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 1 through 10 of 109.00

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  Dakota drivetrain quality - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By ezcc - April 4 - 9:50 am

  The driveshaft that couples the front axle to the transfer case is ungreaseable and only lasts about 75000 miles the rear axles splines break and need to be replaced before 100000miles and the auto trans will be due for a rebuild at around a 100000 also, This all happens even if you change fluids and do maintenance as recommended in owners manual. This are very light duty vehicles, not really trucks as far my definition of truck goes.

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  Not for the money - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By ashbaugh - August 23 - 6:38 pm

  We bought our 2005 dodge 2 years ago. We have had nothing but trouble with it. The first thing that happened was that the gas gauge quit working, got it fixed now it only works half, yes have had it back to the garage to have fixed, they say nothing is wrong with the gas gauge. Now the newest thing to go wrong is the the 4 wheel drive is locking itself in and out. Took it to the garage they said it was the front controll module, had it fix, was that a lot of money. It is now back to doing the samething again and the garage says they cant find anything wrong with it. I will never own another dodge truck.

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  Very dissapointed - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By J&J NY - April 11 - 5:35 pm

  We purchased this truck used as a lease turn in, we bought it 11/2009 w/ 28,000 miles, nothing on a car fax (seemed "clean" w/ the remainder of a 7/70 warranty. Its 4 1/2 months later. This truck has been back to the dealership 9 (nine) different times, and a total of 31 (yes, thirty one) days! And is still not right, engine lights still come on (abs, air bag, service engine & brake lights) has absolutely no power for a v8 magnum (but likes its gas), steering feels "sticky" or jumpy. Dealer recommended us buying max care warranty, that costs over $2000. Thought about hiring a lawyer and going after a lemon law or something! I rate this Dodge Dakota slt quad cab at -0 outta 10!

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  Not real happy - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By suparman - April 6 - 6:00 pm

  I have the 4.7 HO motor auto trans and tow package truck was great for 4 months off of the dealers lot. then had lots of issues gets 10 miles to the gallon at 50 k miles the cats are bad fuel pump broke. not real happy with it. I bought the truck to support domestic companies but I am not going to make that mistake again.

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  Automatic transmission - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By flagship - May 22 - 1:47 pm

  No quality in the product. Chrysler and Flagship care less in selling the product. Got problems with the transmission thus not fixing the problem. The extended warranty is a rip off do not buy it. I will tell every body is see to dont buy a Chrysler product. Is the first and the last. Good luck, Chrysler. Regarding Flag Ship will eventually go in bankruptcy

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  Unsafe to tow with - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By michaellrar - April 27 - 3:50 pm

  Purchased this truck a year before I purchased the travel trailer I was going to pull behind it. Only made one trip with 24 foot travel trailer before parking the truck. Traveled from Little Rock, AR to Pigeon Forge, TN and back summer of 2006. It was the white knuckled trip from hell. The transmission and engine acted up the whole time I was pulling the trailer. Truck is rated for 7050 lbs and my trailer was 4000 lbs dry and 5100 lbs wet and loaded. Took it to the dealer 4 times to get it repaired. Each time they said there is nothing they could do. The 2008 model has the same engine but it is beefed up with more HP and torque but same towing limits. Hummm!

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  Dodge Dakota Quad Cab - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Sean - March 8 - 9:28 pm

  Purchased 2005 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab last year 1/2005. I have had both shocks replaced, it has been realigned 5 times, I have had it stall numerous times at a stop lights, problems with the transmission (torque converter, valve body and front pump just replaced 38000 miles) and the EGR valve. It has a horrible ride to it and it is getting worse. I am very dissappointed with this vehicle and will never ever by another Dodge or American made vehicle.

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  Dont buy it! - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Dave - September 15 - 1:07 am

  Can we say Lemon? I have never felt a worse vibration in my life. After 27 days in service and five attempts to fix, the dealership said "they all do it". DaimlerChrysler has agreed to give me full purchase price back and is allowing me to carry my rebates over to an 06 Chrysler 300. I wanted a mid-sized truck, but I am giving up. If you do buy, be prepared to vibrate. Some are worse than others, but we drove six new ones on the lot and they all did it to some extent. Mine was the worst the service department had seen, but they have had several others return with the same problem. They think it is the frame design but who knows.