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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Underpowered Dakota - 1998 Dodge Dakota
By bobby62914 - May 3 - 2:00 amMy 1998 Dodge Dakota with a four cylinder is terribly underpowered. Even negotiating a modest grade with the A/C running is impossible. It has no cupholders. It is poor visibility and is not fun, or easy, to drive.
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think before you buy regular cab - 1997 Dodge Dakota
By ems - May 2 - 2:00 amits been a good truck for the 6 months Ive owned it. Beware of ball-joint issues in the 97-02 models... the 00-02 seem to be the worst, but mine needed all four ball joints before 100k... they arent cheap either, total bill was $1500. The truck has plenty of power with the 318 (5.2) and the transmission has been smooth shifting... but the engine does have idle issues, make sure you start the truck COLD as thats when they tend to show up. Would I buy it again? Probably, but Id get the club or quad cab!
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Never left me in a lurch - 2001 Dodge Dakota
By Webtiger - May 2 - 2:00 amI love my truck but the engineering and component quality leave a lot to be desired. 4 wheel drive problems with rear pinion seal leakage replaced 3 times. Slip yoke is always the culprit with this problem. Have also had the rear drive shaft replaced last warranty visit along with 3rd rear pinion seal replacement. Brake rotors turned 3 times cant get more than 12,000 miles without pulsation setting in. The dealer has been fantastic about addressing all the problems with this truck I would highly recommend you shop a dealer as much as price.
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My 2004 Dakota - 2004 Dodge Dakota
By Sandy Howard - May 2 - 2:00 amThis is a great automotive marriage of the 2004 Dodge Dakota 4x4 Quad-cab that we just purchased on Saturday 4/24/2004. There is plenty of room [like a full-size car] that seat 6 yet the versitility of the truck. We have the Magumn V8 in ours and I am glad for the power, for towing our boat to the lake. The entire truck is all power equipment inside. The ride is superior to any automobile and you dont know that it is a 4x4 pickup.
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Better than my Silverado - 2004 Dodge Dakota
By aggiedude - May 1 - 2:00 amFormer Nissan Frontier driver for 10yrs then decided I wanted a bigger truck. Went shopping and ended up with an 03 Silverado. Was a little bigger than I wanted,so went shopping for trucks again and ended up with the 04 Dakota SLT with the 4.7 V8 and LOVE it..Performance is awesome, comfort is fantastic, and overall driving is great. It does like gas stations but no more than most V6s in general and got 17.5mpg on my 1st 400mile trip so not complaining. Test drive them all, find a good dealer and youll fall in love with the Dakota. Not as many "gadgets" as the Silverado but just as comfy and just like the looks better. Hope this helps ya.
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Dakota - 1992 Dodge Dakota
By Carman - April 29 - 2:00 amGreat Truck,Lots of Power ,great ride confort,dependabl,great style,very cold air
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My Crew Cab - 2001 Dodge Dakota
By ElmoJr - April 29 - 2:00 amGood tires, excellent handling, Most driving was in a 50 to 100 mile radius from home. One trip out of state for 300 plus miles one way. Gas mileage was as rated from dealer. Has rubber matin pickup bed.
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A Good Work-Horse - 1995 Dodge Dakota
By no_goats - April 25 - 2:00 amBought this truck used (97,000)- it was used by commercial plumber, and saw heavy use. I like the performance and gneral feel. However, there is water in the oil, and its so bad that the dipstick is rusting away - no joke. The engine is very noisy, and I had to replace the headliner when it fell down. Very solid body. Airbag Control causes radio AM to not work.
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Fast , Fun and Reliable - 2000 Dodge Dakota
By louis carson - April 22 - 2:00 amThis trck was fun fast and reliable to drive. Is was one of the safest trucks I have ever driven.
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Damnit - Chrysler - 2004 Dodge Dakota
By James Logue - April 21 - 2:00 amThe MAJOR disspointment is the dealer could not alter the headlights so as to have daytime running light.
