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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Reliability - 1992 Dodge Dakota
By bigman - May 28 - 2:00 amIve had my Dakota for 2 1/2 years. It starts on the first turn of the key every time even in Minnesotas cold winters. Yesterday for the first time, it didnt start. Thats because I left my lights on while I was at work all day. I got it jumped and everything was fine.
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Dakato club cab V8 4x4 - 2002 Dodge Dakota
By scott101 - May 26 - 2:00 amThe only complaint about this vehicle is the gas mileage. Granted its a V8, but it still should get a higher mpg average.
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go dodge go - 2002 Dodge Dakota
By PRJOHNS69 - May 25 - 2:00 amTHE V-8 OPTION IS EXCELLENT. THE FUEL CONSUMPTION IS POOR. TEST DROVE THE 6 CYL IT IS VERY WEAK. CHECK YOUR DEALERSHIP OUT. THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE PURCHASED OUR DODGES WOULD RANK A 2 AS FAR AS HONESTY AND SERVICE.
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Love my Quad - 2002 Dodge Dakota
By franzia - May 24 - 2:00 amI had a 2000 Dakota club cab, but I needed more room in the back because my two little girls are not so little any more. I was going to by a SUV (Liberty), but once I drove the 2002 Quad cab I was sold, plus I got an excellent deal.
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Nice Truck - some issues - 1997 Dodge Dakota
By Cookie - May 20 - 2:00 amNew lower balljoints 65k,new front brakes at 60k. Dodge Service fouled fuel injectors and rails while installing new fuel pump at 55k and tried to charge another $1300 (offered no explanation). I cleaned them myself for two bucks and found the coating inside the tank was deteriorating and ruined the pump. They reintroduced the contaminated fuel after replacing the pump. Dont go to Dodge boys for repairs!!!!!!! Air conditioner problems and heater inadequate.
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Dakota Review - 2002 Dodge Dakota
By Kruk - May 18 - 2:00 amGreat all around truck with mean styling and ground clearence.
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Dodge Dakota Quad Cab SLT - 2002 Dodge Dakota
By KCKettridge - May 13 - 2:00 amOverall, we really like this truck for its roominess, versatility and comfort. The Quad Cab is great for families with kids or an extra adult or two. The back seats three kids comfortably or two adults with good head and leg room. Its quite and comfortable ride are well appreciated on longer trips. Although the gas mileage could be better, giving its weight and size, it is better than some full size, regular cab trucks.
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Excellant service. - 1996 Dodge Dakota
By BDNebeker - May 12 - 2:00 amExcellant service , it has only 51,000 miles, It gets up to 19mls per gal.
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Issue with catalytic converter - 1998 Dodge Dakota
By Bryan64 - May 10 - 2:00 amI LOVE my 98 Dakota. It has performed reliably, except in one dept: I seem to be replacing cats annually. A rattling begings to develop when the engine is pulling (I enjoy pulling Gs out of my V6 w/ low geared rear-end). Dodge warranty has replaced the cat twice, and a muffler once because part of the cat went down the pipe and damaged the muffler. I have discussed my need for acceleration with the Dodge Boys and didnt get any indication that my driving is affecting the cat. Dodge wont evaluate the O2 sensor when they replace the faulty cats.
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Truck with Comfort - 2002 Dodge Dakota
By DaveO - May 10 - 2:00 amI have the 4.7L V8. This engine is very refined and smooth. I cant get enough of driving this truck. Its comfortable, quiet, rugged, and quick. It handles great and looks good while doing it. The infinity sound is pretty good. Very clear. This truck is roomy and fun to drive.
