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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  Incentives to buy for a reason - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By Frank Klassen - March 11 - 5:24 pm

  Need something to pull the neighbor out of the ditch with look no futher. But dont try to pass a filling station because you may not make the next. Fuel economy is worst than my 1991 V8 Dakota with 220,000 miles on it. Try to turn up the volume with gloves on and you shut it off over 80% of the time and remember to watch out for the shifter lever which is in the way to get to the stereo. Window controls are not usable except without gloves and dont try to unbuckle with gloves it dont work. Plow through snow to get to the highway and the alternator belt slips. The armrest is so hard and it shows dirt instantly. Incentives to buy for a reason. Buy the Toyota

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  Dodge Dakota Quad Cab - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Sean - March 8 - 9:28 pm

  Purchased 2005 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab last year 1/2005. I have had both shocks replaced, it has been realigned 5 times, I have had it stall numerous times at a stop lights, problems with the transmission (torque converter, valve body and front pump just replaced 38000 miles) and the EGR valve. It has a horrible ride to it and it is getting worse. I am very dissappointed with this vehicle and will never ever by another Dodge or American made vehicle.

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  Needs some fixing - 1993 Dodge Dakota
  By chad - March 8 - 2:03 pm

  My vehicle has many miles and has gotten me through some deep mud. I live on a farm and I always have to drive through the mud. Even though I dont have four wheel drive it manages well in the mud and snow with sand bags in the back. She runs excellent.

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  Just keep walking passed a Dodge - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By GI Tiger - March 7 - 11:34 pm

  I had the V8 crew cab, nice and roomy, but to much dead space. Dodge could of had more compartments and better use of the wide open spaces. The cab would creek,moan and crackle. One of the weirdest trucks Ive ever owned (5 mons). resale/trade-in was really bad. I took a $8000 bath on this one. The worst truck I ever bought, If it wasnt in the shop, it was setting because the the starter, lights, sinsors staying on or something else

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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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  New little red truck - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By dodgemanchris - March 4 - 11:52 pm

  It is a good truck. Looks great on the road. Handling is unreal, sometimes I forget I am in a truck. Also have not had a lot of problems out of it. Tire size is a little odd, so prices are kind of high. But when it handles that good, it evens out. Overall,it is a good truck that you can do light work with in the day, and then a night take your girl out on the town. Trust me,she will ask to drive.

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  Dodge Dakota - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By broncos4zak - March 1 - 1:28 am

  Overall this truck has served me well. The power isnt too bad, interior comfort is pretty good. Reliability has been good. The market value stinks though.

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  This truck rocks - 1996 Dodge Dakota
  By sydbarrett1970 - February 28 - 12:35 am

  Ive had my 96 sport 2.5 4 cyl. for 4 years now, bought it when it had 103,000 miles on it, one previous owner, and let me you, this truck is seriously well built. Dodge apparantly used an engine that was unique to all the other Dakotas of the period, (at least for the 4 cyl model), a motor designed for Jeep, it was originally designed by a collaboration of engine makers, (Renault, Chrysler, and maybe a third party?) Anyway, anyone I have ever talked to says the same...this truck is really built to last. One person I spoke with said he sold his when it had 300,000 on it and it still ran strong. I absolutely love mine.

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  So Far, So Good - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By TEEJAY - February 19 - 1:58 am

  Well I now have 31k on this truck and no real problems as of yet. I am patiently waiting to see if the rumors are true about Dodge putting a 4.2lt cummings diesel in the Dakota in 08? If they do then I will trade my 04 in a flash. The 4.2l diesel gets close to 30mpg and has over 400ftlb of torque. I could pull my bass boat with eash and still get good gas mileage and the longevity of a cummings diesel. Great!

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  Excellent truck - 1993 Dodge Dakota
  By gitrdonedakota - February 16 - 9:40 pm

  I bought a 93 Dakota in 03 as my first vehicle. I used to love Chevy trucks but now I love Dodge. Being in college my money is a little tight, and with this truck no money goes into repairs. The 3.9 V6 is tough and very reliable. I have towed many of my buddies when they have broken down. Despite my truck being a 2WD it still performs well off road. I spend a lot of time hunting and fishing. I put this truck in bad situations and she still pulls out. I could not be happier with this truck!