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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  A great truck - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Lucifer - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Consumer Reports doesnt give a high rating. I have a V8 5 speed manual and find it a great truck in every regard. Had a 1995 one before and loved that one also. My other cars are a 1999 Audi A6 Avant and a 1998 530 BMW (stick shift) and I still love driving the Dakota/

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  I love this truck! - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Neddis - July 4 - 2:00 am

  This is the best truck I have ever driven. I picked it up real cheap too. I love the power of the V8. The payload and towing specs are great. The only problem is the gas mileage. I cant complain though since its a beefy V8. You can really feel the 295 lb/ft. of torque when you hit the gas. I really like that this truck fills the gap between the "mini" trucks and fullsize. All of the features are great. I got the SLT Plus with all the bells and whistles. I coulndt have asked for a better truck.

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  Best "Compact" truck around - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Godzirrah - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive Had it for three weeks now and besides being my everyday commuting vehicle (with kids in car seats) it tows my 20 boat famously. I own the V8 4.7L 2wd. I call my truch the baby bear truck as it fits all my everyday needs "just right"...I test drove all others on the market and the Dodge blows away the Tacoma, Frontier and Colorado. The closest was the Tundra but tons more cabin room with the Dodge at a lot less price.

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  Ok but not great - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By RLMSr - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Have 51600 miles, mostly highway. Had it to do over, I might not buy it again. Gas mileage for 4.7 V8 terrible in mixed driving - 14.6 mpg avg last 3 tanks - most of my daily trips are 75% highway. Steering failed (shafts separated) at 48575 mi - lucky for us I was at 25 mph on and empty street not 45 mins before on the interstate. Dodge did fix for free despite being out of warranty, but I had to borrow a car for two days. Very comfortable inerior. Floor tray doesnt allow for middle passengers feet. Rear seats very comfortable, as roomy as our Impala. Bed length is same w/gate down as my Ranger was w/gate down, but it could be longer. Turning rad

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  Great - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By myronlg - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Have not had it long but ride and handling are great for this size pickup.

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  Time for change. - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Seahunt - June 28 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Dakota and fourth dodge pickup. I ran the 2001 Dakota (4V8) 74,000 miles in 3 years and a side from oil changes every 4K the only other service was turn rotors at 46k (pads @75%+) and replace tires at 60k. Issues w/this truck over the other Dakota is the absence of an ash/garage tray, cup holders are useless, doors lock automatically, no power @12v outlet unless key is on, bucket seats do not fully recline, full size spare is not on an aluminum rim and can not be put into rotation. Due to these issues this will likely be my last Dodge.

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  Great Price, Great Truck, Thanks Dodge - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By jmichel62 - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Sold my F250 Crew Diesel. Just too big. Looked for a long time at Colorado and Dakota. The 5 cylinder and small sieze put me off of Chevy. I have the 4.7 with the 5 speed Auto, 4x4 Crew. What a great truck, a welcome change from the big ford. MSRP was 29,595. I got it at dealer cost 27,200, then Dodge gave me 4500 cash back. Solid feel, great engine, big cab and bed. Fun to drive, easy to park, good on the highway. If you drive easy gas milage is good. Good luck on your search.

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  Dream Truck - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By SSN719 - June 25 - 2:00 am

  Everything Ive Always Wanted

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  Its been a great Truck - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By sidestick - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Love my Quad Cab. Not too many problems to speak of. Would reccomend it to anyone who wants a good truck that is fun to drive. Lots of low end power.

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  93 4x - 1993 Dodge Dakota
  By briand91 - June 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought car used, had 2 initial, under warenty problems that were corrected satisfactorly. At 125K miles had engine replaced due to bad oil consumtion, rear oil rings and cam pitted. New long block ok, but bad MPGs. Truck has been really great none the less. Have fun on the 4x trails, and she keeps ticking.