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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  fuel economy - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By shaun l - April 9 - 2:02 am

  I noticed right away I wasnt getting the proper fuel economy I thought I should get which was 12 city 15 hwy. I made some timing adjustments and a basic tune up, in 4 years the best hwy mpg Ive gotten was 18 mpg. Dont expect any more than that. Another problem Ive encountered is severe wheel hop at hwy speeds, it almost jumps off the road when you hit a bump. Very very unsafe. FYI... dont forget the change your ball joints, if they havent already gone out, they will!

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  Big red truck - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By suzanne webb - February 18 - 6:57 pm

  Very dependable. Lots of fun to drive. Great load capacity. Did not think I would like a truck but this one is great.

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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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  Fun Truck - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By handyman - November 4 - 7:20 pm

  I bought the truck from a private owner with 63,000 miles on it. Starts and rides like a new vehicle. Only problem I found was a warped front brake disk. Since grinding it no more clicks. Use it every day and sometimes overloaded, full or empty runs all the same. Fuel efficency is lousy (14 mpg) and A/C only cools to 48 F, which is within specs but in summery Florida we need all the cooling you can get. Overall highly satisfied

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  2003 Dakota SXT Regular Cab - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By consultfirst - October 3 - 10:02 pm

  Fun truck to drive with the 5-speed manual transmission. Truck is perfect size between compact and full size. Too bad they stopped making the regular cab version.

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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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  03 Dakota - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By tommy - August 5 - 11:57 am

  We purchased our 03 Dakota Reg. Cab SXT RWD for $13K. It was a nice "beater" car for my dad for work. But we have clocked on average of 12-15 mpg city and probably 19 highway. We had to replace the tires at 20k and then again and 45k. We were in a minor car accident with it where we tapped the back of another car on a freeway ramp, and it caused $400 damage. The plastic hood-release lever, broke off and had to get it replaced. The A/C conked out when he had 100-degree plus weather, which we took the repair shop and he found out that not only the cooling pump was shot but there was a cylinder- 6 miss-fire which couldve been dangerous if it died on the highway.

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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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  4x4 3.9 Dodge Dakota, What a Joke - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By chris - May 25 - 9:44 pm

  By far the worst pickup truck Ive ever owned up to this date. From the second I drove it off the lot there was nothing but problems with my 2003 Dodge Dakota. The list is unfortunatly too long to list everything. Lets just say that now Im having problems with my airbag! Like I said, everything wrong with it. This is a poor excuse for a 4x4. Absolutely no power to the tiny 3.9 lawnmower engine it has. Transmission makes the engine race and yet never pulls into gear. And lets not forget that when driving it constantly feels like youre dragging an anchor.