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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  Good for the first five years - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By Rosemountguy - March 30 - 2:00 am

  After my initial purchase and subsequent visits to the dealer for various quality control problems, the truck worked very well for three years. Shortly after this a series of problems has made me question my purchase of a Chrysler product. Three sets fo brakes in less than 75,000 miles, various electrical gremlins, suspension problems, and cracked exhaust studs have jaded my initial opinion of the vehicle. The recent condition of peeling paint has made me consider selling the vehicle and purchasing one of foriegn manufacture.

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  LOVE THE DAK - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Dak Dan - March 30 - 2:00 am

  No more Rangers for me!

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  01 Quadcab 4X4 - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Monty Rogers - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I have been satisfied with the overall performance of the truck. There have been reports with the ball joint issues that concern me. The engine has been missing since the truck hit 38,000 miles, from time to time. I have taken it to the dealership(Walters Dodge) on two separate occasions for the problem. The problem remians persistant. Regards, Mr. Monty Dale Rogers

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  My Best Truck Ever - 1991 Dodge Dakota
  By gefilteman - March 27 - 2:00 am

  Totally dependable. No trouble except a sqweeky seat belt. Terrific engine (4.7liter) Good auto Trans. Will buy again.

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  My First New Truck - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Ken Scherry - March 27 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy driving my new truck. I am 42 adn this is the first new Vehicle I have purchesed with less then 30,000 miles on it. If it was not for teh poor gas millage I could say it has been the best purchasse I have ever made on a vehicle. The paper work says since it is new it will take time to brake in the mpg. Time will tell. I can wait and enjoy it while it wait.

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  Best "compact truck" buy you can make!] - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By MagnumDak - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this vehicle for about three months now and have had no problems at all. It has over 85,000 miles on it but the 318 ci (5.2L) still runs as strong as ever. I take meticulous care of her as she is an older vehicle but there isnt a thing to complain about. I was backed into by a Jeep Grand Cherokee and it totaled the Jeep but put only a 1/2 inch dent in my bumper. I am super immpressed with the acceleration of this truck and its ability to effortlessly "peel out". Overall this is an outstanding truck.

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  04 Dakota 4.7 V8 - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Rickyboy - March 23 - 2:00 am

  The quality seems to be good recomend getting limited slip rear end, goes good with sand bags in back in snow. Have optional wheel package Goodyear Eagles are to noisey. V8 very strong gas mileage not the best but will pull load well. Seats are comfy [front buckets]. Drove the V6 and it had plenty of power bought this one because of stronger motor and load capacity. Overall I have owned Rangers and S10s this is by far the best compact truck made by the big 3 automakers.

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  Should have gotten the V8 - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By JayB77 - March 22 - 2:00 am

  If I had to do it over, I would buy this model truck only with the V8. The pickup on the highway is somewhat lacking in the V6, with only 2 adults riding. The fuel economy ratings are almost the same between the V6 and the V8, so it would have been worth it. Otherwise I have been extremely happy with it! It is fun to drive and looks fantastic with a good wash and wax! I am actually thinking about getting a cap to make it like an SUV rather then have to give it up for a trade.

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  proud owner - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By kflack - March 20 - 2:00 am

  the best truck for the money

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  Great truck - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By Stanley - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Truck has performed exceptionally well. The V-8 has plenty of power and never strains in any situation. Mileage is not great 13-17 but it is a truck and V- 8. Just the right size also.I recommend it highly.