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 - 2004 Dodge Dakota
By dsatlle - August 23 - 2:23 amOverall, the vehicle is about what I expected. When traveling over bumps or potholes the vehicle jumps off the front tires. it feels really dangerous so Im not happy with the way it handles.The passenger seat does not recline to a comfortable position on long trips, not even half way to 180 degrees, it can be quite uncomfortable. The brakes started squeaking at about 16,000 miles and I have not had them checked, hoping that the dust works itself out without the dealer arming and legging me to take care of it. BTW, I bought a oil change coupon book from the dealer and they are always wanting to do unnecessary work, so beware. Other than oil changes I have done no other maintenance.
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Not my idea of a car - 2000 Dodge Dakota
By enrique - August 11 - 2:21 amMy model of the Dakota has constantly made a grinding sound at high speeds when moving towards the left. Also, it occasionly pulls to the right. The car is pretty nice but mostly the only thing wrong is the gas mileage that it trails. it is horrible. A semi gets better. It doesnt have much horsepower but it does the job. Also, I tried pulling out a tree with small roots and the car had trouble. I believe that my 95 Isuzu Trooper would have been more competent for the task.
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owned olded models + this 2004 - 2004 Dodge Dakota
By pedersen - August 8 - 2:00 amthis truck has a good all around use, has power and fun to drive. This truck is not for long drives if your tall.
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2000 DAKOTA SPORT - 2000 Dodge Dakota
By SUBMARINER - August 7 - 10:00 amI HAD MY DODGE DAKOTA SPORT EXTENDED CAB FOR 2.5 YEARS AND HAD A FEW PROBLEMS WITH IT. THE WORST OF WHICH WAS AT 30,000 MILES MY TANSMISSION FAILED AND THE TRUCK WAS IN THE SHOP FOR 3 WEEKS GETTIGN FIXED. NOW AT 52000 MILES THE SAME THING IS STARTING TO HAPPEN AGAIN, IT IS SHIFTING REALLY HARD.
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Mighty Blue Dodge - 2001 Dodge Dakota
By Mighty Blue Dodge - August 7 - 10:00 amMy old 1993 Dodge Dakota was killed by a lady turning into a coffee shop. Although it had no airbags I walked away after a 35 mph crash (seatbelts are good). I replaced the old 93 4x2 sport with a 01 4x4 sport. Other than a couple of minor squeaks which the dealership fixed up for me Ive enjoyed it immensely.
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Dakota - 2000 Dodge Dakota
By william - August 7 - 7:56 amI love this truck. Its comfortable. Its also the most aggressive looking midsized/mini truck out there. I love it.
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Dodge Dakota Quad V6 4X4 - 2000 Dodge Dakota
By Dave - August 5 - 10:21 pmThe interior is roomy and the rear seats are comfortable. Exterior styling is great and gets a lot of compliments. Performance is fair to poor. 15.5 mpg with A/C, less in winter in 4wd. Transmission performance is poor, shifts very hard when accelerating uphill. The truck seems to bounce down the road. I wont buy another Dodge truck.
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Dodge Dakota - 1992 Dodge Dakota
By Wade - July 31 - 12:23 amFast for its day. Good towing ability. Plenty of power. Bring plenty of gas money. Extremely reliable.
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Its the suspension stupid - 2002 Dodge Dakota
By Dan H - July 30 - 8:31 pmThis is my second Dakota. The ball joints have been replaced on both twice now.Other than that, its a good little truck. 18/19 mpg and I make it work for its gas. The transmission is quirky, but still going strong, and I will likely buy another. The brakes arenot too good
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So far so good - 2005 Dodge Dakota
By John S - July 30 - 11:30 amJust have 4000 miles on the truck, but I love the ride, fuel cost, and drivability. It fits in the garage and most parking spaces, turns good, but is a little light on brakes and soft on the ride. I did notice that with a load the tranny feels like it is slipping in reverse. It is quiet inside. I am 6 2 and 250 lbs, and the seat and headroom is great. Great so far! Should have gotten the V8, but the few times I need the extra power I can live with the V6. My son liked mine so well that he bought one within a month. Not bad Dodge! What a great value for your money. My last SUV was a Landrover. I like this one better at less than half the price. Buy American, they are better.
