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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  Perfect Size and performance - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By aggiedude - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Been a Nissan driver for over 10yrs then decided I wanted something bigger. Bought a 2003 Silverado and just felt like I was in a tank so decided to give a Dodge Dakota (never owned a Dodge before) a shot. Drove it, loved it, bought it, and could NOT be happier with it.Best truck I ever bought and service from the dealer is beyond 100%. Plenty of room for 4 full size adults and could fit 5 w/o too much hassle. Also love the "regular" rear doors versus the Chevys extended cab doors. I highly recommend this truck but go with the V8 for better performance and resale value in the future.

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  good - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Dan goodrich - May 13 - 2:00 am

  loved the whole vehicle and i will eventually buy a new one when the time comes to get rid of this one

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  99 3.9l - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By Austinr98 - May 10 - 2:00 am

  3.9L sluggish, hesitates at higher speeds, turning ratio is terrible.

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  03 4x4 V8 Extended Cab - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By x98evens - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Very fast for a truck this size, great size/price combination for a truck. Enjoyable to drive the 5 speed w/ limited slip rear end. Hard to find a good service shop for the tougher jobs (required frequent axle flushes), but you cant blaim that on the truck.

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  Dakota was great - 1996 Dodge Dakota
  By S - May 6 - 2:00 am

  My Dakota was always a good truck

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  Good Truck - Would probably buy another - 1995 Dodge Dakota
  By jmitch0765 - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Have had this truck since it was new - regular maintenance schedule and oil changes - 2 transmission problems (Total approx. $1000) in its lifespan.

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  I love this little son of a gun - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By sharkraider552 - May 6 - 2:00 am

  love this truck. drives like a dream, mine has the stampede package and i love it, cant say how meany comments people has said they loved the way the truck looks the inside is right on center console is really big if uhad o could hide a body in there dodge stole this ford lover and turned him into a dodge guy for now on

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  my baby - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By big77 - May 6 - 2:00 am

  its a great little truck. i use mostly to get to school and ride around in so its a good student and cheap for a new truck. i and it can haul a lot for that small of a truck. overall its a good truck isuggest you buy it.

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  Great Value - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By marinedig1us - May 5 - 2:00 am

  Very dependable, reliable. Well powered.

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  2001 Dakota SLT 2 Door 2WD Extended Cab - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Dakota Brave - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my Dakota 4.7L V8 for 2 1/2 years. The V8 gives me the ability to merge quickly with fast acceleration Its awesome. Still, I can get over 20 miles per gallon at 70 mph. In town though it is a little heavy on gas. The ride is very comfortable. The only complaint Ive had is a slow action on one power window. It works, but is slow in one spot. I intend to get it worked on before the warranty is up. I would say reliability and quality overall has been excellent.