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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  Great Truck - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By A Person - August 2 - 11:32 pm

  This was my first dodge. I bought it off a guy who put 130,000 miles on it. He drove on the highway to get to work every day, and he dropped the fluids religiously. The only issue Ive had with this beast is that I had to replace the water pump (expected for mileage). Since Ive got it, Ive abused and pushed it past its limit, and it doesnt stutter. You tell it to do something, itll go. Handles like a car.

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  Great old truck! - 1992 Dodge Dakota
  By Connie - August 2 - 11:07 pm

  Ive had this truck a long time...and its been great! Fun to drive ...dependable, strong engine, lots of power. I have over 240,000 miles on the original engine and aside from blowing a little smoke from worn rings...it hasnt missed a beat. The paint has always been a problem ...it looks a little rough....but Id never get rid of it, it runs waaaaay to good! It could be better on gas mileage, but with the standard shift....its not too bad. Id recommend one to anyone lucky enough to find one.

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  Great Truck! - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Silver - August 2 - 4:24 pm

  I have the Quad Cab 4x4 4.7 v8. It is the best truck I have ever had, I have had no problems, and I can tow anything anywhere, and fit my whole family in it comfortably! It is a wonderful truck, and I would recommend everyone to own one.

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  Happy with the truck - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Laramie1 - August 2 - 3:27 pm

  After seeing some negative words, I had to jump on and defend this little truck. Im not too demanding on the vehicle, but effortlessly pull my boat with it. Have found this truck to be responsive, easy to maneuver and reliable! Only problem ever encountered is vapor lock with a precocious locking gas cap, it makes the check engine light come on every once in a while after a fill up. Have had since new and am a very pleased owner.

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  i give it 8 gold medals - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By kylenewc - July 17 - 11:25 pm

  Not only is this the best mid size truck ever, no other comany has anything like it. powerful,fun,sound,comfort,room,and 4X4 is all amazing. to all the complainers about fuel millage, take a full size truck for a spin and tell me if its any better. the truck has given me some minor problems that about any truck would have.

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  OK - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By CC - July 12 - 1:04 am

  I bought my truck new. I must say at first I loved it, but 3 months after having it, it was in the dealership 3 times on warrenty. Then about a year later in the shop again. First 2 things were with the gaskets for exhaust manafold, 3rd thing was air conditioning, 4th thing Camshaft Position Sensor wnet out at 36,000 miles, 5th thing sensor went out again at 49,000. No warrenty, thank god my husband is a wrench otherwise it would cost me $500. Truck is a piece. Think about giving it back and take my loses.

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  my everything vehicle - 2007 Dodge Dakota
  By wendall wilson - July 11 - 7:32 pm

  Ive bought it 2 years ago,new off lot and love it.I live in country on old farm.fun to drive and handles great.got the 4.7v8,will smoke the tires(not reccomended)Looks good&comfortable.only trouble was bad tierods,covered under warranty.2 position tailgate lets me load anything I could with big truck.Gas milage not best,Have not tried flex fuel yet.should have got posi rearend.in 2wheel drive(in heavy rain) it gets loose easily.only paid 22000 new,with bedliner

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  Love my truck but mileage stinks - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By Broken Hearted - July 1 - 10:48 pm

  To start with I love my truck but milage stinks. I only get 10 to 12 miles to the gallon not 15 like it say in this review. In the last four years that I have owned this truck I have put three raditators, a water pump, new heater and thermisate. Also problems with transmission locking up in reverse. But I still love my truck and still feel it is worth more than the retail value they are listing for it.

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  Laramie Crew Cab 4x4 with 4.7L Engine - 2009 Dodge Dakota
  By Kent - June 30 - 12:33 pm

  I have owned three 4x4 Crew Cab Dakotas and this is my first Laramie. I love the comfortable leather heated seats, but what I love the most is the ride. This 2009 model gives the best ride of the past three that I have owned. The 4.7L engine has excellent power. I purchased the Mopar aftermarket tonneau cover and believe it has helped with gas mileage. I get 22 MPG on highway and 18 MPG going back and forth to work which is a 50 mile journey round trip. This is the best gas mileage I have had in any of my past Dakotas and also the best ride. The ride is smooth and really compares to the plush ride of a good car. Topping it all off is the premium sound delivered by the Alpine system.

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  ill stick to the dakotas - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By kots - June 27 - 6:39 am

  love the power of the 4.7 but not the gas it used up. inside the truck was fin but when the lach for the center counsle broke i had to undo the spring loaded hinge to keep it from staying open.also the radio controls on the stering wheel went out to but i used them alot.