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 21 through 30 of 89.00

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  NICE LITTLE TRUCK - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By SMOKEY-2 - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I ALWAYS HAD DODGE TRUCKS, THIS 2003 DAKOTA WITH THE V6 AUTOMATIC IS A GOOD LITTLE TRUCK. GOOD POWER, EASY TO PARK AND I REALLY LIKE THE 4 WHEEL DISC BRAKES. THE BASE MODEL HAS A NICE SIZE INTERIOR WITH CLOTH BENCH SEAT.

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  Unbelievable - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Looking63146 - January 5 - 2:00 am

  After 3 long years driving a boring 1997 Ford Thunderbird I am finally enjoying driving again. This truck goes exactly where you piont it.

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  Dodge has a winner! - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By DeGrooter - December 26 - 2:00 am

  My previous truck was a 95 1500 Ram 4x4. Loved it to pieces. Probably should have never have gotten rid of it. But this Quad cab with the 4.7 V8 and optional 5 speed trans is quite the ticket. Most of the time Im the only driver, but when it comes to hauling people and equipment, this is the truck. Nice size bed for a Quad cab medium sized truck. It sure shouldnt be compared to the small trucks, because it isnt. Its roominess should be compared to the Ford F150. Power from the engine does everything I want and need. Chrysler got the drivetrain perfect. Gas mileage isnt a problem. I consistantly get 16 MPG with the 3.55:1 gears.

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  Good truck - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Chewie88 - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed this truck so far. It has benn on one long trip already and was comfortable for the ride. I do think that it could have better gas mileage.

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  Great truck - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By skeerdude - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Overall an excellent truck.I actually have a 4.7 liter V8 Dakota

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  QUAD CAB PLEASURE - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By HANK - September 25 - 2:00 am

  MY DAKOTA SLT QUAD CAB IS LOADED WITH ALL ANYONE WOULD WANT IN A SUV, LET ALONE A TRUCK. IT RIDES LIKE A CAR WITH THE GREAT VIEW AND COMFORT OF THE DRIVERS 6 WAY POWER SEAT. I HAVE THE 5.9 LITER ENGINE AND I AM GETTING MUCH BETTER MILEAGE THAN THE REPORTS SAY, 16 CITY AND 20 HIGHWAY. I FIND NO FAULT AT ALL WITH THOSE NUMBERS FOR THE ABILITY TO TOW LIKE I CAN. IT IS ROOMY AND THE LEATHER BUCKET SEATS MAKE IT EVEN MORE A PLEASURE TO RIDE IN DURING A LONG TRIP. DODGE HAS A GEM IN THE DAKOTA AND IT SHOWS. I AM EXTREMELY HAPPY WITH MY DODGE QUAD CAB AND IT IS ALL I EXPECTED AND MORE.

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  2003 Dakota QC 2WD 4.7L 5-45RFE - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Proud Dak QC Owner - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Excellent truck after 4,500 miles. Other than for minor paint imperfections in the a few areas, there has been no problems. This unit has an automatic transmission with 3.92 drive ratio hence, harder on gas than with a 3.55 ratio. IMHO, wish the option of the Power Tech 4.7L HO engine was available. Price of added options are a little high.

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  good bang for the buck - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By The Dinger - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I would encourage anyone thinking of buying what amounts to a midsize entry to the compact class pick up truck. Its chief competor is the Toyota Tacoma nough said. The choice was pretty easy for me too. With a 3.9L V6 engine, responsive handling, and a high-up snug feeling suspension, youll find this truck a pleasure to drive, on road or off. My only complaint is that there is not enough room to rest my arm on the seatbacks, old school country style. My uncle used to say, "comparisons are odious." And I never knew quite what he meant by that. But if it comes down to a Toyota Tacoma or a Dodge Dakota...well, go out and buy one.

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  Love It - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By shellfish - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I Love My Dakota. Never Any Problems. No Snow Was Too Much For The Truck To Handle. Roomy And Comfortable. And Affordable

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  Excellent - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Deucebmac - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Excellent off-road and on! Would buy another in a heartbeat!