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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Dakota sxt v6 regular cab - 2002 Dodge Dakota
By mainer351 - February 1 - 11:05 amBest and most reliable truck ever owned. When I first got it, needed a computer and some maintenance after that it runs like a champ and it does what I ask it to do and never lets me down. The 3.9 v6 magnum starts right up in sub zero temps in the middle of brutal Maine winters and runs strong. The truck gets up and goes with the 3.92 rear , while its missing top end power. The 4wd in the truck is awesome with good clearance and it out classes any fords, chevys, and toyotas offroad. Take this truck to rugged Maine north country offroad through mud holes , rivers and mountains every summer to go camping and its never giving me a problem. Very good looking truck and fun to drive.
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just bought my third dakota. - 2006 Dodge Dakota
By dokotaguy22 - January 2 - 11:26 pmgreat truck. i just traded in my 02 dakota sport quad cab 4x4 v8. for a 2006 dakota slt quad cab 4x4 v8. be for that a had a 95 sport 2wd. these trucks are tough. they can really take a beating. i live in wisconsin. we have rough winters. really wet rainy seasons. this truck can haddle any thing. i loved off roading in my 02. best 4x4 i have ever ownd. i pulled out some chevys. and a couple fords. this deer season. i highly recomend this truck if you do alot of out door activitys. or just want a good/safe winter vehical. very fun. very reliable. very powerfull. very best deal. none of the other compair. not even half of the full size trucks
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does not honor warranty - 2006 Dodge Dakota
By tuffoldman - December 28 - 9:04 pmI own a 06 Dodge Dakota 4x4 with the 3.7 v6. I am overall satisfied with the truck, but not with Dodge itself. I bought my truck in Feb 07, important date: the transmission went out the other day so I looked up dodge warranty and found out that an extended warranty for the 06 dakota powertrain was provided if you bought your truck on or after July 07. 4 months from the day I bought mine Feb 07. So dodge eventhough its the same year and all will not honor my warranty due to the 4 month difference on day of purchase. DODGE/CHRYSLER, I HAVE BOUGHT MY LAST VEHICLE FROM YOU AND WILL RECOMMEND TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THE SAME. MAYBE THATS WHY THE JAPANESE ARE AHEAD OF US IN CUSTOMER SERVIC
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Would I do it again ? NO - 2001 Dodge Dakota
By fatuglyold - September 16 - 5:43 amI bought my Dodge Dakota, October 2000 for $22,000, from a Shelton dealership that was a pleasure to buy from. A crew cab with a V-8 , plenty of power for towing my twenty foot trailer. It was the perfect fit for my growing family of four. It ran great for the first couple of years. It needs a new fuel pump to replace a check valve. It has had two radiators, a new AC pump, new front brakes and needs a new rear end. Will I buy another Dodge ? NO
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Useful and Reliable - 2000 Dodge Dakota
By mrish - March 21 - 8:28 pmI bought my 00 Dakota SLT 4.7 v8 4x4 brand new in 2000. It currently has 195k miles on it and runs great. Doesnt burn oil, doesnt smoke, and doesnt even have an oil leak. The only problems I ve had is 2x freeze plugs, 2x speed sensors, and one oxygen sensor. Ive pulled a Kubota 4wd tractor, a Massey Ferguson, and pulled a fullsize truck on a trailer 300 miles. The 4WD has worked great and the limited slip rear diff. has got me out places that other 4x4s couldnt. Ive taken care of it mechanically and used semi-synthetic oil every 5k miles. I would buy this truck all over again with question.
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Dakota Quad 4.7 V-8 - 2001 Dodge Dakota
By robmir1 - December 12 - 10:30 pmI have a 2001 that I purchased in 2009 and it had 138,000 km I drove it only on occasion but now it is a 4.7 automatic daly driver and I have to say that it will handle what ever I make it do!. Wow My truck takes better care of me then I do of it... go figure? I believe that this truck was built on the right day of the week as it is not a lemon. And it is true about what day of the week it was built! Anyway I would buy a Dodge in a heart beat again and again.
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Excellent Truck - 2000 Dodge Dakota
By Eric - December 5 - 2:00 amBought my Dakota new in Nov. 00, 10 yrs later and its still going strong. Absolutely the best truck Ive ever owned. Been cross country 4 times and its comfortable for the long trip. My only complaint is the mileage is lower then I wold like, but then again, I bought the big V8 for the power and reliability. Its been both, 114K miles, engines never been torn apart, religious maintanence, its been driven hard and still looks, runs, drives like new. Recently passed Colo. emissions at near perfect levels, with a superchips tuner active at the time.
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Great 97 Dakota - 1997 Dodge Dakota
By Jeff - December 4 - 2:00 am318 5.2 auto 192,000 miles. Purchased it last summer from a 1 owner, always garaged and well taken care of. Usual rust areas esp in northeast to be expected....bottom of the pass side door, and had the rear spring shackles replaced. Hasnt failed me yet...a/c doesnt work the best, to be expected on a 13 y/o vehicle. Not the best on gas, 13.3 - 18.5 on aggressive tread 31s....wish I had a 5spd for better gas milage. Other than the a/c, everything else works great. Needed to replace the steering shaft. My second Dakota...feel they are built well and Id buy another.
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Surprised! - 2010 Dodge Dakota
By Elkdog - November 19 - 2:00 amIt had been (12) years since I had owned a Dodge Dakota but I always liked them. The 2008 I purchased with the TRX package, 4.7 liter V-8, and crew cab is super nice. It rides nice, has great performance, and gets pretty good gas mileage. This truck is much nicer than any I have owned from Chevy, Ford, and even the previous Dodge Ram and (2) Dakotas. This truck blows them out of the water...what else can be said? I am surprised!
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2006 Dakota 4.7 V8 Q-Cab 4WD SLT w/upgrd - 2006 Dodge Dakota
By Mike - November 11 - 2:00 amI just purchased a 2006 Dakota with 21,000 miles on it in great condition. I needed something that can tow in the future, but not a big truck. It only had 4-5,000 miles per year prior to purchase. It rides much better than I thought and has plenty of room inside. I prefer the plastic look everyone seems to hate, but its easier to clean. I recently got 24 mpg highway and get about 18 city. This is great for a truck. I am very happy I got a Dakota with 21,000 and not a Frontier or Tacoma with 100,000. They are priced too high. Tailgate is not heavy like others say, better get back to the gym.
