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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  Dodge all the way - 1995 Dodge Dakota
  By Lovin_chevy84 - July 24 - 9:13 pm

  I bought this truck used with 150k miles on almost 2 years ago, I am way over 2k now and the only things that I had to replace is the fuel filter and the water pump, plus maintenance. This truck is my baby! I almost didnt get it, but boy, Im glad I did. I have taken this girl all over the south from Tenn, to N.C to FL to Tx and shes never left me stranded, walking or mad. Best truck Ive ever had and Ive had plenty!

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  Tough. Period. - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By theRock - July 22 - 9:12 pm

  This is a 2wd 4.7 v8 auto w/3.55 rear SLT. No problems, at 29k replaced w/17" plus size rims and tires from Laramie Ram 1500. Much better ride quality after that as well as slight increase of apx. 3/4 mpg. This is very basic engineered as a truck should be, although front end design is far superior to previous trucks. It is tough, muscle like in design. I have made a few mods such as duel exh., chip, intake, all very subtle changes. Great to park vs. full size, huge towing capability. Engine is happy to scream at times. Quick for 4000 lb. truck. Excellent room inside (two huge kids fit great back there).

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  Great truck - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By tallicahead - July 18 - 9:42 am

  My experience was great getting my truck. It was my first car that I have actually bought new. Truck handles like a dream around corners. I’d like to see a Chevy do that.

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  Great buy - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Tom - July 10 - 9:00 pm

  We bought this used from a private owner to replace our 1988 Dakota last November. The 88 got to where it would just die on the road. Weve been very pleased with it and it hasnt given us any trouble at all, and it never gave the previous owner any trouble. It rides smooth as silk, seat is very comfortable, drives well, great truck. Plenty of space, though back seat is terrible to ride in. All in all, great buy.

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  One of the best Ive ever owned! - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By macgeekvt - July 4 - 10:14 pm

  Ive owned several Dakotas from the two previous generations and have had mixed results. The redesigned Dakota showed significant refinement in build quality, ride, handling, reliability, performance, style and just about everywhere else. I couldnt be happier with my 2005 Dakota! My only complaint is that it can be a little gas thirsty.

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  Great looking truck with many problems. - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By jcaisse2007 - June 26 - 12:39 pm

  I purchased this truck at 106,500 miles and it now has a little over 126,000. At first I loved the smooth transition of the transmission switching gears, but at 123,675 the transmission started to slip and the 5.2 liter v8 started to knock, and for everyone that put this truck in the shop it wasnt worth it. I dont plan to spend anything on this truck unless it is gas or regular maintenance. These trucks are only worth 5,000 and if you put it in the shop you will spend a lot more than its worth.

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  Best Truck - 1995 Dodge Dakota
  By travis - June 25 - 1:41 pm

  I bought this as a lot leftover in 1996. It has 193 thousand miles on it. Never broke down on me. Lots of power and torque. Exterior still shines. Well worth the money. The only thing it has ever had done was oil changes and the condenser replaced, nothing else. Most miles were around town. The only thing hat I don’t like about it is fuel consumption. Interior is built to last forever. This truck will never die

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  Good, solid, mid-sized truck - 1995 Dodge Dakota
  By Fantastic Truck - June 25 - 10:13 am

  V6, Auto, Purchased with 120k miles, now just past 200k. I have performed regular maintenance. Good solid truck that I have used to tow, commute, travel, and frequently pull my buddies trucks out of the snow banks/mud. Currently on loan to my sister who has discovered that she likes driving it far more than she ever expected. It is finally starting to show rust (darn it). Replaced since purchase: pitman arm, timing chain, water pump, alternator, heater blower, radio, windshield, brakes, shocks, exhaust, all fluids, plugs, wires, coil, and window motor.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Great Truck - June 11 - 2:05 pm

  This truck performed beyond expectations and is comfortable to drive. Great truck except for the poor fuel efficiency

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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.