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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  Nice Truck but Concerned - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By ChuckM - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought the truck brand new as a leftover. Had 23 miles on it. I use my truck for people hauling since I am in the Real Estate Business. So Far I have no complaints about the truck. I actually LOVE IT! The thing that concerns me is the Ball Joint Problem. I wish they would do a Recall on this problem now instead of waiting for more front tires to fall off causing someone to get injured or killed. They would put a lot of peoples minds to rest knowing that the tires will remain where they belong, on the truck!

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  4.7L auto quad cab 2WD - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By lacasa - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Despite the numerous warranty items that have been replaced, I like the trucks mechanical reliability. What broke? Door lock switches constantly cycling to unlock, leather steering wheel peeled, shifter boot on the column ripped, battery shorted, drivers door window regulator mechanism popped, cruise control broke (bad switch somehere). Averages about 19mpg on the highway and 16mpg in the city. Mine has just about every option.

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  a very good all around truck - 1994 Dodge Dakota
  By James Strange - February 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car cheap and its great. The interior design is good, with a large glovebox and wood panneling its very large and comfortable. The infinity sound system is ambient with nice base for stock. The V8 is powerfull but a bit slow on the takeoff. It has a lot of pulling power for the size of the truck. The 4WD is great.It got me out of a ditch in two feet of snow.The extended cab is larger than one would expect.Ive put 50,000 of its 143,000 miles on it and I havnt had any engine or transmission problems with it yet.(just ware and tare stuff like hood latches and brake callipers.) One of the most comfortable and reliable cars Ive ever owned for so low a price.

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  Buggy since new - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By ShaneOhio - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Nice truck but lots of bugs and mechanical woes.Two converters,alternator,fan clutch,ball joints,and many other complaints to list!Its too bad the quality of parts are so bad,this would be a great truck otherwise.Will not buy another one unless Dodge wakes up and fixes all this.

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  375,000miles. No Overhaul - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By Mike Shatto - February 21 - 2:00 am

  3.9 V6 engine/auto-trans origonal. New limited-slip differental, cheaper than stock, 250,000mi. Uses Amsoil,oil analysis& bypass oil filters. 120lb compression. Courier use, 250-350mi per day. Ethinol in gas=2MPG less.Cloth seats look new. Killer heater A/C.

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  Perfect Compromise between a Truck & SUV - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By Mopar Fan Rich - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I have only had my Dakota for a few months, but I can definitely say that I am impressed. The 4.7 v8 has plenty of power and gets better gas mileage than the 5.2 v8 that I had traded in. The short bed is perfect for hauling most items, and the interior is well thought out and comfortable.

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  Disappointed in reliability - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By viper081149 - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Unfortunately, after 36,500 miles, it has been in the shop several times. Rack and pinion system replaced already & is now in for transmission work. "Check engine" light has sent it to the shop four times in less than a year. First two times were vacumn problem, the third time they couldnt find anything (still under warranty By about 400 miles) and now, 500 miles after the warranty expired, they found a transmission problem that is going to cost me $550. To be fair to the selling dealership, it is about 20 miles away in Cornelius, NC and is not the dealership screwing around with me. The culprit is Keffer Dodge here in Charlotte.

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  NICE LITTLE TRUCK - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By SMOKEY-2 - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I ALWAYS HAD DODGE TRUCKS, THIS 2003 DAKOTA WITH THE V6 AUTOMATIC IS A GOOD LITTLE TRUCK. GOOD POWER, EASY TO PARK AND I REALLY LIKE THE 4 WHEEL DISC BRAKES. THE BASE MODEL HAS A NICE SIZE INTERIOR WITH CLOTH BENCH SEAT.

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  LUV MY DAKOTA - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By ORANGE1 - February 16 - 2:00 am

  MY DAKOTA HAS ROOM FOR 4 BIG ADULTS EAZY. W/FOLD UP SEATS IT HAS ROOM TO SPARE. RIDE IS SMOOTH AND QUICK PLUS I GET 16.5 TO 17 MPG. NICE PLUS

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  Extremely reliable! - 1994 Dodge Dakota
  By jrwahlst - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 94 Dakota (w/3.9L V6) with 120,000 miles on it about 3 years ago, and have had absolutely no major problems. Im now up to 155,000 miles and still going great! Ive been very pleased with how reliable this vehicle has been. Im in Minnesota and have had it parked outside in well below zero temps and it always starts right up. Im no great car expert, but its been really solid for me. The paints been fine, too, unlike some reports Ive heard.