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 11 through 20 of 109.00

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  My 05 Dakota - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By mike Lovrinoff - December 6 - 9:19 am

  I purchased my Dakota almost 2 yrs ago I drive a lot of highway miles. I find the Dakota stable at high speeds, comfortable, and the fuel economy at sustained speeds of 75mph not bad at 21mpg. I have the 6 cyl engine. Its not the peppiest engine but does an adequate job. (the Dakota does tip the scales at over 4,000lbs) The body is tight, the ride is smooth, and the bucket seats are comfortable for a big guy like me. My only complaint so far is that the the dashboard and radio lighting is inadequate in bright daylight. I cant read the letters and numbers on the radio! Overall the truck really is reliable, comfortable, and well put together

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  Move over Toyota, Dodge Dakota is back.. - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By david autry - November 19 - 6:36 pm

  Traded in a 96 Dakota with 189,000 miles. Dodge has been good to me, no trouble with ownership. 2005 Dakota is comfortably roomy and has power to move. Mileage on highway is 22.5. Love the design on the inside. It is bigger than the Tacoma. Love the satellite radio. 5 star crash test rating.

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  Great truck for my wife. - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Brett - November 8 - 10:17 pm

  We do a lot of long distance trips and this has been one of the best, if not the best, vehicles we have purchased. We feel safe and comfortable but not overpowering as some of the large trucks appear. Visibility is great, handling is above average, and we have the power to do anything we would ever need a truck for, like pulling a trailer or boat. I like to do my own minor service and to see how well this truck is constructed underneath is impressive. A very well built truck that is very easy for me to work on. The interior room is the best of all competitors. What a truck! Thank you Dodge.

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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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  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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  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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  Happy Dakota owner - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By dakotaowner - November 10 - 1:44 pm

  I have a 2005 Dakota Quad Cab Laramie with the 4.7-liter High Output V8 and All-wheel drive. The only way I recommend a Dakota is with the High Output V8. It has a better rear end, limited slip, and less restrictive exhaust. All of this adds up to better performance, better handling, and better traction. Add this to the Dakotas good looks and I think its a winner.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Eric - October 19 - 2:32 am

  I got this truck on my 18th birthday. I love it! Comfortable ride, dependable, V-6 -has plenty of power, smooth look. Chrome definitely looks nice on this truck. The interior could use a little work, but nothing major. Overall, I am very satisfied with my purchase. I also looked at the Colorado, and I am very satisfied with my decision. I recommend buying.

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  We love it! - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Ted Brown - September 6 - 12:44 pm

  Have owned 3 Dodge diesel pickups and was initially aprehensive about downsizing. I should not have been! This truck is as smooth and quiet on the Forest Service gravel as it was when driving it home. We spent its first weekend driving around the Ouachita Mountains in spite of the $3.00 per gal gas prices. Its that much fun! We will be towing our 17 travel trailer so we purchased the 4.7 L V-8 with 5 speed automatic and 3.55 rear axle. Although I want to put a few more miles on the truck before towing, there is no question that it will do a great job. Can recommend without hesitation. I am a recently retired mechanical and structural engineer and am pretty "picky". We love it!