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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  03 Dakota - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By tommy - August 5 - 11:57 am

  We purchased our 03 Dakota Reg. Cab SXT RWD for $13K. It was a nice "beater" car for my dad for work. But we have clocked on average of 12-15 mpg city and probably 19 highway. We had to replace the tires at 20k and then again and 45k. We were in a minor car accident with it where we tapped the back of another car on a freeway ramp, and it caused $400 damage. The plastic hood-release lever, broke off and had to get it replaced. The A/C conked out when he had 100-degree plus weather, which we took the repair shop and he found out that not only the cooling pump was shot but there was a cylinder- 6 miss-fire which couldve been dangerous if it died on the highway.

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  Great Truck - 2006 Dodge Dakota
  By Ronnie Edwards - July 27 - 12:08 am

  I love my Dakota. I purchased a Colorado in 05 and soon after saw the new Dakota and wanted one. I finally made that choice about a month ago and I am glad I did so. Of course the gas mileage isnt as great but the difference isnt that drastic. Other things such as ride comfort, looks and standard features make up for it.

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  GReat truck - 1995 Dodge Dakota
  By dakotasport1 - July 25 - 5:06 pm

  ive had the truck for about 5 months and I love it.. I never owned a Dodge before. Had a Geo Tracker, but I hauled 2 cars to the salvage yard and a Bronco to the mechanics shop. The v6 has the snoot I want and the power I need. I havent gotten it stuck in mud yet, but I have pulled other people out of the mud trying to follow me. It does stink on gas mileage though. I get maybe 16mpg in the city, but I dont care. Its fun to drive the hog. If someone wants a nice powerful small pickup, I would say grab life by the horns and get a Dodge.

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  Dodge Dakota 1999 ext. cab sport - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By broncos4zak - July 25 - 5:09 am

  Basically I bought this truck knowing I drive about an hour each way to work and needing something comfortable, reliable, and decent on gas. All of that has happened. I made some mods in order to get 20mpg from this V-6, throttle body spacer, cold air intake, and Flowmaster exhaust. Issues have been tranny rebuilt at 63,000, cat at 110,000, front hubs at 130,000, and 2 outboard speed sensors. I bought this truck with 59,000 and currently have 145,000+ on it. Overall a good truck, could have better gas mileage, better tranny (more reliable and better shift points), and more ponies. Love the handling, traction is pretty good for 2wd, interior layout is good.

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  Love It! - 1995 Dodge Dakota
  By Lovin_chevy84 - July 21 - 2:23 pm

  My husband bought me this truck because my Chrylser finally died. Im not a fan of little trucks. Im more into long cars or full sized trucks like the F-150, or a Bonneville. I wasnt that impressed by the looks, but once I got to drive it, I never want to buy another car again. Im used to being low, but now I can see everything! Also I own horses, so now I can tow them myself instead of paying someone

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  My dream truck - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By BCDodger - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive onlt had it for a month, but I love everything about it! There is plenty of room, for my family of six. The ride is great! The looks are AAA! Overall the truck was very much worth the price!

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  2003 Dakota SXT - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By GT - July 20 - 9:56 am

  Great truck. Had over three years with no problems in 28,900 miles. Original brakes and tires. Decent gas mileage for a 2WD, approximately 19-21 MPG on the highway.

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  My little Dakota R/T - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By Paul Baldozier - July 13 - 12:13 pm

  This is a very fun little truck to have. It is a sport truck so the ride is a little stiff but that is to be expected from a performance model. This seems to be a well built truck, I havent had a single problem with it in the little over a year that I have owned it. At this point and time the only thing that I wish was better about the truck would be better gas mileage at highway speeds, in town seems to be consistent and in my opinion not to bad for a large 5.9L V8. If Dodge would of went with 3.73 or 3.55 gears the motor would be at a much happier RPM for high way speeds.

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  2004 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4WD SLT - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By William Ryan - July 12 - 2:03 pm

  If I could get 10 more MPG out of this truck I would be happy. I love everything about it. If you live in a cold climate and you buy a Dakota Quad I would suggest getting the rear window defogger instead of the sliding rear window - you probably wont use the slider that much anyway.

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  Good Pickup - 1995 Dodge Dakota
  By Preston - July 9 - 2:29 am

  I bought it brand new and besides a new waterpump and a radiator, it has been wonderful. I own a farm and this truck out hauls any Chevy or Ford twice its size. The 318 engine has a lot of power. This truck will really move. Keep the oil changed and this baby will purr! Dodge is all about performance.