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 Truck - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Adam - January 13 - 11:24 pm

  I have had this truck since it was brand new. It has been an excellent truck and hasnt given me any problems other than the ball joints, which were easily replaced.

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  2001 Dodge Dakota /quad 4X4 - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By patrick barrett - January 10 - 10:03 pm

  16-17 mpg / lots of power from 4.7 v8 engine. Comfortable seating with the bench seat in front. One of the smoothest rides you"ll find from a truck with V-8 power.

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  Better than a Ranger and a Ram - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By Spinners2021 - January 3 - 11:59 pm

  In have a 99 Dodge dakota V8 5.2L 4WD Ext. Cab. It runs good and has alot of power. I live on a dirt road so it burns out real easily, even when i just tap the gas. It has an ok tunring radius and good acceleration. I wax and polish it about once a month and try my best to keep the inside clean. It is between the size of a ranger and a ram. It is a good looking and driving truck. I have 74K on it now.

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  Dakota rating - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By SK - December 30 - 6:15 pm

  Its a great truck and I love it. Ive had several Dakotas, loved them all. This one is the best ever

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  318 + 5 spd + 4wd = fun times. - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By mridgwaycan - December 24 - 7:29 pm

  Not great gas mileage even with w/ 3.54 gears and 31 inch factory tires. Ball joints and cat @ 30,000 miles (warrantee). Speed sensor @ 140,000 miles. Everything still straight and square despite a couple of airborne episodes. 160,000 miles and just did front brake pads. Rears 60% OK. Got 2,600# payload package - fantastic - has narrowed Ram rear end and springs. Hauls wood, gravel, soil, camping stuff, farm supplies. Heavier than a full-size Chevy!

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  2000 Dodge Dakota - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By ealflyer - December 20 - 4:07 pm

  Wanted a crew cab style truck. Looked at all of them and settled on the Dodge Dakota. It came with all the bells & whistles that I wanted. Ive been very happy with its versitility. I can lig just about anything. The vehicle runs great with that big 4.7 V8 in it. Fuel economy could be better as Im getting about 16 mpg other wise Im happy

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  Dak Rock - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By AaronMiller - December 18 - 4:36 pm

  The new Dakota rides very well thanks to a new fronty suspension. I love that it has f&r sway bars, it makes a total difference when compared to the previous three generations!

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  Dakota 4-Door 2 Wheel Drive. - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By R Hooge - December 17 - 12:58 pm

  I love the looks and its fun to drive if the roads are dry. Great engine, the V8 is free-revving. The expected gas mileage of 17 city & 22 highway is way too optimistic. I do not drive this vehicle hard & the estiamtes are 15% to 20% too high. Very poor traction & handling on wet roads, the Goodyear Eagles seem to have very poor traction, and I have had lots of flat tires. Corners very well on smooth dry surfaces. Really bounces around on bumpy corners, almost out of control.

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  My truck - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By dockpepper - December 16 - 9:50 pm

  I bought this truck to haul the family, and for my side jobs. It did both very well. The first snow fall was 16", the truck handled it like it was nothing. The gas mileage is the only thing that kills you in the pocket. Otherwise the truck is great.

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  Probelms, problems, problems - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By scott - December 10 - 12:53 pm

  When I purchased this vehicle I really thought that it would be a winner. In the last year I have had one problem after another and have given up on it and traded it in. At the time I traded it in it has the following problems. No heat, no air conditioning, lifters knocking, transmission slipping, brakes. I will say I always changed oil every 3000 miles and had all other fluids changed every 20000 - 25000 miles. I figured that to make it correct it would cost well over $5000. I realize that brakes are an item that need reolacing from time to time but to only have 80000 miles on the vihicle and have so many expensive problems tells me that these vehicles have serious reliability issues.