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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  Computer malfunction - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By suQ - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Within a week of owning the truck, I noticed the automatic was shifting "funny". Around 40-50 mph there was "missing" after shifting into the higher gear. (could put the pedal to the floor and no increased power)It went back to the dealer, in the shop for nearly two weeks. Results were Dodge had a computer problem, no idea when it could be fixed. Dealer admitted several other V-6s on the lot had the same problem. No help from the manufactuer. Went to trade it in on a V- 8, dealer tried to make us take a hit of $4,200 negative equity for truck we had less than 3 weeks.(with two weeks in the shop) They put the defective truck back on the lot and sold it!

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  Best Truck on the Market - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By M - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I have a 4.7 V8 4WD 2002 Dakota. It is the best truck I have ever driven, it has a cab on it and rides and feels like an SUV, but does the work of a truck. I had a Tacoma before this and thought I had the best truck on the market, but the Dakota has the feel of a full size truck for the price of a small size. The interior has an excellent design. I do volunteer EMS and Fire and the truck is perfectly outfitted for this type of work and the V8 has plenty of power to take you wherever you need to go. I added a Tornado Air and have seen a slight improvement in gas mileage.

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  Gotta Love Them Dodge Trucks - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Rcarter - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive aways had Ford Trucks, 1999 F150 was nice however to much Gas. 2001 Ford Ranger was nice but a little to small and no balls. This is the best driving truck Ive ever owned. How well it holds up is to be seen.

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  Almost Bullet Proof Fun and Useful Ride - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Mitchis57 - July 23 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Dakota, 5.9 still can hold its own across intersections but fades quickly off idle, needs slightly more cam in mid range but that might take away some of its dependability and gas economy would suffer. Thinking of a supercharger. Going to Mobile 1 for remaining years of service. Thought of a Colorado but lacked the solid fun.

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  Great truck for the money - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By pickuper - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Recommend buying this truck (SXT version) if you are on a budget and want something bigger than a true compact size truck. Great initial pick up and a fun drive. Plenty of space, great style and no mechanical problems to date. Enough space in the back seating area of the club cab version for kids. Light hauling has been great. AC kicks in the cool air without a problem when it gets hot.

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  gas mileage stinks! - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By thurmondhr - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Love the truck except for the gas mileage. I average 11 mpg in town, and 15mpg on the road. This is with the 4.7 v8 and automatic trans. I really like the way the rear doors open to almost 90 degrees, makes access very easy. The truck drives and rides very well and is easily parked, even for my wife who is only 5 ft. 3 in. All in all, a great truck except for the gas mileage.

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  Just good enough - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By HoosierDaddy - July 11 - 2:00 am

  The brakes have always left me with the feeling that they are not adequate for this vehicle. I have to use considerable leg strength to stop quickly. There has been a strange thump/jerk in the steering wheel ever since I have had the truck and has gotten worse over time. I have had the front end aligned and checked several times. Steering is awful, the truck wonders while going down the road but everything is within "tolerance". Power is great and fuel economy is average, 15-17 mpg.

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  silver bullet dakota quad - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By blackdakota - July 11 - 2:00 am

  No problems after 55k miles. Plenty of room for 4 adults, plus bikes and luggage in the bed. Works all day then is stylish for a night on the town. Leaves all other compact and some full- size pickups in the dust.

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  All around great truck - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By rjbruce - July 9 - 2:00 am

  One thing I havent seen anyone mention anything about is the optional AWD. Im not sure if maybe its not offered in all regions, but its another great feature that puts this vehicle one notch above the rest. One flaw of the Dakota is it seems to have a light rearend. No problems with AWD. Weve hauled 6000lbs of hay on a 16 foot trailer with the 4.7L 5 speed combo, and never had a problem pulling it uphill or anywhere. Comfortable and an attractive design. Especially for being 8 years old. The back seat of the club cab is not for adults but is good for children or storage.

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  I REGRET - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Mark Thompson - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Has a rattles from under the dash that the dealer cant seem to locate. Very poor fit and finish. Front brakes squeel no matter what the dealer does.