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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  2005 Dodge Dakota SLT Quad Cab 4WD (3.7L) - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Bill Smith - December 8 - 10:42 am

  I have owned this truck for 5 years now. Picked it up used threw brand new set of michelins on it and was set. I like the truck due to the high feeling in the truck even though its not. I got the 6 Cylinder not expecting good performance and better gas mileage. The 4WD works terrific and the motor is in great shape. One thing i have noticed with these dakotas is the right rear fender rusts. The only money i have put into the truck is oil changes, brakes, sound system, and gas. i enjoy the truck like you would want to. Now to the negative side. The trans has started to act up like a year ago. It slips every now and then but is not bad atleast yet. 6 months ago i put this substance to help the trans and i havent felt it slip yet. I dont have a v8 but my point of view if your going for a v8 just get the full size. i can still tow my trailer and have tools in the back. Now it would be nice if i could get the long bed. I may have a long bed fabricated in. Ive seen a review complaining about gas mileage. What do you expect with a v8?

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  Driving 2005 Dakota 4x4 QuadCab 8 Years - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By cool_breeze1 - May 31 - 10:28 am

  I would call this an average vehicle with average performance and average reliability. Gas mileage, performance, comfort, reliability not awful but not great, mostly in the middle leaning towards the better side. I have the towing package and hear that the truck is great for its size, however I have never towed with it, owned it since 2007 and do not know whether previous owner towed. MPG has crept down over the years to around 14 city, 18 highway - wish that I had purchased the 8 cyl since the day I got this one, as the smaller engine has made no difference in mileage but a lot of difference in fun, 8 is better. Average maintenance, minor warranty work on heater fan motor, OK truck.

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  great mid size with heart of a full size - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By daveydoo - January 1 - 5:37 pm

  Perfect size for urban areas. Has 4.7L with 5 speed transmission with normal maintenance is still strong. Returning 16.2 combined driving. With 138631 miles I had to replace front shocks and rebuild front suspension due to feeling floaty and steering no too crisp. Interior is perfect for four full size adults.

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  I really want to love this truck but I cant - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By hoogoosedmoose - September 10 - 2:49 pm

  I bought this truck new in the summer of 2005. there was a year end clearance sale and I got a good deal on it. V8 engine, 4 wheel drive, very comfortable seats and drives and handles well. The plastic used on the doors is ultra cheap however, the dash is a little better but not much. having 4 wheel drive for ohio winters is nice, this is not a truck made for heavy 4 wheeling. I knew that buying it though. I cant get over 15mpg no matter what I do. for what the mileage is it should have a lot more low end grunt. that and a lot of times the transmission feels like its in the wrong gear a lot. like it should downshift faster when hitting the gas

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  Sucks Gas! - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Rolle Bolle - July 19 - 4:02 pm

  To the Dodge Dakota Engineers, I would recommend this truck to anyone, but I wont because my 2005 V6 gets realistically about 11 miles per gallon. Ive been told by every mechanic that there is nothing more they can do to improve it. I would upgrade to a newer model, but after 5 years of record high gas prices, you never improved the gas mileage. Get a clue!

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  decent truck - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By chris - January 14 - 9:55 pm

  over all its been a good truck it is what i expected from a mid size truck i have had it 5 years only one problem at 20000 miles the tie rods went bad that was a little disappointing to have that happen so soon especially when i never use it off road and the paint jobs are very poorly done scratches easily

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  I like it despite a sometimes jerky tran - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By dodgeman - December 16 - 11:23 am

  Bought mine new. Love the look once i changed the wheels and tires out. The interior room is great. Only problem / complaint is with the transmission. Since 36K miles this trunk will from time to time jerk shifting from 1st to second. Comes and goes. Was worried at first but now with 77K miles not so worried. It is a guys truck. I like it.

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  Its OK, Lots of power - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By FMH - May 27 - 8:15 pm

  I got the 4.7L v8 new and i have owned the vehicle for 60,000 miles. I get 16.9 mpg. The biggest and only issue i had with this truck was the oem front braking system that only lasted a few thousand miles. Lets just say after the nightmare of having to deal with there service dpt. I finally had enough and just spent the money and replaced all the front braking system. Suspension could also use some work.

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  I messed up this time - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By L. Duke - November 2 - 10:07 pm

  As much a Dodge fan that I am, this is not looking good. I have a vibration problem, the suspension is very soft, the front end pulls and clunks. I am very dissatisfied, and this will probably be my last Dodge.

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  My truck - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By meatman - May 8 - 6:45 pm

  Truck is solid all around. Fun to drive and looks sharp. Is not to good on gas for a 6 cylinder, and does need some more power under the hood. Great in mud and sand. Towing power is not to bad for the size of the truck.