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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  Served Me Well - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By earkahuna - May 24 - 6:49 pm

  Ordered with features I wanted. Lots of commuting miles so I purchased the 6 clyinder. Interior room better than later models. Nothing extraordinarily expensive to fix. Able to be serviced by local mechanics. Based on record would buy a Dodge again.

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  3.9 Auto Quad Cab - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Girraween - May 24 - 6:43 pm

  My wife and I bought our Dakota brand new as our first new vehicle. We have been quite happy with the room and reliability of this truck. Because we have three girls 6 and under, we have the base model and we dont think we have suffered at all. We have traveled cross country twice with no problems. Aside from a few warranty items I have not had any major problems with this truck.

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  Cant go wrong here... - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Anchorsaweigh - May 23 - 4:47 pm

  Stepped down from a 2001 Ram 1500 4X4 to something that wouldnt cost me $100 per week in gas. Runs quiet, smooth, and handles very well. Smooth shifting and transitioning to 4WD. Dash layout and ergonomics well thought out. Excellent fuel economy, although I had expected better. But, 20MPG sure beats the heck out of 11MPG any day of the week. The 3.7L V-6 has a lot of pep and powers up when you need it. I would recommend this vehicle.

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  Dodge Dakota SLT Quad Cab 4.7L - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By CRay - May 22 - 4:10 am

  Ive only had the 05 Dakota for month. Except for the headrest, I love the seats. I have the power drivers seat. Interior space is very good. However, the interior has too much of what appears to be low grade plastic including the door handles. The cup holders in the floor console is a joke and does not hold cups. Didnt find this out until after I purchased.

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  Dodge Dakota Quad Cab V8 - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By JC - May 21 - 5:27 am

  Great vehicle overall. Used mostly for trips to the local Home Depot but can still comfortably seat 4 for family trips. Plus package with 4.7 V8 and wide tires makes for plenty of acceleration and good handling. Fun to drive, quick and sure-footed.

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  Satisfaction - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Mike Hoffman - May 20 - 5:27 pm

  Impressed with the ride and handling. Researched several other new trucks and this seemed to be the best quality for the buck. Almost got the Ram 1500 but didnt need the size. Have no regrets about buying this truck. Will keep for a long time.

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  A truck for all around use - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Lisco - May 16 - 3:21 pm

  This is the second Dakota Quad Cab I have owned. Have also owned F-150 and Tundra Double Cabs. Previous Dakota Quad Cab with V-8 5-speed auto with a tonneau cover averaged a tad over 20 mpg on trips, this one with only 2,000 miles, V-8 4x4 managed 19.4 mpg on a recent out of state trip. Handles well, steering is nice, and road noise is acceptable. City driving is much like driving a full size car, and parking in tight spaces is no longer the chore the larger trucks were. A 4x2 with limited slip is a bit quieter and smoother but the 4x4 does offer a more well rounded vehicle.

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  Favorite Dodge So Far - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By marki - May 3 - 5:00 pm

  This is my third Dodge. First had a 96 Ram 1500, then a 02 Dakota. Now have the 04 Dakota. Love everything about it. Its got the V8 with a 5 speed manual transmission. Way more power than the V6, and almost identical gas mileage. Spacious but not too big. Perfect for city or highway driving.

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  I love it - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By jetbatt - April 29 - 2:39 am

  I actually have the 4.7L V8. Front and rear comfort is exceptional for a mid-size truck. I have noticed that the mid-size trucks of today are the the full-size trucks of a decade ago. Cup holders galore! Nice beefy suspension with a smooth ride. Dodge has the best Red!

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  Chevy guy now a Dodge man - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By PRO - April 27 - 7:53 pm

  Bought the 2005 Dodge Dakota SLT 4 X 4 Club Cab with 4.7L V8 and 5 speed auto trans. Great looking and performing truck. Looked at chevy colorado,toyota tacoma,and honda ridgeline. The Honda was too expensive. Could not sit comfortably in the Toyota, the steering wheel wedged my legs against the seat even with it tilted all the way up. The Colorado didnt have a wide enough bed. The Dodge is the best truck out there. Its roomy, the V8 is powerful and the brakes work great. Fuel mileage is about typical for a V8. Once you drive one you will be hooked. It handles like a car.