Overview & Reviews

For the 2004 Dodge Dakota, a new 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter Magnum V6 replaces the previous 3.9-liter engine, while the R/T model (along with its ancient 5.9-liter V8) is dropped and a Stampede Appearance package debuts.

• Most powerful engine in its class, quick-shifting transmission, spot-on suspension both on- and off-road, easily accessible and accommodating cabin.

• Below-average fuel mileage, low-tech interior design, can get pricey if too many options are chosen.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 114.00

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  Winter Mustang - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Lizard - October 24 - 11:02 am

  After researching, just bought this off-lease from Mopar dealer. 2004s were built during Daimler "marriage," so lets hope for decent quality/reliability. Apparently, 4.7 L Magnum is only 5% thirstier than sluggish V6. I bought this 4x4, as I store my 06 Mustang (from harsh salt, Canadian winters). Box will come in handy for Reno projects, too. May add cat-back exhaust for better sound & fuel economy. Recent combined, stop n go Toronto traffic + 120 km/hr (70 mph) highway yielded 17.6 imperial mpg. Really didnt want/need full size p/u. Rangers/S10/etc, is too small in rear (ok for small kids), Dakota just right size. 1/2 price of Nissan/Toyota V6 Quad. Local driving, so $1.00 a liter, is ok

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  Gas Mileage - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Pep - August 24 - 8:22 pm

  This has been one great truck. Never been in the shop except for tires and rotation.

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  Still Goin Strong - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By marki - July 27 - 12:45 pm

  Have now had my 2004 Dakota Quad Cab 4x4, V8 for nearly 4 years. Still loving it. Its fun, reliable, comfortable, handy to haul stuff, plenty of power etc. I dont know why others complain about the fuel - I consistently get over 20mpg on the highway. Usually 22 mpg. My 2002 Dakota w/ the V6 did the same but it was dangerously gutless! I do yearly maintenance & have had no problems. (My 2002 Dakota V6 had several recalls & other issues!) I love this truck & will not get rid of him for a long, long time!

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  47k mile review - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By teejay - May 24 - 5:26 pm

  Well after 47k miles I thought I needed to write another review. So far this truck has performed like a champ. I do perform my preventative maintenance without exception. I changed the transmission fluid to synthetic @ 36k miles and the rear differential fluid to royal purple synthetic at the same time. I just changed my sparks plugs and cleaned my throttle body. I also put new ceramic breaks pads on @ 40k miles. I hope to get 200k out of it. I also use Mobil one synthetic oil every since 10k miles.

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  6 cylinder misfire - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Maurice Thomas - March 31 - 11:38 am

  The check engine light comes on about the #6 cylinder misfires. Engine is losing pressure. I found 2 others with the same problem in their 04 Dakota.

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  Engine Replacement - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By roguedogg420 - March 26 - 5:27 am

  I cant believe that no one else mentioned this. After 16,000 the check engine light came on...brought the truck back to the dealership who told me the head was cracked. Ordered a new head (took a month) and it was replaced. 2 days later check engine light is back on and vehicle has no compression. Engine had to be replaced (took a month because they were on backorder due to several similar cases). New engine has a constant ticking sound. Saw another Dakota owner who told me the SAME THING HAPPENED TO HIS!!! 2 Dakotas in the same area!!!

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  Its a truck Ill miss - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By 2lman - March 18 - 2:51 pm

  Just traded in our 2004 Dakota Quad Cab 4x4 w/4.7L V8. The only reason why, poor gas mileage. Other than that we love this truck, super super reliable! We bought it new, put 42k on it and only had to put on new tires and change fluids as recommended. No problems at all and would have kept it but with the kids all in school now, my wife wants to back to school and finish her degree and the school is about 45 miles away and with only getting 12 mpg cty and hwy, we did get 14 mpg once with a strong tail wind, when we tow our boat it was 10 mpg maybe 11 mpg. We are all going to miss this truck!!!!!! We bought an 08 Jeep Liberty to replace it.

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  Couldnt be happier - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Happy Mopar Owner - November 9 - 10:30 am

  I bought this truck 4 years ago and havent had one single problem in 25,000 miles. Not a hiccup! This truck has great power and excellent interior size. I get compliments all the time on the power and overall build quality of this truck. It does ride like a truck, duh, but its a solid ride that inspires confidence. This truck also handles corners with ease, its even a 4 wheel drive! I would love to try out a R/T version!! My dad has an Avalanche and I would take this truck over his any day...so would he! The Dakota also does great offroad, Ive been wheelin a lot in this truck. The only bad thing is gas mileage, but its a V8 and I have a little lower gearing. Its a truck!

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  The best truck weve owned - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By moo - October 9 - 8:02 pm

  This Dakota has best the best vehicle weve owned. In July, Savannah, GA flooded and we had to drive through the waters to get home. We have the 2004 Dodge Dakota SLT 2WD pickup. We were one of the only vehicles to make it out of the 4 foot running waters. We owe Dodge for our safety and their reliability.

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  37k mile review! - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By teejay - September 4 - 11:34 pm

  Well here I am at 37k miles and so far not much to complain about. I did have one minor problem with a front stereo speaker going out, but Dodge replaced that quickly and without hesitation. I have rotated and checked my tire pressure religiously, but after only 37k I will need new tires soon. I will not go back with Goodyear. Other than that I am pleased with my purchase and hope to kept the truck for many years unless Dodge comes out with a diesel in the Dakota soon?