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 4WD - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By james - March 7 - 10:36 am

  The 2000 model Dodge Dakota is a nice powerful little truck. The truck that I have has the upgraded 4.7L V8 option. The independent front suspension was not designed to greatley. I own an ATV which is older and has same type of suspension and takes way more abuse than my truck and has still outlived it and outdone it. The small V8 doesnt have the enough stock power. After I added dual exhaust and a K&N upgrade, it performed more to my approval. The 4wd needs to come with extra stock lift like the full size 4wds. The transmission I have is a standard, and it doesnt have the strangth to handle the V8s power. A heavier duty transmission is a must, possibly even a 6-speed.

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  Great choice - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By Ernie - March 4 - 10:09 pm

  Definately a great choice in Value and style. Got the club cab and mucho room. Great power and nice interior. Sexy exterior.

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  The medium truck that could - 1993 Dodge Dakota
  By Robert Dunbar - February 23 - 2:54 am

  I bought this truck about a year ago. I am very pleased with the truck overall, it really can haul with the Magnum V8. The only problems Ive had was a wire that wore through to the transmission, but I fixed that no prob, and a transmission oil leak. The factory sound system was pretty much shot, so I replaced it. It has a silly slide out cupholder on the passengers side of the dash, and the center console is poorly made. If you have one, put at least 30 inch tires on it, it looks like its been lifted two inches for a few bucks.

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  BEST TRUCK EVER! - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By zippy43 - February 22 - 6:35 pm

  This is my second truck that I have owned and is a way better truck than my 96 Dakota. I was amazed at how well the truck rode more like a car and how the new V6 had better performance over the old 3.9L V6.

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  Hats off to the new Dakota - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By korndawg - February 19 - 4:43 am

  It is time for the other truck manufacturers to take a look at the new Dakota, and see how a truck is supposed to be built. By far this is the best vehicle I have ever owned. The exterior looks excellent, and it doesnt even begin to compare to the interior. The perfect vehicle for anyone that has ever wanted to have a truck and a luxury car. The only downside is the amount of leg room (or lack thereof) in the back seats. I owned a 2001 Dakota before this, and while I loved that truck, it does not begin to compare to the 2005. For all the Dakota owners out there that are thinking about trading up for the newer model, I say go for it.

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  As good as the old cabs and cop cars - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By Bob Herbert - February 15 - 6:26 pm

  Sure it may not be as stylish as some or as fast as others, but it is a nice ride comfortable on long trips. Average gas mileage, and reliable to a fault....83k and a set of plugs and wires, and a water pump....my wifes GMC Yukon has had over a grand of repairs in the same time....

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  All Go & Cannot Stop - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By C. Stueve - February 14 - 11:29 pm

  This is my second Dakota in the last 3 years. I looked at the new Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon & passed up both, along with my GM Employee discount for another Dakota. For my kids & hobbies I could not do without the 4 doors.

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  00 Dodge Dak 3.9L ext cab 2wd - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By Matt - February 14 - 12:02 pm

  Have owned this truck from 00 to present. This has to be the best vehicle I have ever purchased. I have had this truck in the garage once for the check engine light. The problem was a faulty gas cap. Other than routine maitenance...I have not had one problem! (knock on wood). Nice ride for a truck. I am thouroughly displeased with the 05 design. Looks like the new Mitsubishi Raider is going to be my future purchase...same truck with better warranty.

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  More room - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By vapamd3 - February 12 - 3:51 pm

  After spending 14 years in standard cab Rangers {2} and S-10s {2} i wanted more interior space.I chose the Dakota mainly because I couldnt find a Tacoma or Frontier at any dealer with the options i wanted. I found this SLT and could not be happier. Smooth, powerful, and comfortable. All controls within easy reach -no daytime running lights ,which I love -great sound and features. I needed the tow package and Dodges is one of the best out there.

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  2000 mi assessment - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By LEER - February 8 - 8:49 pm

  I suppose Dodge could have done a better job with the design of this vehicle --- but I really dont know how. This truck is so refined. The ride is great -- road and engine (4.7 V-8) noise is minimal -- handling is fantastic. I have been pleasantly surprised with the fuel economy. It will turn exactly as advertised on the sticker (15/20 mpg). I have made two 600 mi round trips and found that if I dropped my interstate speed to 62mph that the mileage increased by approx. 10 % to a little over 22 mpg. As you can surmise I really like this vehicle --- just cant understand why they arent moving off the lots in my area.