4 Star Reviews for 1998 Dodge Dakota

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.06/5 Average
60 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The Dakota R/T, featuring a 250-horsepower V8, is available for those seeking a performance pickup. The passenger airbag can now be deactivated in all 1998 Dodge Dakotas, so a rear-facing child seat can be used. The Dakota is also available in three new colors.

Pros:
  • Dual airbags, tight turning circle, Ram styling, roomy cab, optional V-8 engine, optional ABS
Cons:
  • No third door option

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 60.00
  • This Truck HAULS! - 1998 Dodge Dakota
    By -

    I feel fortunate that this has been a pretty reliable (American) hauler. Fuel pump (in tank) failed under warranty and the differential gears were unnecessarily replaced in an attempt to fix a "clunk" noise when braking hard and turning into a drive (apron). Other than that, routine maintenance. Im 62" tall and the seats fit great. Pulls a car hauler and sometimes heavy loads of gravel, dirt, etc. No problem. The 5.9L engine is a old school, but very dependable one. Lots of grunt. I love my "Art-eee" truck.

  • 2 Dr SLT Extended Cab Standard bed - 1998 Dodge Dakota
    By -

    I just sold my Dakota after 6 years. Over all I really liked my truck and was proud of it. It was fun to drive and anyone that drove it liked it. It was comfortable with plenty of room in the front seat for passengers but the back seat was not comfortable for adults. The bed was a good size for anything I needed. I got an average of 18mpg, up to 23 and as low as 9mpg when pulling my boat.

  • Just good enough - 1998 Dodge Dakota
    By -

    The brakes have always left me with the feeling that they are not adequate for this vehicle. I have to use considerable leg strength to stop quickly. There has been a strange thump/jerk in the steering wheel ever since I have had the truck and has gotten worse over time. I have had the front end aligned and checked several times. Steering is awful, the truck wonders while going down the road but everything is within "tolerance". Power is great and fuel economy is average, 15-17 mpg.

  • superior ride - 1998 Dodge Dakota
    By -

    45000 miles and only one warranty repair ever needed-cruise control once went out. replaced shocks w/beltech nitros to stiffen up ride!

  • 375,000miles. No Overhaul - 1998 Dodge Dakota
    By -

    3.9 V6 engine/auto-trans origonal. New limited-slip differental, cheaper than stock, 250,000mi. Uses Amsoil,oil analysis& bypass oil filters. 120lb compression. Courier use, 250-350mi per day. Ethinol in gas=2MPG less.Cloth seats look new. Killer heater A/C.

  • Great Buy - 1998 Dodge Dakota
    By -

    Ive had my Dakota for over 3 years now and I love it. Value, power, everything is the best. Id recommend this truck to anyone.

  • Issue with catalytic converter - 1998 Dodge Dakota
    By -

    I LOVE my 98 Dakota. It has performed reliably, except in one dept: I seem to be replacing cats annually. A rattling begings to develop when the engine is pulling (I enjoy pulling Gs out of my V6 w/ low geared rear-end). Dodge warranty has replaced the cat twice, and a muffler once because part of the cat went down the pipe and damaged the muffler. I have discussed my need for acceleration with the Dodge Boys and didnt get any indication that my driving is affecting the cat. Dodge wont evaluate the O2 sensor when they replace the faulty cats.

  • Ping, Ping, Ping, Boom, Smoke - 1998 Dodge Dakota
    By -

    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?

  • Rides, and Looks GREAT!!!! - 1998 Dodge Dakota
    By -

    This truck is near perfect. I love the looks and handling. I can push, pull, haul, and drag just about everything. This truck is very hard to get stuck. Very fun to drive. Great for Hunting.

  • Looks and Feels Great But Quality Sucks - 1998 Dodge Dakota
    By -

    This truck starts falling apart at the seems after 50K miles. It drives great and is very comfortable, but poor quality. THANKS UAW!!!! The UAW has turned me off from ever buying another American car.

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