Overview & Reviews

It wasn't until the late 1980s that Dodge got serious about competing in the compact pickup market. Instead of building another bite-size truck to scrabble for sales against strong-selling imports, the company created the Dodge Dakota, the first-ever midsize pickup truck. Size has long been the Dakota's chief advantage over the competition, as it slots neatly between cramped compacts and hulking full-size trucks. When Dodge introduced the Dakota Quad Cab in 2000, it was the first relatively small crew cab to offer truly comfortable seating for four adults.

In addition to its in-between size, the Dodge Dakota has tended to ride smoothly and handle predictably on the road. The Dakota was also the first smaller pickup to receive a V8. However, with leading import brands getting comparable performance out of their more fuel-efficient V6s, the latest-generation Dakota was at a competitive disadvantage. Due to slow sales, Dodge discontinued the Dakota after the 2011 model year. A replacement is rumored to be in the works, however.

Most Recent Dodge Dakota
The third-generation Dodge Dakota was produced from 2005-'11. For that last year, however, it was officially renamed Ram Dakota. Trim level names varied throughout the truck's run, but the main ones were ST, STX, Sport, Laramie and TRX. There were also special models offered such as LoneStar and BigHorn.

Initially, the Dakota featured a 210-horsepower V6 or an optional 4.7-liter V8 good for 230 hp. A six-speed manual transmission was standard, while the V6 could be equipped with a four-speed automatic and the V8 with a five-speed auto. A 260-hp high-output version of the V8 joined the show for 2006. The 4.7-liter V8 got a considerable power bump to 302 hp in 2008.

Freshened styling also debuted that year, as did a redesigned instrument panel, additional storage compartments and an optional MyGIG multimedia system including a hard-drive-based navigation system. The manual transmission was discontinued for 2010, while the navigation system was killed off a year later, along with the TRX4 off-road model. On the plus side, antilock brakes and side curtain airbags were made standard on all Dakotas. With earlier models, these were included in the optional Safety Group.

As expected, the Dakota was available with two-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive; however, on high-line models you could get a full-time 4WD system -- an unusual feature in this class. There was no regular cab configuration, so buyers had their choice of an extended cab (known as the Club Cab) or crew cab (Quad Cab). The Quad Cab is the way to go if your truck will serve as a family vehicle, but unfortunately, it had a short 5-foot 4-inch bed, and Dodge offered neither a longer bed length nor a factory bed extender. Club Cabs had 6-foot 6-inch beds.

In road tests and reviews we found that the third-generation Dakota was one of the better candidates for daily commuter duty in the compact and midsize pickup segment. It boasted comfortable seating, abundant storage and simple controls. When equipped with the V8 engine, power was ample. Downsides to this midsize truck included low-quality interior materials, lackluster fuel economy and a harsh ride quality.

Past Dodge Dakota Models
The second-generation Dodge Dakota (1997-2004) features virtually all the strengths of the more recent truck. Spotty reliability is the one downside. Only standard and extended cabs were available from 1997-'99. In addition to the Quad Cab's arrival in 2000, a more potent 4.7-liter V8 joined the lineup that year, replacing the old-tech 5.2-liter V8. If you want a six-cylinder Dakota, 2004 is the best year, as the more powerful 3.7-liter V6 pre-empted the aged 3.9-liter V6.

Performance buffs will want to consider the Dakota R/T, a bona fide sport truck sold in regular cab and Club Cab versions from 1998-2003. Unlike the R/T from the third generation, which was little more than a cosmetic package, this Dodge truck had its own engine, a torquey but thirsty 5.9-liter V8 rated for 250 hp and 345 pound-feet of torque, and a sport-tuned suspension.

The original Dodge Dakota, on sale from 1987-'96, was also a solid truck for its time, but the ones you're likely to run across on the used market are likely to be well-worn. It's best to confine your search to the 1992-'96 model years; In '92, Dodge introduced a new family of V6 and V8 engines, bringing a much-needed increase in performance and refinement.

