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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  Dakota Muscle - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By PatulDakota - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Absolutley the best vehicle Ive owned to date. Its my first truck, normally I drive small vehicles and dream about Firebirds and Camaros. But when you live in Central NY, the pony cars are useless. In 1999, I test drove my Dakota Sport 4x4 and owned it within 30 minutes. My first trip was from Utica to Buffalo for a Jets/Bills game (Jets won!!). I traveled in a blizzard with the 4x4 passing everyone on the NYS Thruway. I have 50,000 on it and it runs like it did on the first day!

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  sollar yellow - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By dak - June 15 - 2:00 am

  overall this is a good truck for the exeption of the auto trany that sleeps all the time when passing.

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  Great Truck - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By Jenn126 - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought at 68K, no problems till next year. Brought to Dodge for a recall and check engine light. They said I had to replace lower ball joints, turn brakes, clean rear breaks, bad oxygen sensor causing check engine light, and leaking thermostate. Total repair cost over was $1,000. I paid $70.00 for the diagnostic and left.Went straight to Good Year to check the ball joints, they said I needed NO repair. Was Dodge looking at the wrong truck or trying to take advantage of a female? Still havent had any of these repairs done after a year and the truck runs like a dream. Love my truck. The only repairs have been regular maintance and a new serp. belt.

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  POS from the beginning - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By John Jones - June 12 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle has had transmission problems and engine problems since it was purchased in April of 1999. I had it into the dealership multiple times to get it fixed and still have yet to get the issue resilved. Everytime I take it in for service, something else needs replaced or fixed and must be ordered.

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  Great truck, could be a bit better - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Rook - June 10 - 2:00 am

  (V8 Manual) I have been taking this truck all over the south, on highways, on dirt roads, a bit off road, and I love it. Powerful even uphill, very smooth and quite silent, except at high speed when the wind noise gets a bit too loud. The bed is adequate, but I really missed the extra .7 of a foot. I liked the manual transfercase better than the electric one. I tried a toyota tundra and it felt smaller than the Dakota, and I couldnt get a manual transmission for the V8. Why do some manunfacturers take the manual transmission away from V8s??

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  Awesome - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By kiphart - June 4 - 2:00 am

  I am a Former Ford Truck guy to staart with. This truck does everthing my full size Ford did, with more style and versatility. It performs more like a car in the ride but works like a full size truck. This dakota is just Awesome.

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  My 95 Dakota..a real trooper! - 1995 Dodge Dakota
  By benwah9779 - June 3 - 2:00 am

  I was leary of buying this truck being a 95 with 198K miles but the 318 has been a work horse! I just cracked 210K this weekend and nothing outside normal maintenance has came up. I haul cars almost every weekend and the truck has been outstanding for what I need.

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  Great truck - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Jim123 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Dakota. I thought I would try a Pathfinder and decided the V6 would not tow my small trailer. I went back to the Dakota Quad with the 4.7 and what a pleasure it is to drive. No problems with hills and I think the gas mileage is just as good as the Nissan V6. No problems so far and it looks great.

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  The best American-made - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By Greg S - May 31 - 2:00 am

  I researched the small truck market for months prior to buying. On paper, it came down to the Dakota, Tacoma, and Ranger. After the test drive, the Dakota won hands down. It had more muscle, better styling, the best ride, and it just felt more like I was in a real truck. The only negative is the gas mileage, which has surprised me only because its been a good bit lower than advertised. I am a big guy - 62", 250 lbs. - and this truck is easily roomy enough and comfortable enough for me to drive daily. The seats have never caused me any discomfort, even on long trips. After three years, Im as happy with my decision as the day I drove it off the lot.

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  Excellent Combination of Features - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By jwhite - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicle Ive ever owned, including an 89 Acura purchased new. The Dakota with 4.7 L V8 has excellent leg room for a 6 footer, more power than I can possibly use, an excellent sound system (infinity), a quiet cabin, and good structural integrity. I compared the Dakota with the Ford Ranger and the Toyota Tacoma. These vehicles did not offer the same level of luxury and features as are found on the Dodge.