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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  Excellent Choice - 1996 Dodge Dakota
  By Dallas - July 29 - 3:50 pm

  I bought my Dakota with 182,000 miles on it. The exterior was in great condition and it was a steal at $1,900. I lived in Maine for two years through the rough winters and my abusive driving. The truck really kept itself together. I did minor repairs and spent roughly $400 dollars on it, but never had to do repairs on the engine. I sold it to a friend for $1,100 dollars and I just talked to him recently. Its still going strong with 265,000 original miles! All hes done is oil changes. I had the best times of my life in that old truck and Im searching everywhere to find another one. 2wd 3.9 v6 magnum 5 speed sports are fun and dependable. I wont buy another Ford again.

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  Dodge Stinks - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By Grayson - July 29 - 8:18 am

  This is the second Dodge Dakota Sport I have owned. The first one was a 1995. I must have checked my brain at the door to buy another one. If I hadnt paid it off, Id ditch it in a heartbeat. This one has all of the same issues the first one had under a different body: -A/C died in year 4 and continues to back up into the interior to this day. No one will fix it they just blow out the tube and tell me to come back in 3 months. I tell them money is no object and they still wont fix it. When the dash was apart to fix the A/C itself, they still didnt fix it -Door locks start to stick in year 3 -Front Ball joints go in year 4 -Catalytic converter toast in year 3 -Water pump gone in year 3

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  Dakota Rocks! - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By cobb_cruiser - July 27 - 9:17 pm

  I purchased just it a few weeks ago, and all I can say is its a great truck. Best looking truck on the road. It has 127k miles, but rides excellent. Mine has a 5.2L V8 which produces lots of power! Gas mileage is OK for this much power. Great acceleration. Great turning radius. Good braking. The power steering pressure hose developed a pin-hole (have no idea why?). But replacing it was a breeze! Lots of room to work around. Easy access. I expect to drive it about another 127k based on what I have seen and experienced so far. Love this truck!

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  Dodge lover turns disappointed! - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Edwin - July 23 - 12:25 am

  Uncomfortable, many blind spots, terrible gas milage, sluggish transmission, but it looks great. I bought one, then regreted it. What were the engineers thinking?

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  Owner - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By John Ross - July 19 - 10:05 pm

  It is a good solid truck. There have been few problems with it so far - I was a Ranger owner before and I like this truck a lot better. It was a good choice for me I am very happy with it.

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  Lemon - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Brandon - July 11 - 10:38 am

  This truck has given me trouble from day one, literally! It is a beautiful truck, but has had extensive computer, power steering, transmission, and recently, parking brake issues. Chrysler is not standing behind this truck, and the computer problem cannot be completely fixed, as I am still experiencing the same problems and 13- 14mpg all around...sounds good for a little 3.7L engine, huh? Needless to say, I will never buy another Chrysler product again. Neither will my Dodge-owning family, in which there has been a total of 11 new Dodge products owned. Thanks Chrysler!!

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  The most reliable truck - 1993 Dodge Dakota
  By 340cuda - July 8 - 1:55 pm

  Solid, no hassle truck, and it still gets 18 MPG with 151k+ miles. Rock soild, super reliable, mid sized truck. To give an idea of how reliable it is, Ive owned it since it was new, and the first repair was at 90,000 miles (serpentine belt broke) I get 50-60k miles out of front brakes, and changed the rear at 125k. Total mechanical repairs over 12 years, radiator, thermostat, wheel cylinders, and one caliper. Still driven daily

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  Get the Bugs Out - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By aurora4u - July 5 - 2:34 pm

  I like the truck, but it has had a problem with the instrument cluster. No speedometer, the air bag light goes on, and the ABS light goes on. It does not keep codes if you turn off the engine, and you must take to shop for a quick scan. It is in shop today. This is the 13th day at the dealer since I bought it. It could use more head room. I am 64", and if the seat is not set right, the roll over bar is on your head. I do love the color Patriot Blue Pearl coat. I guess that is why I bought it. This was the very first one the dealer had. I should have waited for a review before I bought.

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  Loaded Laramie QC H/O 3.7 - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Mike J. - July 3 - 12:48 pm

  Purchased truck to replace 03 Dakota club cab. Really appreciate the added power, room , improved handling and quite ride of the new model. Took it on an immediate long trip with camper in tow - better mileage and more comfort than the 03 model! Compliments to Chrysler on this one!

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  Great long lastingvrid - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Romm romm - July 2 - 12:00 pm

  2004 with 210,000 miles and running like day one