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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  Best in show and best in Class - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Ron7405 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  We bought the 4x4 4 door 5.9 dakota since we have owned it we have only had one problem with the truck ( Starter ) failed after 22.000 miles but other than that the truck keeps getting up and up it is a true sport when it comes to the bad weather and snow I guess that is why it is called a sport.

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  What a truck! - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By bmurphy - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I considered the Chevy Clorado and the Ford Ranger. I even considered an extended cab Tundra. The Dodge Dakota is the perfect mid-size truck. It fits in my limited garage space and fills the highway. I loaded my truck up with leather and all the amenities but located such a truck with the five- speed manual transmission instead of an automatic. Part of the fun of driving a truck is shifting. Try a Dakota. You wont be disappointed.

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  Great truck! - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By jkisiloski - April 15 - 2:00 am

  I love the Dodge Dakota. Its the perfect size truck, not too big to drive in the city but big enough to haul around what you need. Its got a ton of power with the 318 and with 4x4 you have to traction to put it down. This thing handles great both on and off the road. I would recommend this truck to anyone.

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  2002 dodge - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By charles,odell - April 15 - 2:00 am

  good truckdrives real good but i do not like the gas milige. or the over drive that i have to lock out

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  Great Mopar experience. - 1990 Dodge Dakota
  By king rat - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this 2WD truck for 8 years. It has outlasted two of my wifes Grand Caravan. Every morning Iturn the key, put it in gear, and go to work. Except when I fill it with hundreds of pounds of Scout gear and 2- 4 Boy Scouts. I am not easy on this truck, but I change the oil, keep it lubed, and wash it 2-3 times a month. The only rust on it is both doors have surface rust, 1/2" x 6" along the bottom, and one rear fender lip where the previous owner bumped a tree. I have 3 boys all 6 or more. It is tight, but we can still squeeze in to go camping.

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  got to love dodge! - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By schwarz drache - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Me being a dodge fan I have always wanted a truck like this and now that I have I couldnt be happier. I love my truck, when im driving it I feel like im on top of the world. I couldnt possibly ask for more in a truck!

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  A lot of truck for the money. - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By 2nd Dakota owned - April 12 - 2:00 am

  The truck rides very smooth and comfortable, for a truck. It also handles really well in the snow, in 4 wheel drive, and does not suck up the gas. I had a 2001 Dakota with the smaller tires and rims which created spinning wheels all the time, my new Dakota has the bigger rims and tires and was definitely a worth while investment. Over all the truck is fun to drive, costs about the same price as a decent car but is a lot safer.

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  Solid well built truck. - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By nothing789 - April 11 - 2:00 am

  OK this a well built american truck all those who disagree probably drive a toyota. my truck was bought @ 90k miles i have had it for a year and 16k on it. I have replace the cat and soon ball joints. Ball joints are normal to go out look and fords an chevys the eat them like they are nothing the cat was replaced w/ after market those who used factory obviously dont know cars. the tranny still shifts well and seems to be very strong. all in all this is one of the best truck i have been in.

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  Dodge Clunk - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By mseeley - April 5 - 2:00 am

  In short, the most unreliable vehicle ever. From the beginning, quarterly trips to the dealership. At low mileage, problems of all sorts. Electrical, water pump, catalytic converter, alternator, 3 thermostats, starter coil, tie rods, steering linkage...Customer Care at Daimler/Chrysler blows too.

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  Sway bar problem - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Professorold - April 1 - 2:00 am

  I have been satisfied with the truck, with one exception... it has developed a very bad squeak due to the sway bar moving inside the outer bushings. Dakota forums expose this as a common problem, but Dodge has made no effort to help consumers with it. To date, there is no cure, just a very expensive temporary fix - have Dodge replace parts for inflated costs.