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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  Annoying vehicle - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Magno - December 6 - 12:26 am

  1200 mi in 3 mo because of problems. Steering is stiff around center and very light elsewhere causes oversteer. Vehicle rolls excessively. Trans failed at 230 miles -no oil from factory. Backlash in the drivetrain and lurches at low speed. 2300 RPM power falls off then surges. RPM takes long time to drop- grinds syncros if shifted too fast. Clutch pedal has no feel-like a wet sponge. Shift light is annoying. Underpowered. Needs automatic to hide problems. Drivers mirror has big blind spot.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By EmersonC - November 30 - 3:57 pm

  With the exception of the trans/engine "stutter" between 45 and 58 in OD, the truck handles and drives great. So fun to drive, and everytime i see an open field or a big mud hole, i cant help but want to drive in it. Have never gotten stuck once. Interior is not overly done, but not plain. Very reliable, only problem i had was with the O2 sensors when i first got it. None sense.

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  2001 Dakota Quad - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By tcsmpsi - November 30 - 3:09 pm

  From the day one, we experienced exceptional service and pleasure from this vehicle. Driven in many different conditions, we never experienced any unpleasant surprises.

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  fun truck - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By fst4dr - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck because it was bigger than the S-10s and rangers ect. but not too big. The 4.7 V8 is a great engine and has plenty of power. Opting for the 5 spd manual and 3.92 gears like I did makes it really fun to drive.

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  Dakota - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By mbalon - November 17 - 6:47 pm

  2nd Dakota in a row....Would not trade unless buying another Dakota. Love my truck!

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  More bark than bite - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By ruffles - November 6 - 12:26 am

  I purchased this R/T on Ebay almost one year ago. Replaced the idler pulley,v-belt, and water pump. Overall, the truck turns heads everywhere I go. Sounds excellent through factory single exhaust (not sure what genius put single exhaust on a performance truck). The truck is fun to drive. Fuel economy is about 14 in the city and 17 on the highway. Truck has a 5.9 v-8 and only produces 250hp. Most hondas with a couple of mods can beat me on any given day. Looks mean, sounds mean, feels mean. Stock with k&n filter runs high 14s in quarter mile.

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  My First Car - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By mrken3235 - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Ok well it wasnt really my first car, but my second to first. I love my truck. I have the 5.2 liter V-8 that will do anything you want it to, but will drink gas. I used to go from southwest Michigan to mid Minnesota quite frequently. The trip would cost $100 just in gas one way! Oh well, what do you expect with a big V-8 though? Ive had my share of problems with it. Although I found out that it had been in an accident prior to my ownership of it. I would definitely recomend one of these and would probably get a new 2005 if they werent so ugly and if they had the hemi.

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  Lemon - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Scottf - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck new in 2001. repairs to date: paint peeled off wheel flares, steering column, steering rack, intermediate steering column, four ball joints, tie-rod end, front pads & rotors, computer, rear bumper(rusted out), driver seat tracks, radio. I dont think I went more than a month without a visit to a dealership. What a poor excuse for a truck.

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  2 Dr SLT Extended Cab Standard bed - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By notnamedjess - October 24 - 2:00 am

  I just sold my Dakota after 6 years. Over all I really liked my truck and was proud of it. It was fun to drive and anyone that drove it liked it. It was comfortable with plenty of room in the front seat for passengers but the back seat was not comfortable for adults. The bed was a good size for anything I needed. I got an average of 18mpg, up to 23 and as low as 9mpg when pulling my boat.

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  Good till the last drop - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By spookctr - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Bought in October and loved it from the start. Good room inside and out. First week I had it I took it to New Jersey with 3 passengers and not a hitch. In december wen from maryland to minnesota it more comfortable than my car was. Coming back brought home a few thousand dollars worth of baby furniture no noticable performance drops and it handled the worse weather that mother nature could throw at it. Good all around even with the base engine and 4 speed auto-transmission. Oh yeah, fit both a infant carrier and a toddler seat in the back seat. Let me see you do that with even some fullsize trucks let alone any other compact trucks.