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:
Showing 1061 through 1069 of 1,069.00-
Great truck - 2002 Dodge Dakota
By DerrickH - July 22 - 2:00 amI just smashed my dakota, I hit a person in the wrong at 45 mph. I walked away. I had a regular cab 4.7 v8 5spd with 3.92 and anti-spin. Cheap insurance and a truck that ran 14.8 in a quater mile stock! I will get another one since this one was totaled. No problems ever.;
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My 1st compact truck in a decade! - 2002 Dodge Dakota
By Porsche4U - July 22 - 2:00 amMy Dakota has the 4.7 engine and this "fuels" my only complaint. POOR gas mileage. Its even worse than my 2500HD Chevy truck with a 6 liter engine. We currently own a Mercedes 320, BMW M3, Porsche C4S and the Chevy mentioned above. My Dakota is as good as anything Ive got and lots of fun to drive. I will update this information as I accumulate miles and work on the gas mileage with less restrictive intake and exaust. For now I would definitely recommend this truck! PS: I had to rate "reliability" to be able to submit this review, but havent had it long enough to make true comments about this.
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2000 4.7 Auto Quad Cab - 2000 Dodge Dakota
By ahasher - May 12 - 3:06 amLove this truck. The handling and power are well above what I expected for a "mid"sized truck. The 4.7 V8 accelerates flawlessly and has power on demand on the interstate. At 47500+ miles she still has NO rattles/noises inside the cab, very low wind. NO excessive tire wear for the mileage(with my regular rotations). Problems encountered: engine rough idle. Crank Shaft Position Sensor failed. The electric aux fan relay stuck on, damaging the fuse box, dealer replaced with a loaner Durango the whole wait. My brakes chirp constantly even with cleaning. Summary: QC still performs as good as the day I drove her home.
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Cant wait for end of lease - 2000 Dodge Dakota
By MerleB - April 22 - 10:00 amA year to go on my lease and I cant wait to get back into a car. This truck combines poor gas mileage with mediocre performance, a great combination. It is truly gutless. Ride, handling and braking are also poor. It desperately needs a third door for rear seat access which is truly awkward. It is also helpless during Michigan winters without snow tires.
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Bad Quality - Nice Ride - 2001 Dodge Dakota
By nwdodgeguy - April 17 - 10:00 amBeen in the shop twice so far at 24,000 miles. Worst problems: 2 oil leaks from the oil pan and rear main seal, and a tranny leak from the output shaft seal. Bad hub bearing replaced.
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Dodge - 2005 Dodge Dakota
By Robert J. Darragh - November 20 - 7:20 amWhen you sit inside you feel like your in a full size truck. The ride is great,and it handles very good.This is a great truck.The 4 doors are great, the back seats are great.The price of the full size trucks just shocked me when I was looking to buy. This listed for 23949.00 and I bought it for 21214.00 I paid that 10 years ago for a F-150 4x4 XL with no A/C. THE PRICE IS RIGHT compare to other trucks this size. And for a 4x2 It looks like a 4x4
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my dodge - 2004 Dodge Dakota
By nate mac - November 4 - 2:00 amthis is an awesome truck. it is great for towing a 4-wheeler or taking the family on a trip. i have a 6 month old baby and this truck is more convienent than our car.
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Dont buy one - 2004 Dodge Dakota
By morticiahobbs - November 4 - 2:00 amIt is in the shop every other month for something different. Loose wires, catalytic converter, ignition, name it and it goes wrong. I wont buy another one and as soon as I can I will trade this one in. I cant trust it to get me anywhere.
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Ram On!!!! - 2005 Dodge Dakota
By jim - February 2 - 6:46 pmHave owned 25 trucks in past 20 years...Dodge has done it...Best truck Ive ever owned...Get one Today.
