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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  Great Truck - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By Mike - February 16 - 7:48 pm

  Bought this truck used in 05 with 64,000 miles and have loved it ever since. Now has 94,000 on it and only problem Ive had is a hub bearing went bad. I do drive this truck hard at times and it has never let me down. Love the size and comfort. Fits two baby seats in the back and still has enough room for a small adult to fit back there comfortably.

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  All you could ask for - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By stuffingmonkey - February 13 - 7:47 pm

  The truck has been solid if not spectacular during my ownership of about 85,000 miles. If it has received $1000 in repairs, that would be a lot. The cat was replaced early on (covered by warranty), and the alignment went awry early such that I only got 15,000 miles out of the two front stock tires (alignment fix was warranty). Other than that, no serious issues to report. Power with the V6 is good with some pep when you need it, and MPG has been right around 20 with a bias toward highway miles.

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  Nice Truck except for the Problems - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By 2ndLDDodge - January 20 - 7:44 pm

  I downsized from a Ram to a Dakota for better gas mileage. Stuck with Dodge due to the reliability of my old Ram. Unfortunately, my Dakota has been in the shop ten times over the last year. Three for wheel vibrations that appear to be fixed for now, and seven for belt problems that still are not resolved. Belt tensioner broke at 4000 miles. Since then it has been through three additional belts and in-and-out of the shop for belt squeel when making tight turns in parking lots. Should have contacted a Lemon-Law attorney before it went out of waranty as a friend has the same truck and has never experienced this problem. Other than that, its a pleasure to drive, and looks great too.

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  I will probably always own a Dakota! - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By chriscat870 - January 19 - 8:01 am

  First Dodge and 3rd pickup Ive owned. The other 2 were full size. They were a waste of money! The V6 only has 25 fewer horses than the V8 and gets about 18-19 mpg. Put a K&N filter and some exhaust and youll get your horses back with even better mpg! Next to an Audi A6 Quattro, this is the funnest vehicle I have ever driven! It holds the road like a sports car, but carries cargo without strain. It does not do well in wet conditions, but that can be fixed with better tires. The fact that this model was viturally unchanged for 10 years should be a testament to the appeal of its looks.

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  Dodge Dakota - Drive the best! - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By john p. - January 13 - 10:38 am

  I have owned Dodge Dakotas since 1991. I have seen the evolution of this truck. I now have the latest 2006 Quad Cab Sport SLT 4.7 high output. What stands out - Heavy duty truck! Very strong and stiff frame, solid sturdy cab and body. Braking is good. Great styling, very comfortable interior. Ram wheels bolt on for instant 20" look. What it lacks - fuel economy, H.O. 4.7 lacks power (compared to the old 5.2 & 5.9 & some V6s) yet has plenty of grunt with bolt on upgrades. Trans is slow to downshift. Body roll on higher speed cornering. Changing oil is messy. The oil drains onto the trans x-member and creates a 15 inch cascading mess. None-the-less, a very impressive truck. Solid.

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  Great 4 cyl pickup - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By Dodge man - January 11 - 10:38 am

  Bought new in 99, this truck has been great to me so far. It gets up to 26 mpg on the hiway and yet hauls anything I put in the back. Im easy on vehicles and at 118K Im still using the original brakes and am on the second set of tires. I went this year to buy another and discovered Dodge doesnt make the 4 cyl in the Dakota anymore. Such a shame! I just have to baby this one some more!

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  Great quality and design! - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By AMY - January 6 - 1:54 pm

  The Dakota has been a wonderful vehicle for my family. From the comfortable seating for a family of four, to accountability. It was by far very affordable, with all of the extra equipment, compared to other makes!

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  Best Truck - 1993 Dodge Dakota
  By Chub Walters - January 3 - 4:59 pm

  Truck could haul a 2 bedroom apartment from Austin, TX to Waterloo, IA. Very dependable. Nothing major breaks down.

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  2005 Dodge Dakota 4x4 SLT Quad Cab - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By JCH - January 1 - 7:23 pm

  40000 miles. Original Goodyears gone, new Michelin LTAs should last longer. 8 oil changes and regular maintenance never let me down off road/on hwy/anywhere. Expecting 160,000 miles out of it before trading up. Would buy it again and would recommend it. Has good road manners. Gas mileage averages 18-19 miles-per-us- gallon. I do mostly highway driving.

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  2001 Dakota quad cab 4x4 4.7 v-8 - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By mattew heddings - December 29 - 5:30 pm

  Truck has awesome power from the 4.7L v- 8, but you sacrifice gas mileage, I originally got 11.6mpg in town was able to increase it to 12.5-13mpg by adding an AFE cold air intake and a spacer ring on the throttle body to atomize the gas better. 3 of the 4 power windows quit working and truck only has 71000 miles on it, Dealer wants $250- 270 dollars a door to fix. seems it should be recalled.