crew cab, nice and roomy, but to much dead space. Dodge could of had more compartments and better use of the wide open spaces. The cab would creek,moan and crackle. One of the weirdest trucks Ive ever owned (5 mons). resale/trade-in was really bad. I took a $8000 bath on this one. The worst truck I ever bought, If it wasnt in the shop, it was setting because the the starter, lights, sinsors staying on or something else
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Fun in the snow - 2002 Dodge Dakota
By mopar fan - May 24 - 5:39 pmPowerful toy, fun to drive in the snow. Very reliable, only complaint is slow braking power, sometimes scary. Ride is pleasant concidering that it is a truck.
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Nice Truck/Family Car - 2002 Dodge Dakota
By Dean - March 3 - 2:42 pmThis was my first car/truck I ever purchased new (right off the showroom floor)This truck has been very good to me. The only issue I have had with it was a starter that went out however the dealer fixed under warranty and have done nothing more then change the oil, put gas in it and drive. Although the box is fairly small it had been fine for me. If you plan to hall large planks of lumber you may want a p/u with a longer bed as 5 & 1/2 foot is not all that usesfull. Fuel economy has held pretty strong around the low 20s. Expecting much more then that from a truck is not really all that practical unless your comparing to a 4cyl S-10 or Ranger.
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Gas mileage - 2002 Dodge Dakota
By Joel - August 26 - 1:35 amI love my truck and the way it rides. The only problem is the gas mileage. I might get 17 MPG on the highway if Im lucky. Thats driving around 60 to 70 MPH with the tailgate down. Ive talked to others who own a Dakota and they average about the same.
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Given up on Dodge - 2002 Dodge Dakota
By Chuck - May 25 - 4:10 pmThought I would "buy American" and get the Dodge Dakota 4 dr crew. Love its style, comforts, more power than I need (4.7L V8) 2WD has no traction in snow or ice. Very easy to drive and comfortable 6ft.2 220lbs.(2 trips NJ to Calif.) Gas mileage stinks...13-18mpg, no loads. Brake rotors replaced 28K, Left top ball joint worn (no recall yet)A/C needed charging, Right front hub and bearings replaced 49K, rear leaf spring noisy, transmission hesitation occasionally. Great truck to drive and haul but reliability really in question with only 49K. Probably back to Nissan or Toyota.
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Nice truck - 2002 Dodge Dakota
By joe - March 15 - 6:15 pmThis truck is fun to drive. The V8 is a must. Back seat is roomy for kids, but a little tight for large adults. The rear seat belts are the easiest Ive used for installing car seats. I replaced a poor fitting vacuum hose and need to take it in to take care of recall issues. Gas milege isnt the best. A lot of vibration when driving with the windows down.
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02 R/T - 2002 Dodge Dakota
By Dougzilla04 - August 9 - 2:00 amOverall, a decent truck. When it stays out of the shop i love it. but it has spent a lot of time there. My truck has about 32,000 miles on it now and i have to take it back for its second set of ball joints. In 2003 its spent about 3 months in the shop for mechanical and engine malfunctions. Dodges customer service was terrible. At four different dealerships i was not allowed to get a rental car paid for which i think was wrong considering how little i got to drive the vehicle. I know a lot of people that have Dodges and dont have the number of issues that i had, but after this truck i will be going back to toyotas and/or nissans for dependablity reasons.
