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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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Josh Thompson - October 7 - 2:00 am

  My Dodge Dakota has been a pleasure to own. The ride and handling is excellent. I have put on over 10000 miles in the 7 months I have owned this vehicle and have no complaints other than the fuel consumption, but buying a 4WD, 4.7L V8 you have to expect not to get the best fuel economy. I live in Chesapeake, VA and drive 19 miles to work in heavy traffic and I get on average 17 miles to the gallon.

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  Great Truck - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By ADBell - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I have had this truck for 18 months and I love it. I have taken it off-road to some very remote places and it aleays gets me there and back. It is very comfortable and the reliable 4.7L V8 has tons of power, not to mention it sounds wonderful. There is plenty of room to haul passengers too.

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  BAD EXPERIENCE - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By KIDZROCK4 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  5.9 LITER ENGINE BLEW AT 96,000 MILES WITH NO WARNING THINK IT WAS OIL PUMP FAILURE. WAS DRIVING 65MPH DOWN A HIGHWAY WHEN CHECK GAUGES LIGHT CAME ON. REST IS STATED ABOVE. DODGE WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT THIS MISFORTUNE. THEY WILL NOT STAND BEHIND VEHICLE. WILL NOT ANSWER ANY OF MY QUESTIONS. I WILL NEVER BUY A DODGE PRODUCT AGAIN

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  Nice Truck - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By jbgrandslammer - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Nice Truck fun to drive. Would like to see better gas milage. Also would like to see lower prices. I,ve owned fords and chevys so far this one is the best.

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  look for something else! - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By luca66 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I was so hoping this would be a great truck to keep for always...in a word...not! Electrical, air, engine problems. should of bought a toyota. No resale value, not dependable, and the service dept too lax ( at least here in L.A.). It quickly runs through a tank of gas and can be as expensive as a luxury SUV...on premium fuel. In conclusion...sadly disappointed with this vehicle and cant wait to get rid of it. Like the other reviewer stated...good for the first 20k miles after that...good luck. Sorry dodge, but work a little harder on your product...looks cool, but that aint enough kid.

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  Looks great, but... - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Buy a Toyota - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Bought brand new in 2001. I am very unhappy with the quality and reliability of the vehicle. It only has 43K miles on it and I have already had to replace both rear U joints to the tune of $400. I have owned many trucks and never had to replace U joints at this low a mileage. In addition, we paid for an extended warranty, but the warranty company went out of business so we are stuck having paid the cost of the warranty but still have to pay for the repairs! Dealer says sorry but there is nothing they can do.

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  American Made - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By squidward20 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I looked to purchase this vehicle after I realized the Toyota Tacoma was too rich for my blood. I am very happy with the engine power and build quality. Plenty of storage in this vehicle. I feel that the ride of the Dakota is very carlike as opposed to the Tacoma which drives like a truck. Would recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants a great value for the money.

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  Love My Truck? - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By madmadwizard - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I considered many trucks of many makes, styles and sizes. The Dakota met my family/hobby/work needs best so I found the right one and bought it. Ive owned it for nearly a year now and I have no regrets. The 4.7L Magnum mill pushes just the right amount of power while the 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes unfailingly reel that power back. My family of five can comfortably make longish journeys in it while the HWY mileage doesnt kill our finances. The 4X4 grabs the ground nicely!

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  Dodge Dakota - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By KenR - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Dodge Dakota in the shop numerous times and nine of those times where for design flaws. I have only been able to receive compensation on one items, the misalaignment of the front end at time if manufacture.

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  Dakota Quad Cab - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By TN_Leo - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Great truck -had to add padding to the bench seat to fit my back - but once I got the seat to fit me - it is a blast to drive with the small V8 handles loads very well