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:
Showing 721 through 730 of 1,069.00-
none - 2004 Dodge Dakota
By mikey2222 - March 17 - 2:00 amAmazing truck very smooth ride, more than enough than needed power, great features, great all around truck
-
Great Truck! - 2004 Dodge Dakota
By HOSS318 - March 17 - 2:00 amMy dakota is the perfect sized truck. Not only is it easy to park, but I average 18 MPG, and 22+ when Im easy on the gas, and Ive got the 4.7L V8 in a club cab. The pricing is amazing, too, given what you get. Im eye-to-eye with F150s so I dont really feel like its a "small truck".
-
Looks great but doesnt hold up - 2001 Dodge Dakota
By vhall9953 - March 13 - 2:00 amDodge makes very attractive and comfortable trucks. I only wish they did as good of a job making them reliable. I had the transmission completely rebuilt at 30K miles, and had to have a major overhaul on the breaking system at 32K. I am now at 45K and the transmission is slipping like it did before the first rebuild. I have religiously maintened the vehicle, so it is very frustrating to have so many problems. After I get it back this time, I am going to shop for an F150 or Titan and get out of Dodge. My recommendation: if Dodge does sucker you with the cosmetics or Hemi ads, buy the extended warranty. It will save you a fortune in the long run.
-
The best mid-sized truck - 2004 Dodge Dakota
By 2indy - March 13 - 2:00 amHigh off the ground with bulging tires, powerful V-6, smooth riding, great handling it feels like a 25K$-30K$ truck. SHHHH! I only payed 20,300$ (this includes tax tags and tite) and I was out the door for this truck. You couldnt beat that with a bat! Im happy
-
Great Homeowners Truck - 2000 Dodge Dakota
By Homeowner-Commuter - March 12 - 2:00 amPerfect for commuter/homeowner. Estended cab is "just right" for most trips and jobs. Long distance driving is a little rough after the first 8 or 9 hours. V-6 gives more than enough power and pretty good mileage, good looking, very reliable. If I ever have to let this one go, Ill buy another Dakota to replace it.
-
My 2nd Dakota and still a great truck! - 2004 Dodge Dakota
By Tim Odom - March 8 - 2:00 amThe only thing that has come up since I purchased my 2003 Dakota is the breaks making noise when backing up. However, that has started to deminish the more I drive the truck.
-
Buyer Beware - 1995 Dodge Dakota
By Un Happy Mopar - March 4 - 2:00 amI had to replace V8 engine at 80,000. Speedometer broke, cruise control quit, tailgate wont close, rear end drag, back brake drag. Trans had already been replaced. I finally traded the truck and lost my XXX. I also had a 1996 Dakota and it also had similar problems. I will never, never, never own a Dodge or Chrysler again and I recommend you do the same.
-
superior ride - 1998 Dodge Dakota
By kingmacaw - March 4 - 2:00 am45000 miles and only one warranty repair ever needed-cruise control once went out. replaced shocks w/beltech nitros to stiffen up ride!
-
Nothing but problems - 1999 Dodge Dakota
By grump - March 3 - 2:00 amAt 60K the good looking truck went downhill underneath. With the money I have invested into the truck I would have been better off buying a brand new full size (GM or foreign) built. I definitely have a sour taste in my mouth. I know someone else that is following my footsteps at 60K. So, look out if you are approaching that mileage. Be prepared for ball joints (both in front), transmission (atleast once), transfer case, water pump, tie rods, brakes (atleast once), battery cables, etc. Just a forewarning!
-
Dakota Quad/SLT+/4.7 with 5-45FRE Tranny - 2003 Dodge Dakota
By Deselfitter - March 2 - 2:00 amWell behaved truck with good size ~not too large and not too small. This Dakota is a pleasure to drive around town and short trips. I am looking forward to longer trips when warm weather arrives. Fuel economy is close to EPA estimates, about 14 in towm and 19 highway. I expect further improvement with more miles.
