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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  Ping, Ping, Ping, Boom, Smoke - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By Harvey Cedars - May 9 - 2:00 am

  5.2L, 5-speed. Was a superb ride till I hit 12K miles, then engine started pinging. Got worse and worse until it sounded like the engine was full of ball bearings. Tried high test gas, then brought to dealer which twice did all TSB checks. Finally submitted to Chrysler arbitration, who tried to reneg on their promise to buy the vehicle back until I mentioned the magic phrase "EPA". Delivered it back to Dodge on 12-23-00 with 36K on the clock and pinging, burning oil (1QT every 700mi.), and a terrible grinding sound in the front when cold. Chrysler service sucks!! Ive had CC cars all my life - never again. Quality has gone to the dogs. Where is Lee Iacocca when they really need him?

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  Dakota Quad Cab 4x4 4.7L/5spd - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By diirk - May 8 - 2:00 am

  We ordered the 4.7L motor with the 5spd manual tranny. A really fun combo. We also added the LSD and towing pkg and pw/pdl/overhaed console and bed liner. A nice way to go because theres nothing you really need to add to the truck. We were able to pull our friends 22TT without any problems and its and older heavy model.

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  I love my Dakota SXT - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Brenden Humbert - May 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2002 Dodge Dakota SXT single cab 2WD back in November of 2001. It has the 3.9l V-6 mated to a 5- speed manual and a 3.55 rear axle ratio. I love this truck and highly recommend it. Ive taken it on a few long trips and it is fairly comfortable. Being that I am only 18, I admit to driving this truck extremely hard. So far, it is not giving me any problems at all. Every now and then it makes some weird noises but they dont seam serious and everything has checked out alright. I love this truck! It is very fast for its weight and considering that it is only a V-6. No Ranger, S-10, or any other truck in its class can even come close to comparing.

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  Great Truck! - 1991 Dodge Dakota
  By kristen - May 3 - 2:00 am

  So much power for such a light truck- handles like a sports car...many things break at same time...favorite vehicle ever owned-

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  perfect - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By hulk444 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  perfect truck thanks dodge

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  one tough truck - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By mailman - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck for the 4 door mid- size, having kids when I need to haul. Love the way it rides, but it will jump up if you go fast over a bump, it may lose control. I have the maroon paint which looks nice, but all scratches show, so I would change colors next time. Had a linex liner sprayed in back, excellent. No problems yet, knock on wood.

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  dodge fan - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By d1that2 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Good power poor traction, fun to drive, comfortable but cab should be a little larger. Very nice looking truck. Short bed but designed to carry 4x8ft.sheets if tied down.

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  Dont Drive it in the Rain!! - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By 6290 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  As I titled it, no traction in the rain. As I approach 25K miles with the original Goodyear tires, what will help my traction in wet weather? Probably nothing. Even with weight in the back, still cuts loose with light pedal. Zero problems except the catalytic converter quit 2K ago. Replaced for free and a cheap glove compartment latch that broke the first week I had it.

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  Dodge - Lives up to its name! - 1995 Dodge Dakota
  By ipfreely - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Typical Chrysler product! A/C system has failed 4 times, total repair costs exceed $2500. Transmission failed twice ($3200). Radiator replaced ($300). Electrical system failures ($600). Valve lifter collapse (est $1200 to fix). Steering rack ($1100). Five sets of tires in 90K miles because the front end wont stay in line. Paint peeling off. Radio display quit at 50K. Never has seen over 14 mpg on highway. Unless it comes in on a tow truck, dealer "cant duplicate the problem".

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  Victors 1995 Dakota - 1995 Dodge Dakota
  By Victor Williams - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this truck for daily transportation and towing travel trailer. Added aftermarket ignition and exhaust to improve performance with good results. Only serious problem was a water leak into cab that took 7-8 visits to dealer to finally fix. Heavy duty suspension and towing package well worth the $$ . Extremely pleased with it.