Overview & Reviews

It wasn't until the late 1980s that Dodge got serious about competing in the compact pickup market. Instead of building another bite-size truck to scrabble for sales against strong-selling imports, the company created the Dodge Dakota, the first-ever midsize pickup truck. Size has long been the Dakota's chief advantage over the competition, as it slots neatly between cramped compacts and hulking full-size trucks. When Dodge introduced the Dakota Quad Cab in 2000, it was the first relatively small crew cab to offer truly comfortable seating for four adults.

In addition to its in-between size, the Dodge Dakota has tended to ride smoothly and handle predictably on the road. The Dakota was also the first smaller pickup to receive a V8. However, with leading import brands getting comparable performance out of their more fuel-efficient V6s, the latest-generation Dakota was at a competitive disadvantage. Due to slow sales, Dodge discontinued the Dakota after the 2011 model year. A replacement is rumored to be in the works, however.

Most Recent Dodge Dakota
The third-generation Dodge Dakota was produced from 2005-'11. For that last year, however, it was officially renamed Ram Dakota. Trim level names varied throughout the truck's run, but the main ones were ST, STX, Sport, Laramie and TRX. There were also special models offered such as LoneStar and BigHorn.

Initially, the Dakota featured a 210-horsepower V6 or an optional 4.7-liter V8 good for 230 hp. A six-speed manual transmission was standard, while the V6 could be equipped with a four-speed automatic and the V8 with a five-speed auto. A 260-hp high-output version of the V8 joined the show for 2006. The 4.7-liter V8 got a considerable power bump to 302 hp in 2008.

Freshened styling also debuted that year, as did a redesigned instrument panel, additional storage compartments and an optional MyGIG multimedia system including a hard-drive-based navigation system. The manual transmission was discontinued for 2010, while the navigation system was killed off a year later, along with the TRX4 off-road model. On the plus side, antilock brakes and side curtain airbags were made standard on all Dakotas. With earlier models, these were included in the optional Safety Group.

As expected, the Dakota was available with two-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive; however, on high-line models you could get a full-time 4WD system -- an unusual feature in this class. There was no regular cab configuration, so buyers had their choice of an extended cab (known as the Club Cab) or crew cab (Quad Cab). The Quad Cab is the way to go if your truck will serve as a family vehicle, but unfortunately, it had a short 5-foot 4-inch bed, and Dodge offered neither a longer bed length nor a factory bed extender. Club Cabs had 6-foot 6-inch beds.

In road tests and reviews we found that the third-generation Dakota was one of the better candidates for daily commuter duty in the compact and midsize pickup segment. It boasted comfortable seating, abundant storage and simple controls. When equipped with the V8 engine, power was ample. Downsides to this midsize truck included low-quality interior materials, lackluster fuel economy and a harsh ride quality.

Past Dodge Dakota Models
The second-generation Dodge Dakota (1997-2004) features virtually all the strengths of the more recent truck. Spotty reliability is the one downside. Only standard and extended cabs were available from 1997-'99. In addition to the Quad Cab's arrival in 2000, a more potent 4.7-liter V8 joined the lineup that year, replacing the old-tech 5.2-liter V8. If you want a six-cylinder Dakota, 2004 is the best year, as the more powerful 3.7-liter V6 pre-empted the aged 3.9-liter V6.

Performance buffs will want to consider the Dakota R/T, a bona fide sport truck sold in regular cab and Club Cab versions from 1998-2003. Unlike the R/T from the third generation, which was little more than a cosmetic package, this Dodge truck had its own engine, a torquey but thirsty 5.9-liter V8 rated for 250 hp and 345 pound-feet of torque, and a sport-tuned suspension.

The original Dodge Dakota, on sale from 1987-'96, was also a solid truck for its time, but the ones you're likely to run across on the used market are likely to be well-worn. It's best to confine your search to the 1992-'96 model years; In '92, Dodge introduced a new family of V6 and V8 engines, bringing a much-needed increase in performance and refinement.

User Reviews:

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  Awesome truck! - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By HateDodge - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I wonder why people never say anything bad about dodge dakota

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  My Dakota - 1992 Dodge Dakota
  By Bacspinner - July 13 - 2:00 am

  If you are looking for a reliable, then you have found one. I put mine through Hell , and it stood strong. The only bad thing about it was that I am 6 foot 2, and it is a bit small on the inside. If you are into quality sound, then the dakota is for you. It is incredible for pure sound because of how small it is.

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  Best small pickup on the market - 1992 Dodge Dakota
  By Buehlz - July 10 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 2 1992 Dodge Dakotas both sports and both short box. Regret loosing both of them. First one was a V-6 that I lost to a roll over accedent and the second was a V-8 that I traded in (Stupid!!!!) The V-6 was decent on gas and the V-8 what can I say. You dont buy a V-8 with worrys about MPG

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  Great Truck - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By big_george - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Have a 92 Dakota Club Cab and needed more room in back for my kids. The Quad Cab is perfect. Ride and handling are great, seats are confortable on long rides and cabin is pretty quiet when I leave the kids at home. Love the power of 4.7 V8 engine have a 3.9 V6 in the 92 and that engine is weak. Both trucks have automatic transmissions. My gas milage for the V8 (14/18)is not much different from the V6 (14/19) but have to use 89 octane in the V6 to keep it from pinging. The V8 uses 87 octane no problem. Get the V8, youll be happier.

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  blown engine at 45,000mi - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By Louis Quaranta - June 26 - 2:00 am

  I leased the truck new and changed the oil every 3000.At 45000mi the engine died.Ive had a very bad experience with the truck. I had to replace 3 catalitic converters in 3yrs. Ive had nothing but problems since I bought it. This is to bad because it nice to look at but ran bad. I will never buy a dodge again. Dodge might not even help me with the repairs. So Im very dissapointed in the company.If anybody has any sugestions please let me know.

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  happy with it - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By johnny - June 24 - 10:00 am

  Excellent truck with noticeable advantages to larger trucks. Easy to get into and use bed - lower to ground. Only drawback is 15 mpg average.

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  Amazing!!!! - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By DakAtak - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful to drive....amazing 0-60 times for a 4X4. And amazing off road capability!! Plus I am getting 18 mpg in the city and around 25 on the highway!!

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  So far, an excellent truck - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By RDT - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Have had the truck 2 years before it had to go to the shop with a minor problem with pollution control. No other repairs since purchased. Excellent power with the V8 even when towing. Good handling in the snow with 4WD. Excellent wear on the tires. Just about time for new front brakes but that is because of a lot of towing trailers without electric brakes. Would definitely buy another.

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  My 99 Dakota - What was I thinking??!! - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By Bman99 - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Here is the scoop: There are countless sqeaks and rattles coming from under the hood. The right front wheel has not been right from the start as I constantly hear a thump when I turn. When applying the brakes the truck shutters like an out of whack washing machine. The tires, oh the tires, they are HORRIBLE. Even on dry blacktop, when turning I slide. The interior is less than impressive and the gear selector blocks the temperature controls. The extended cab seat is only good for people with 12" legs. Do yourself a favor and stay away if you value your life.

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  perfect truck - 1992 Dodge Dakota
  By 92 Dak - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought my truck for the simple fact that it has a V8 in a little truck, I wanted a little hotrod and I got one. This truck runs great looks perfect and has never let me down! The only bad thing is it has a small gas tank so in town driving must be kept to a minimum!