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 51 through 60 of 109.00

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  1 year later - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By BlackDak - June 21 - 4:16 pm

  I bought my 05 Dakota about a year ago and after 24000 miles I have had no problems at all. Fuel mileage was about 18 hiway, before the exhaust and air intake changes, now its about 20. Fun truck to drive and off road it does very well.

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  The Right Truck - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Jake - May 20 - 9:40 am

  This is a great truck. It is the right size and power level. The interior is well thought out and is welcoming without detracting from the "truck- ness." The 2005s have a better warranty and are identical mechanically and almost identical visually. I have only had this truck for 1600 miles (about 2 1/2 months) and aside from a catalytic convertor problem that was promptly addressed it has been a strong runner. I was wanting a full-size but the gas on those is horrible and for all practical purposes, this truck can tow and haul the same as them (unless you have a massive boat or something at which point you would probably get a deisel) and isnt underpowered like the other midsize trucks.

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  My Dodge Dakota - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Mark - May 17 - 2:26 pm

  This truck has it all in one versatile package. I can haul 4 adults, a load in the bed and tow a large boat at the same time comfortably. I get decent fuel economy, 18 to 19 mpg in mixed driving but I stick to posted speeds mostly. My kids love the DVD system and the stereo is kicking.

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  A True Mid-Size in a class by itself - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Glen J - March 28 - 9:09 am

  I am very happy with my Dakota! After owning a Ram for many years I was hesitant to downsize, but my wife didnt like driving fullsized trucks. The Dakota is a perfect compromise between the smaller competitors and full-size trucks it has more room for the family, but is still easy to drive. It truly is in a class by itself and is often compared to the cramped feeling compact trucks that are not true Mid-size trucks. The Dakota can actually tow loads in the full-size range, it is heavy, solid, roomy, and has plenty of power (with the optional 4.7HO) to meet the needs of most. It has an aggressive look and nice interior. We have owned many Dodge vehicles and so far this is the best one yet.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By cwestbrook - March 2 - 7:47 am

  I wish I would have opted for the V8 but this truck serves my purpose of light hauling and travel very well. There is a little drag in take off, but the truck rides as smoothly as it can and I have thoroughly enjoyed owning it.

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  My first Dodge - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Mike - February 23 - 12:40 pm

  A loyal Ford truck person, I thought I would try something different.Price and research brought me to Dodge. So far, so good. A basic truck w/AC. My commute in L.A. takes me 86 miles round trip. Handles well in traffic, although brakes are a little "spongy". I am impressed with what Dodge has done with the Dakota.

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  Honest - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By nick - January 31 - 7:48 pm

  Good looking truck, paint excellent, fun to drive, like the way it sits with optional 265 tires, like tie down brackets in bed, very quiet on highway, good dash layout, great deal from dealer.

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  Best in Class - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By handyguy - January 29 - 10:41 am

  After owning a Ford Ranger and looking at all the available vehicles in this class, purchasing the Dakota was a no brainer. Its roomier, quieter, smother and better handling, especially in corners where the Ranger had a tendency to feel like it was going to flip over. The lack of storage, if you forego the center console, is is very annoying. There is nowhere to store your cds except in the door pockets, which is less than ideal. The rear seat also leaves much to be desired in the club cab. with such generous headroom in the rear, they could have raised the seats a couple of inches, which would go a long way toward making the seat more usable for those over 5ft tall. Overall, buy it!

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  Ohhh Yeah - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Zuproc - January 3 - 2:11 pm

  Finally a truck that is not just comfortable but has a sporty look and feel. This is not just a work horse but if you are on the highway your higher up like most trucks but you dont feel like your dancing with the steering wheel just to stay in your lane. It is a car in disguise.

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  Neat Truck - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Dakdude - December 29 - 3:46 pm

  I find the Dakota a fun truck to drive. It feels very solid and handles well. I like the interior and exterior design, vey well thought out. One exception would be the location of the transmission selector. It needs to be more centrally located. Sound system is really good. Some things that could stand improvement are the fuel economy. Although it stckered at 17 city and 20 HWY (I think), I have yet to break 17 on the HWY! Also, 4WD gets a little stubborn at low speeds in snow, kind of like surging or something. All in all, however, I really like the Dakota and would recommend it to anyone looking for a tough midsize truck to have fun with.