Overview & Reviews

Powertrains are carried over, but everything else on the 1997 Dodge Dakota is new. Distinctions? Tightest turning circle in class, roomiest cabs and dual airbags are standard. Faux pas? No third door option, and the passenger airbag cannot be deactivated, so a rear-facing child seat is out of the question unless you cram it into the rear of the Club Cab.

• Dual airbags, tight turning circle, Ram styling, roomy cab, simplified model lineup, optional V-8 engine, optional ABS

• No third door option, cannot use rear facing child safety seat in front seat because passenger airbag cannot be switched off

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 46.00

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  All around good to go - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By danny - April 3 - 4:03 pm

  I am very happy with my truck. As long as I take care of it, it seems to take care of me. The V-6 has the all the power I need and the size is perfect for just around the house needs. It is fun to drive and comfortable to drive. I have only had to do the best maintance work to it. It is the base model so it doesnt have all the features, but thats what the base model is. (basic) It is a great buy and I would buy again

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  Pretty dissapointed - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By Justin - March 6 - 7:42 pm

  Got the truck 4 years ago with 29k now have 100k...Get the 5.2 or 5.9 if you get a 4x4. Have a extended cab 4x4 with the 3.9 and it is terrible, wont even stay over 70 in hilly areas or long trips.The design is beautiful and the build qaulity is good. no rattles, things broken etc...been in two wrecks and both times totaled other cars and simply busted my bumper (Mitsu Montero suv and a Toyota Camry. I have had a problem with the speedometer going crazy and the dealerships cannot figure it out. been in and out for 3 months, I am selling it....

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  Good truck - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By lil ram - January 30 - 11:10 pm

  Good power, plenty of room for gear and four wheeler. Only drawback is that the tranny is weak, 44RE tranny is not the best tranny for constant towing on a daily basis, but a good weekend warrior.

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  Loving it! - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By Scott - December 1 - 6:24 pm

  I have only owned the Dakota for a few months but those few have been awesome! The truck has not given me any problems and is a blast to drive. The V6 has given me plenty of power and the truck holds the road great. The only thing I would want to change is the gas mil1age... 11.5mpg for a V6 is horrible.

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  Best little truck - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By Leonard McCarty - November 16 - 12:20 am

  I got my Dakota when it had 27,000 miles. It now has 127,000 miles and, except for a few minor replacements, has run great. It handles smooth and corners solid. The doors still close with a "thud" and the ashtray light still comes on when you drop it down! Ive always admired people who drove a Dakota, and now I know why. I have the 5 speed manual transmission and the clutch is still tight after all these miles. My friend has a Ranger, same year, and hes replaced his clutch twice now!

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  Dakota - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By webert1 - March 23 - 9:36 pm

  Vehicle rides well and is more than adequate for hauling stuff around. Many trips to Home Depot and not one thing that could not be hauled home. I would recommend this truck for the average person who needs something to do the light household chores that need to be done. I occasionally tow a camper, but would not recommend it for long trips and hilly terrain. The truck seems to work a lot when you are pulling a camper.

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  Great truck! - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By BobG - February 8 - 6:03 pm

  This has been the best truck Ive owned of three. The performance is wonderful, but at the price of gas mileage (15 mpg) is not so hot. It rides like a car and is both quiet and comfortable. I love this truck and Ill probably drive it till the wheels fall off!

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  Great truck! - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By BobG - February 8 - 6:03 pm

  This has been the best truck Ive owned of three. The performance is wonderful, but at the price of gas, mileage isnt great (15 mpg). It rides like a car, and is both quiet and comfortable. I love this truck and Ill probably drive it till the wheels fall off!

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  Awesome Truck - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By the_koof - January 30 - 5:02 pm

  This is my first vehicle and am approaching 190,000 miles with relatively trouble free use. Only problems so far have been the water pump giving out, dirty sensors, and the power steering pump also giving out due to an accident early in the trucks life. Other than that it has been trouble free. I absolutely love the truck and will buy another when this one gives out except I would opt for the 318 V8 as the 3.9L V6 is gutless.

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  One Awesome Truck - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By the_koof - January 15 - 11:44 pm

  This is one tough little truck. This is my first vehicle and I have beaten on it even though it had 174,000 miles on it when I got it. Now it has about 190,000 and its still running like a champ! It only has a V6 so it is not very fast and I wish it had the 318 V8. Has very rarely let me down. Only parts that have failed are the power steering pump (was going out for a while after an accident early on in its life), the water pump and dirty sensors. Other than that, extremely reliable and very recommended. Never had a transmission problem either.