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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  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 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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  Awesome Silver R/T w. orange stripes - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By silverrt03 - June 2 - 3:21 pm

  I can honestly say I think my truck is awesome. It majorly burns rubber. 360 V8 kicks major rump. Since there were a limited amount of these for the last official R/T i am proud to own one. Leather seats, another rarity are very comfortable. Infinity sound system awesome dude. the only bad point is that my truck only gets about 13 miles per gallon on average. in the city try 10mpg. Other than that i really like my Dakota.

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  Avoid 4.7 V8 engine!!! - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Stein - June 2 - 11:03 am

  Ive had my truck for almost 6 years and have loved it until now. Over the past 6 months Ive had to replace thermostat (not a huge deal) then the radiator and now Im told the 4.7 V8 engine has a possible blown head gasket with only 88,000 miles. After finding this out Ive read NUMEROUS accounts of the same problem with this engine.

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  Good all around truck - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By avyator - April 13 - 10:14 am

  I bought the truck new and have had a blast with it. It has the Stampede package which caught my eye on the dealer parking lot. Bought it for fuel economy over my 79 Warlock and it has delivered promised fuel economy, 18 mpg for the daily 7 mile commute and 22 mpg on my annual trip to FL. The Stampede package really enhances the handling and styling. I tow two motorcycles regularly from state to state and the drive train is solid. Have 61,000 miles and have only had to do routine maintenance. Battery did quit suddenly at 5 years but thats about what you get from factory batteries. Wish I had gotten the extended cab but the styling didnt go with the Stampede package. Love this truck!!!

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  Friday afternoon off the assembly line - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Ken - December 5 - 9:22 pm

  Nice truck, but at 31k the tranny would lock in 2nd gear (they called it limp mode) any time it went through a large puddle. Replaced 2 sensors several times to no avail. Dealer stopped covering the replacements after the third event. They contacted Dodge in 2007 and told if the sensors lose sight of the ground, they do this to avoid an overspeed. Told them to bypass the sensors all together, seemed to work. However, in 6 years it went through 2 wiper motors, 2 blower relays, the tail gate failed twice, seat broke once and it leaked (they tried to fix that twice). Guess it was the Friday pm one. Anyway, traded it in the day I got the title. Have a Tacoma now.

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  Only Dakotas - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By dakota dave - August 28 - 11:23 am

  I have been driving Dodge Dakotas since 1993, I have had 6, 4 new 2 used. Over 400k total. these trucks are bullet proof, very reliable stylish, very roomy in the quad cab back seat. the v6 & v8 both tow my large pop up camper with no problem. the Dakota is the perfect size it is not to small & not to large. my wife drives it more than her car. well I hope this little blurb helps you out. I look forward to my next one.

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  Gas hog - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Tim - August 10 - 5:16 pm

  I bought this Dakota 4x4 standard cab 2 years ago. Boy what a mistake. This thing sucks gas so fast you can watch the gauge move about 13 mpg in the city. I had a 1990 Dakota and it was a fine truck so had no problems buying this one until I got it home. I am 6,3" tall and have no room to move in it, its pretty but not a good deal. So far the battery, water pump muffler and tires have all taken leave, also the center caps that come with the wheels will not stay on had to get the chrome ones that Dodge has replaced them with. I drive this truck back and forth to work (22 miles a day) thats all I can afford at $4.00 a gallon and go through $40-50 a week. Poor in snow.

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  red truck - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By John - July 24 - 8:44 pm

  Ive had a blast with this truck and without any mechanical problems so far. Its fun to drive and I can get my family of 6 in the quad cab without a problem. Adults might be a little tight in the back seat. The AWD handles great but is always thirsty for gas. The 4.7 L V-8 is a great sized engine for this truck.

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  Northeast Driving - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By YanksSck - May 25 - 7:15 pm

  I inherited an 03 Dakota 2 years ago. I live in the Northeast and not having 4WD pretty much just doesnt work out. It gets stuck every time there is more than 3 inches of snow on the ground, and slides all over the place in any snow or ice (which is pretty much 3 full months a year). Piling weight in the back just doesnt seem to help. The fuel economy is terrible for a 2wd vehicle, my count is about 18 mph highway at best but i have got as little as 8 city. The Truck would be fine in a snow less region, but if you live in a cold climate look elsewhere. You can get much more traction power without sacrificing too much in MPG.