Overview & Reviews

Finally realizing that a 120-horsepower engine has no business being in a 3,500-pound (or more) pickup, Dodge drops the 2.5-liter inline four from the Dakota's powertrain roster. An optional five-speed automatic transmission for the 4.7-liter V8 debuts, as does a Stampede package that provides the show but not the go of the R/T model. Speaking of the R/T, that model receives four-wheel disc brakes this year.

• Plentiful V8 power, alert transmission, spot-on suspension both on- and off-road, easily accessible and accommodating cabin.

• As thirsty as a frat brother, a bit big for serious off-roading, can get pricey if too many options are chosen.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 89.00

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  2nd Dakota - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By sixatbat1 - November 4 - 2:51 pm

  This is my second Dakota and I love it just as much as my first one which was an 04. This on is the quad cab 4x4 slt with the 4.7 automatic. Runs great with 122k. It does everything I need it to do, whether it be hauling wood, going on a long trip, or pulling Jeeps out of the mud. Speaking of mud, its difficult to get this truck stuck in the mud or snow. It was out in Nemo, the huge snow storm on LI in early 2013. I got through the terrible road/weather conditions with no problem whatsoever. Its a comfortable ride, and is very roomy on the inside which is great on those long trips. If you need a smaller truck that can do a full size trucks job, buy a Dakota.

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  2003 awd 4x4 slt, 4.7 V8 quad cab - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By slufscb - April 16 - 11:24 pm

  This is my Second Dakota. It is a good all around truck. I have over 200,000 miles on mine. I noticed my gas mileage has gone down since i have had the ball joints replaced. I get 14 mpg in the city and about 19 mpg on the hwy. Outside of normal wear of parts this truck has served me well. For an AWD truck it handles good in snow, rain and mud. I have only had to put into 4 wheel drive when I get stuck in mud. The size of the truck works well for our family, we are all 58" or less and the truck seems roomy to us.

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  03 Dakota SLT 4x4 - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Tyler D - July 16 - 11:10 am

  I have an 03 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab (full 4 doors) with the 4.7 and 5 speed auto. Man what an awesome truck, for the money there is nothing close to it. Car will giddy up and go whenever called upon. Tows my boat with no issues and will beat anything else on the road. The only vehicle out there with a REAL v8 in a midsized truck, if its got a 4 cylinder its not a truck! Toyota cant touch it and the ranger is too small, and in my opinion the sport trac is ugly, if youre looking for a good reliable truck get the Dakota. I average 17 mpg in mine with me stomping on it quite a bit, not bad.

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  I Love My Dodge - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Step Col - June 6 - 2:36 pm

  I love driving my Dodge Dakota! If I had to buy another truck it would be a Dodge 6 cylinder! My only complaints are thay could have a little more seat padding, bigger glove compartment, more under backseat storage and better gas mileage! Also being better able to see lighted up dash area and radio information when the headlights are turned on and more room underneath the light between the sun visors.

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  Favorite Vehicle of all Time - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Jim - December 22 - 12:02 pm

  I have the 5.9L engine and do not have 4WD so I get top of the range MPG 17 Not good but over all this is a great truck. Functional and striking good looks. I have kept the scheduled maintenance and have done nothing more to it...100% reliable. Have had two instances when I wish I had 4WD while moving around new construction site on wet ground...poor traction on RWD

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  Blue - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By BOB - August 27 - 11:12 pm

  well its very reliable, but theres no weight in the back, its only summer and it spins on gravel. and the trans slips hope theres a recall soon

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  Great Truck - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By A Person - August 2 - 11:32 pm

  This was my first dodge. I bought it off a guy who put 130,000 miles on it. He drove on the highway to get to work every day, and he dropped the fluids religiously. The only issue Ive had with this beast is that I had to replace the water pump (expected for mileage). Since Ive got it, Ive abused and pushed it past its limit, and it doesnt stutter. You tell it to do something, itll go. Handles like a car.

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  Great Truck! - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Silver - August 2 - 4:24 pm

  I have the Quad Cab 4x4 4.7 v8. It is the best truck I have ever had, I have had no problems, and I can tow anything anywhere, and fit my whole family in it comfortably! It is a wonderful truck, and I would recommend everyone to own one.

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  Good all around truck - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By avyator - April 13 - 10:14 am

  I bought the truck new and have had a blast with it. It has the Stampede package which caught my eye on the dealer parking lot. Bought it for fuel economy over my 79 Warlock and it has delivered promised fuel economy, 18 mpg for the daily 7 mile commute and 22 mpg on my annual trip to FL. The Stampede package really enhances the handling and styling. I tow two motorcycles regularly from state to state and the drive train is solid. Have 61,000 miles and have only had to do routine maintenance. Battery did quit suddenly at 5 years but thats about what you get from factory batteries. Wish I had gotten the extended cab but the styling didnt go with the Stampede package. Love this truck!!!

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  Only Dakotas - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By dakota dave - August 28 - 11:23 am

  I have been driving Dodge Dakotas since 1993, I have had 6, 4 new 2 used. Over 400k total. these trucks are bullet proof, very reliable stylish, very roomy in the quad cab back seat. the v6 & v8 both tow my large pop up camper with no problem. the Dakota is the perfect size it is not to small & not to large. my wife drives it more than her car. well I hope this little blurb helps you out. I look forward to my next one.