Overview & Reviews

The midsize Dodge Dakota is all new for 2005. Improvements include a hydroformed boxed steel frame, a coil-over front suspension, three excellent engine options, a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission, revised styling and improved build quality.

• Strong engine lineup, choice of part-time or full-time four-wheel drive, comfortable and refined interior, nimble handling.

User Reviews:

Showing 31 through 40 of 109.00

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  Nothing like it on the market - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By oroblram69 - December 12 - 2:43 pm

  Nothing like it on the market.

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  Good Truck - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Jason - December 8 - 10:34 pm

  Happy with the truck. I have had it for a little over a year. Did have to replace tie-rod ends in it a couple times, which I hear is typical for Dakotas. Gas mileage leaves a lot to be desired (about 13-14 mpg in town). Power is good and pulls my boat with no problem. Roomy cab is nice and actually fits adults in the backseat. Off-road performance is adaquate. Feels like it cant take a lot of abuse with tough terrain and ground clearance is a concern. Overall, I am happy with it and would buy it again.

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  Great Truck So Far - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Chris - September 6 - 6:20 am

  Ive only had this truck a short time, but I am impressed with the build quality, appears to be much improved over previous Chrysler products. The ride is very comfortable for a truck, and the handling is above average for a truck. Everyone likes the looks, mine is black and it seems to look better than the other colors. By the way, I have the V8 with the tow package, the pull down will only allow me for the V6.

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  Tough. Period. - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By theRock - July 22 - 9:12 pm

  This is a 2wd 4.7 v8 auto w/3.55 rear SLT. No problems, at 29k replaced w/17" plus size rims and tires from Laramie Ram 1500. Much better ride quality after that as well as slight increase of apx. 3/4 mpg. This is very basic engineered as a truck should be, although front end design is far superior to previous trucks. It is tough, muscle like in design. I have made a few mods such as duel exh., chip, intake, all very subtle changes. Great to park vs. full size, huge towing capability. Engine is happy to scream at times. Quick for 4000 lb. truck. Excellent room inside (two huge kids fit great back there).

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  One of the best Ive ever owned! - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By macgeekvt - July 4 - 10:14 pm

  Ive owned several Dakotas from the two previous generations and have had mixed results. The redesigned Dakota showed significant refinement in build quality, ride, handling, reliability, performance, style and just about everywhere else. I couldnt be happier with my 2005 Dakota! My only complaint is that it can be a little gas thirsty.

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  Overall experience owning this truck. - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By John B. Daily - May 24 - 5:15 pm

  Since buying this vechicle I have enjoyed the handling and its ability to tow a bass boat. I bought it a little early, because I did want it with the new 4.7 L. H.O. engine. The regular 4.7 L. seems to be a very proficient engine, but gas economy could be better. The front seating space is adquate for a person 6 or more. The backseat does lack enough space for adults if travling long distances. The full-time 4 wheel drive performs flawlesly either in rain or snow With the 17" tires the handling is great and shows very little wear over 25,000 miles of travel. Most people would be pleased to own this vechicle. The size is just right for my wife to drive and park.

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  Disappointed - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By GDC - May 14 - 4:03 pm

  I purchased this vehicle new. This is my third Dakota. This model is a big disappointment. The fuel tank had problems venting. This required several trips to dealer to repair. They finally replaced the tank. Two tires blown at low speed. The speedometer sticks when cold. Battery died with barely 20 months This unit has been in the shop for weeks during its many repair activities. This product has turned me away from considering any new Daimler or Chrysler products in the future due to the pathetic quality and service.

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  Content in CT - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Neil in CT - May 13 - 12:19 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for almost 2 years and I am very happy with my choice. It has been reliable and it drives really well for a pickup truck. The only downfalls about this truck are gas mileage and the cheap looking plastic interior. Although the gas mileage is not very good, I realize that pickup trucks are not the most economical vehicles on the road anyway. I also like the interior room and the Quad cab is a big bonus. Overall, I would recommend this vehicle to anyone interested in a mid-size pickup.

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  I love this truck - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By SixSpeedJunkie - April 12 - 6:09 pm

  This truck is my first new vehicle, and it has turned out to be exactly what I wanted and needed. I have the six speed manual transmission which I love, sports package, and I got it in 2 wheel drive. The gas mileage is terrible, at 16mpg being the best I have gotten, but its hard to stay off the gas when driving a truck that is this much fun.

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  Good car, bad truck - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Nic - April 5 - 11:39 am

  This is the least offroad capable four wheel drive truck I have ever used. The four wheel drive basically has a two wheel drive suspension that makes it sit so low to the ground that the ground clearance, approach angle and departure angle are most car-like than truck-like. If you never plan to leave the the road it is a capable vehicle that rides well, is comfortable, and tows well, but if you do avoid this truck like the plague.