User Reviews:

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  The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By J. Garcia - September 14 - 10:54 am

  The Good: Good interior, lots of truck for the money. Fairly decent fuel mileage. The Bad: Ball joints were completely worn out. Replacing them requires chiseling and/or grinding steel rivets off. Cheap plastic interior pieces, not very well put together. The Ugly: Designed by an accountant. Control-arm bushings are not replaceable. The whole control-arm needs replacing at over $300 per. Rubber plug in the differential cover. Non adjustable clutch master/slave cylinder. Very notchy 5-speed, with completely wrong ratios for the 4 cylinder engine. Will not pull even a moderate incline at highway speeds in 5th gear. 50 year old pushrod engine design. Not even a crossflow cylinder head.

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  Great Truck So Far - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Chris - September 6 - 6:20 am

  Ive only had this truck a short time, but I am impressed with the build quality, appears to be much improved over previous Chrysler products. The ride is very comfortable for a truck, and the handling is above average for a truck. Everyone likes the looks, mine is black and it seems to look better than the other colors. By the way, I have the V8 with the tow package, the pull down will only allow me for the V6.

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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?

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  Good truck - 1993 Dodge Dakota
  By john - September 4 - 8:49 pm

  This is one tough truck. 185000 miles and reliable as a new truck. The v6 can put out the power you want even at 14 years old. If you are considering buying go for it.

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  Most Dependable Truck Ive Ever Had - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By Dependable Truck - September 3 - 6:37 am

  Traveling from coast to coast with an average of 30,000 miles a year, I now have no choice but to let people know of my Dakota that I purchased new that now has 193,000 miles on it. I have the 4.7 engine and its by far the most dependable thing Ive ever owned. Ive done nothing but regular maint this whole time and it has never let me down or had any issues. Ive used the 4wd many times in the snow and mud. Ive hauled trailers that were over weight, yet not even the transmission has given me a lick of trouble. My last Dodge which was a ram 1500 had 348,000 when I traded it in. I hope to get this many on this Dakota.

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  Peppy Mid-Size Machine (V8) - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By Joe - August 15 - 10:15 pm

  Now that I have the Dakota I am very happy that I bought it. My friends always talk about their fast little cars, and to be in my 5.2 and beating all these sporty little cars makes me laugh so hard. They are relatively easy to work on and I love punching it when I am going slower than 40 mph because getting it to chirp is sweet. The Dakota to me is a fine truck I would buy them for a long time but only from 1997-1999 because of the 5.2 and body style because the new body style to me isnt that good looking.

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  Comfortable Ride - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By Jesse - August 8 - 9:20 pm

  My 2000 Tundra was falling apart, and I wanted to buy a small new truck. The interior room is great for hauling the kids around. We have also taken a couple of 500 miles trips and the highway mileage and comfort are great. But, the get up and go is non-existent. I dont get in a hurry with this one. Also, it is hard to get aftermarket parts/mods for the truck. Overall, a good ride, but I wish I had looked a bit more.

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  NIce so far - 2007 Dodge Dakota
  By pharaoh - August 5 - 7:45 pm

  I was looking for a RAM pickup but after seeing the Dakota I was sold. I love the exterior look (silver paint) of it and the smaller size means that my wife and daughter can drive it as well. Rides very quiet for a truck.

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  Very good truck - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By M. Woehrle - July 26 - 4:57 pm

  This truck has given me 85,000 miles of worry free driving so far. I have had no major problems. The only repair other than normal maintenance has been a power window motor. Interior is comfortable, even on long drives. Styling is excellent. Ride and fuel mileage are pretty reasonable for a 4wd truck with a V8. I average 13-15 around town, and about 19 on the highway.

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  Great Truck! - 1995 Dodge Dakota
  By moparjim - July 24 - 10:06 pm

  Bought used off eBay great price, sight unseen. When picked-up instrument cluster was dead - no speedo, but had cruise. Drove that way from MA to PA & commuted from PHL to BFO for month. Cluster replaced from junkyard - $35. Tot. miles unknown. Ive added 50K+. Orig. from NH. Radiator disintegrated last summer. Brakelines rusted out. V-6 w/5spd = outstanding. Uses daily commute, home improvement projects, towing cars and trailers, etc. Heavy, rough use. Great ride. Rear wheelwells, bottom of doors rusting through. AC compressor replaced from eBay. Headliner has now fallen down. Get 19 mpg commuting, 21 mpg w/ popup on highway, 23 mpg w/o trailer w/ tonneau on highway.