Overview & Reviews

The 2008 Dodge Dakota has a revised V8 engine this year. The optional 4.7-liter V8 now makes 302 horsepower and is said to be more fuel-efficient as well. On the inside, the Dakota receives a redesigned instrument panel, additional storage compartments, heated bench seats and the MyGIG multimedia system that includes a hard-drive-based navigation system. Other changes this year include new built-in cargo box utility rails, freshened front-end styling and a new limited lifetime powertrain warranty. There's also a new Big Horn trim (called the Lone Star in Texas) for 2008.

• Spacious cabin, class-leading V8 power, impressive towing capacity, respectable handling.

• Some low-grade interior materials, high price when loaded with options, limited body style configurations.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 21.00

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  Update to previous rating - 2008 Dodge Dakota
  By Dale - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Since last review with wiring problems, Ive had my Dakota on two out of state trips, and pull a 2800 lb. boat and trlr. fishing. I now trust my truck. Ill do 72 on highway pulling boat with a/c on. May turn off air on big hills. I can get 19mpg when using cruise, which surprised me since I have a steady foot. Plan on getting 265 tires, from the 245 stocked next spring if its no issue. I also plan on getting another warranty, I have lifetime drivetrain, but will research because know how business can be. Theyd rather tell you to sue, its about money. Dont know any other truck that will fit in garage, with the power, Toyota cant be trusted now. Waiting for wagon etc. with power, mileage.

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  Awesome Truck - 2008 Dodge Dakota
  By EMT Ryan - August 10 - 11:52 pm

  I was looking for a nice truck that was fully loaded, but wasnt too large. After comparing all of the models available, I noticed that the smaller, almost car-sized trucks were comparable to price of the Dakota. After taking it for a quick test drive, I immediately noticed that the V6 Magnum had the power that could be used if needed. Great interior - almost nice enough to be considered luxury - and all the features you could ask for. Great ride all in all. I average 18-22mpg combined, which isnt too bad for a truck this size. Towed my 16 foot, 1500lb boat with no effort. Nice stock stereo system. New design for the exterior makes the truck look much nicer. Great truck for the money!

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  Best overall mid-sized truck. - 2008 Dodge Dakota
  By Nice Truck - January 25 - 7:58 pm

  I wanted a truck that wasnt too big, but had enough grunt to work. Love the space the crew cab gives, wish the bed was about 1 longer. 4.7 V-8 is a great engine in search of a decent transmission. Very slow to down shift, yet wont up-shift in parking lots. 4X4 knob is in a poor location. Ride is a bit too stiff--the 07 was too soft. Handling is terrific for a truck, but I would trade a bit of handling for a less stiff ride. So far 14 mpg city 21 mpg highway, pretty decent for a 300+ HP V-8 4X4. Overall head and shoulders above the Ranger and Colorado, better looking than Toyota and Nissan. Best mid-sized truck out there

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  Great truck - 2008 Dodge Dakota
  By Tom - January 3 - 10:28 am

  I reseached this purchase before spending $27K, and nothing compared to the value received in the Dakota. Oh yes, all the magazines love Toyota and Nissan, however, these same magazines receive a heck of a lot more incentives from these manufacturers for the positive take. This Dodge is every bit as good, more powerful, more capable and better looking. Take advantage of all the incentives, compare, and youll come to the same conclusion---Buy it! You wont be sorry.

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  Great Truck - 2008 Dodge Dakota
  By builder04 - December 26 - 12:02 pm

  This is my 3rd truck in 5 years, and I must say my favorite. I bought the v6 because I drive so much and its better on gas. Love the looks of this truck, and the interior is like a luxury car. Never liked the exterior of the Dakota till the 08 came out. They are giving 08s away, mine was 10k off MSRP. The quad cab is very roomy, drives and handles way better than my 06 Titan. This is the top of the small truck class. I looked at and test drove a Canyon Z71 and a Nismo Frontier, and I was surprised that I liked The Dakota so much better.

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  Dakota truck - 2008 Dodge Dakota
  By Dale - November 20 - 10:41 pm

  Having done the research for a bigger engine to pull with, I decided on the SLT, V8, 4WD with 4 doors. Like the new design for exterior, and upsized engine. Lots of power, and average MPG is around 17.5 with the auto. transmission. First thing I noticed was trailer lights not working properly. A computer glich. This turned out to be a small recall. The truck came with a trailer harness when purchased. Now the blower motor quit and the interior lights. A wiring cluster behind the dash for the odometer has my HVAC wiring running through it. Why would they run a 40 amp fan through this? Ive been driving Toyotas since 1983. Considering going back to Toyota before my warranty expires.

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  Outstanding! - 2008 Dodge Dakota
  By REDNECKKID11 - September 3 - 5:52 pm

  Just bought my Dakota. Love it! I Love the off-road capability, the looks, style. Even its 3.7 L v6 performs great in towing, off-roading, etc.

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  Luv the new Dakota - 2008 Dodge Dakota
  By Phil in the Burbs - August 1 - 10:37 am

  Just picked up my 08 Dakota. Turned in a Ram for this little beauty. Very impressed with the looks, interior, and drive-ability of this truck. This is a very capable truck in a smaller package. Very easy for the wife to maneuver in traffic. Vehicle fit and finish is excellent. Better on gas than my old Hemi. Interior is very quite and the upgraded stereo is very crisp and clear. Really like the Sirius radio option. Had an issue finding room to store all my gear from the Ram. Solved by mounting on of the collapse-able bins from interior to the truck bed with sheet metal screws.

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  Does It All - 2008 Dodge Dakota
  By doug - June 18 - 2:20 pm

  My truck is actually a Sport w/V-8, crew cab. This is my 3rd Dakota. So far, my favorite. Its red, fast, looks sporty, handles great, rides good, doors open wide, seats firm and supportive, tows, looks good anywhere, best warranty of anyone. Traded down from full-size Chevy. Like this better. Easier to get in and out of and wife likes the size. Mileage is 21-24 on highway driving sensibly. City is lower of course. Acceleration is matched by nothing else is its class. Brakes and transmission work flawlessly. When you turn on your truck, does it return the favor? Mine does!

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  Nice size truck - 2008 Dodge Dakota
  By Gerard - May 20 - 9:29 am

  Did some research on this truck and the ratings I read are true. My mpg on highway at 71 mph at 65 degrees, little wind, is around 19 mpg the truck had 65 miles on it. The V8 has some good power. Got the Laramie package with the trailer tow package. Truck pulls 3000 lbs real good. Love the black metal flake paint with the chrome front end looks like a Harley truck. Truck gets a lot of looks, Dodge did a good job on redesigning the front clip. Ride is pretty good for a pickup truck.