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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  The best purchase Ive ever made - 1993 Dodge Dakota
  By jp - May 19 - 1:52 pm

  By far, very little will compare with my truck. Its got 177,000 of hard miles and its still going strong. Brakes last forever, same clutch. Other than a water pump, radiator and a belt, it all still original. Ironically, the biggest flaw I found with the truck is the gas gauge went at 95,000 miles and I have to use the trip odometer to know when to get gas (the gas light still works).

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  Great reliable truck! - 1994 Dodge Dakota
  By Cormak - May 11 - 11:49 am

  I bought my Dakota in 2002 with 40K and it has dependable since the day I purchased it. It now has 108K and I still love driving it. Its had minor repairs only in the last year or so and they have been easy and inexpensive fixes. My only complaint is the clear coat is pealing in some spots, but clear auto spray does the trick to protect the paint. Great size inside (love the back bench seat!)Great size outside, perfect for hauling my hay and grain or furniture, no blind spots like the new Dakotas, great drive, good on fuel for the size.

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  Ever Lasting - 1990 Dodge Dakota
  By Mentalmike1981 - May 6 - 1:34 am

  My dad bought the 90 dakota back in 1998. Just recently in 09 did the truck become undrivable due to a electrical fire under the hood. Up until then the entire family used this truck. It always was ready to go. The paint did fade and peel requiring a new paint job. Other than that the truck was very durable. It oulasted alot of other vehicles the family has had over the years. I would recommend this truck to anyone.

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  My Smooth Dakota - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Nigel Key - May 5 - 7:00 pm

  Ive had my 2004 Dodge Dakota for 13 years havent gave me any trouble handle against other trucks. good with towing capacity is wonderful when I move. this truck has Powerful speed for a magnum 3.7 v6 Im not going to sale or get rid of mine it Dont burn that much gas Ive Recently got it painted Back to The same Color.

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  best dakota ever - 1993 Dodge Dakota
  By mopar512 - May 3 - 11:24 pm

  My dad got the truck with 300 miles in 92, he gave it to me in 08, great truck, awesome to drive, its smooth n its a v8 and its a Dodge it cant get any better than that, I got a dual exhaust, with a cherry bomb extreme sounds awesome

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  2001 dakota quad cab 4x4 - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By eddie - April 26 - 7:29 am

  truck has 197,000 and still running strong. 4x4 works great and has a 4.7 v8 that will get up and go. great truck!

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  BUY A V8 ! - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By FULLER - April 24 - 2:30 pm

  If you bought a V6 dont complian about power . You bought a v6 duh. The V8 screams and the only problem i have is getting traction to break inertia,

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  Love This Truck - 1995 Dodge Dakota
  By Sailorboy3309 - April 22 - 11:20 am

  I got this truck from my grandmother after my grandfather passed away. I used it for 2 years then put it in the back yard when I bought my 02 Ford Focus. I never had a problem with the truck but had constant problems with the car. I joined the navy a year ago and sold the car because I wouldnt need it. I just got back home and went to my grandmothers house and saw my old truck back there and offered to buy it again from her because it was so great. I only have to replace a battery and after all the years it hasnt been run I started it up and she runs great. I also had a flowmaster exhaust put on her and boy does she purrrr. I love this thing.

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  Runs like a champ! - 1991 Dodge Dakota
  By tice75 - April 18 - 5:24 pm

  I am the second owner of this vehicle, but it has been in the family since new. The truck was lightly driven for the first 13 years, and then Ive put on more regular miles (approx. 15k a year) since 2004. This truck is a rock and maintenance wise fairly inexpensive to own. The major work Ive had done on it since Ive owned it is a new drive shaft, new transfer case, and a new power control module.

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  First impressions - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Dodger - April 13 - 5:09 pm

  Just bought my 04 from the orig owner with less than 22K miles on it. 4.7 V- 8, 5 speed auto, optioned out with most everything except for some reason, no power seat. Its a quad cab 2WD with 3.55 antislip rear axle. Ive only put about 500 miles on it so far, but can say that Im impressed with the ride, the engine, everything. Getting 19.5 mpg in mixed city/freeway driving (30/70), and this little 4.7 will flat get out and fly if you want it to. Of course, my reported gas mileage is obtained by using that power sparingly. Exhaust has a resonance right at 1700 rpm (60 mph in 5th) that I dont like you can sense it in other gears as well as you pass through that rpm.