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 21 through 30 of 109.00

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  Think Twice at Least - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By shooterschmidty - August 6 - 11:02 pm

  I was atracted to the Dakota due to the low price but now wish I had spent a little more up front and bought a Frontier or Tacoma. It rides well around town and on the highway, but offroad it is very disapointing. The ground clearance stinks, and the approach angle is even worse. It needs at least another 2-3 of suspension to be worthwhile offroad. Oh, and front tow hooks and skid shields arent even standard on the 4X4.

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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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  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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  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.

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  Great Pickup - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Craig - December 19 - 3:02 pm

  Awesome truck, bast improvement over prev. generation Dakota. Interior could use better quality materials. Glove box is extremely small considering size of dash. Cloth material on seats looks and feels cheap, love the heated part though. Dont like the vast sea of plastic on the dash and doors, that could change without hurting my feelings one bit. The V6 is a vast improvement over the 3.9. Much more responsive, smoother, and quieter (until you get above 3500 RPM). Plenty of get up and go for around town driving and adequate passing power for the Interstate. Instrument panel is well lit at night and easy to read during the day. Base sound system is excellent as well. A very good truck to own

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  Dont believe your dealer - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By jlharley - November 12 - 10:01 pm

  I really like the truck with the exception for the rear end vibration when you use the brakes. I asked the dealer before i bought the truck if there were any items of concern and was told no. I returnrd 3 days later to the service department to check out the vibration I felt. The service look at my truck and said oh yea you have the model that has a SRB out about vibration. We have 6 or 7 trucks waiting to get fixed.

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  Love it But could use a little more room - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Sam - October 27 - 9:11 pm

  Great Truck, Drives Smoothly, Accelerates quietly, room on the interior, V8 is a must though, drove the V6 and it had no pick up. There are a few major blind spots, but its a fix that takes about $5 to fix. bed is useable but could be a little deeper, I have a cover on it and have trouble putting some coolers underneath it. Only complaint, theres no where to put things, the glove compartment doesnt even fit the owners manual! Dodge is normally good with storage, but not in this case.

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  Satisfied So Far - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By After A Long Search - October 19 - 8:26 pm

  I looked for a replacement vehicle for 2 months, drove all kinds of cars, trucks and vans and decided on the Dakota mainly because of its size and price. Got it new for just over 15K which was 8K less than the sticker. I couldnt come near that on any of the competition including the compacts. It has a heavy, secure feel. The gas mileage is 16 mpg so I figure its costing me 15 cents per mile to drive this truck. Oh well, better than being cramped into a tacky Kia.