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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  05 Dodge Dakota 4.3 v8 4x4 - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Jason Landen - July 28 - 6:54 pm

  Pos transmission has gone out 3 times in 4 years. I will not pay to have it "fixed" again.

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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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  Not the best, Not the worst - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By 350rocket - June 22 - 11:01 pm

  I have the 3.7 with just over 80,000 miles. it runs phenomenally considering the amount of torture ive put it through. It does lack power and torque. however, it is a reliable vehicle. the 4x4 to be quite honest should be used strictly for what it was designed and not mud running. I get just over 11 miles to a gallon, which is disappointing but, again this thing just keeps running. The only real issues Ive came across are having to replace the entire front suspension and all four o2 sensors. I highly recommend that if you are to own one of these trucks especially the 2005 that you have advanced knowledge in mechanics, otherwise you might as well just give your paycheck the garage.

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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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  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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  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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  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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  No More Chrysler Trucks for me! - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By No More Chrysler - April 16 - 7:20 am

  Bought this car new. I have the V8. Mileage is terrible even for a truck. Now have 60k miles on and have had it in the shop numerous times for front end problems. Drive train is also noisy. Terrible acceleration. A white knuckle towing machine! (Dont do it!)