Overview & Reviews

Finally realizing that a 120-horsepower engine has no business being in a 3,500-pound (or more) pickup, Dodge drops the 2.5-liter inline four from the Dakota's powertrain roster. An optional five-speed automatic transmission for the 4.7-liter V8 debuts, as does a Stampede package that provides the show but not the go of the R/T model. Speaking of the R/T, that model receives four-wheel disc brakes this year.

• Plentiful V8 power, alert transmission, spot-on suspension both on- and off-road, easily accessible and accommodating cabin.

• As thirsty as a frat brother, a bit big for serious off-roading, can get pricey if too many options are chosen.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 89.00

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  2003 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab SLT+ 2WD 3.9L - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By stevew - June 7 - 4:15 am

  The Dodge Dakota has been a great truck for me. I originally had a 90 Dakota that was still running great at 230,000 miles. Then I joined the Marine Corps and bought the 03 Quad Cab. The only problem Ive had with it was a crack in a rubber hose for the fuel EVAP emissions system - a simple inexpensive repair. After sitting in a parking lot for 7 months while I was in Iraq (twice), it ran perfectly for me when I returned (as well as after 2 one month trips to AZ.) It gets me 18 MPG (mixed) and has reached 20MPG (hwy) several times. Bottom line - I love it! I see myself driving this 1 for years to come and probably nothing but Dakotas for the rest of my life.

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  2003 Dakota Sport Plus - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Dusty - March 7 - 5:02 pm

  The Dakota has been a great truck with lots of power, a smooth drivetrain, rugged and reliable that remains quiet and comfortable. It is larger than models from Nissan and Toyota and that was the deciding factor in my purchase. It functions as a part time personal and work vehicle and does both more than adequately. My year-to-date fuel mileage is 16.82 and I can consistently get 20mpg carrying 900 lbs. of ATV and additional gear in the summertime. The 4.7 has excellent low end torque which I appreciate on hills and for towing. Mine has been reliable, with two recalls and one heater blower resistor failure. No rattles or squeaks after five years!

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  Dakota drives and tows just fine - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By gretjns - August 14 - 2:42 pm

  I purchased my 2003 Dakota new and have used it to tow a pop-up camper (3500-4000lbs) all over the midwest and points N&S. Minimal & routine service until 60k miles when f&r main seals had to be replaced along with AC head, thermostat, and a front wheel bearing which was loose. Otherwise its been a dream. Drives great, lots of interior room and cargo capacity. Handles well and looks great. Extended warranty is a lifesaver. Ill buy another when I wear this one out.

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  2003 Dakota SXT - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By GT - July 20 - 9:56 am

  Great truck. Had over three years with no problems in 28,900 miles. Original brakes and tires. Decent gas mileage for a 2WD, approximately 19-21 MPG on the highway.

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  Excellent Exciting Truck - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By D. m. - December 13 - 6:06 pm

  I love the 4wd option for heavy snow days and off the main road 2-tracks, as well as pulling trailers through muddy roads. With the 4.7 v8, we have plenty of power to pass on 2 lane highways and for towing my large tandem trailer. We have not had any bad mechanical surprises, only simple recalls for trivial stuff, nothing serious. My garden tractor fits in the box, if I take off the mower deck and stick it in by itself after putting the tractor in. So much to say and so little space. The ride is like a car and the view and trip computer contribute to the excellent driving experience.

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  Good till the last drop - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By spookctr - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Bought in October and loved it from the start. Good room inside and out. First week I had it I took it to New Jersey with 3 passengers and not a hitch. In december wen from maryland to minnesota it more comfortable than my car was. Coming back brought home a few thousand dollars worth of baby furniture no noticable performance drops and it handled the worse weather that mother nature could throw at it. Good all around even with the base engine and 4 speed auto-transmission. Oh yeah, fit both a infant carrier and a toddler seat in the back seat. Let me see you do that with even some fullsize trucks let alone any other compact trucks.

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  2003 Dakota Quad Cab 4x4 - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By rembrandt121 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I had a 1992 Dakota le Extended cab before this 2003 and the improvements are very noticable. The handeling is dramatically improved. The rack and pinion steering coupled with the improved suspension makes this truck handle like a sports car among trucks. The 4.7 V8 has more than enough power to handle most jobs. It doesnt get the best fuel mileage in the industry but it doesnt get the worst either. This truck is fun to drive and can burn up the roads if needed.

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  Best "Compact" truck around - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Godzirrah - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive Had it for three weeks now and besides being my everyday commuting vehicle (with kids in car seats) it tows my 20 boat famously. I own the V8 4.7L 2wd. I call my truch the baby bear truck as it fits all my everyday needs "just right"...I test drove all others on the market and the Dodge blows away the Tacoma, Frontier and Colorado. The closest was the Tundra but tons more cabin room with the Dodge at a lot less price.

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  I love this little son of a gun - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By sharkraider552 - May 6 - 2:00 am

  love this truck. drives like a dream, mine has the stampede package and i love it, cant say how meany comments people has said they loved the way the truck looks the inside is right on center console is really big if uhad o could hide a body in there dodge stole this ford lover and turned him into a dodge guy for now on

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  Dakota Quad/SLT+/4.7 with 5-45FRE Tranny - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Deselfitter - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Well behaved truck with good size ~not too large and not too small. This Dakota is a pleasure to drive around town and short trips. I am looking forward to longer trips when warm weather arrives. Fuel economy is close to EPA estimates, about 14 in towm and 19 highway. I expect further improvement with more miles.