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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  truck is horrible - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By mike9870 - February 14 - 2:00 am

  catalyic converter is shot and from these reviews it is a common problem the automatic shifter column is a toy it is off about 1/4 inch so u dont know if your in drive or 2nd gear, the exterior mirrors dont fold in this truck is in desparate need of a redesign. your better off with a nissan frontier

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  I,ll miss that truck - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By Thomas Ivey - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Very good truck really enjoyed it. Had it all, 5.9 V-8, Four door with plenty of room. Handle well, around 19 mi. per gal on the hiway. I,ll truly miss this truck.and 4WD.

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  fun to drive - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By chaddlie - February 11 - 2:00 am

  I never thought I would own a truck but now Im glad I give it a try. I love it!

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  4.7 very impressive 3:92 gear - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By wozz123 - February 10 - 2:00 am

  all in all a really good truck

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  Got what I asked for - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By CBorg - February 6 - 2:00 am

  During the first year there were several recalls issued which I took care of during regular maintence cycles at no extra charge, and Ive had only had one major fault since that had to be addressed at my (partial) expense - the differential had something internal go bad which caused a vibration. My service contract had a $200 deductible which I had to pay. Its been very comfortable and useful to me with few exceptions.

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  nice truck - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By robbins - February 4 - 2:00 am

  nice ride for 4x4,strong braking,fun truck to drive interior needs to be upgrade.

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  best all around - 1994 Dodge Dakota
  By squierian - February 3 - 2:00 am

  This is a great truck. Ive had it for almost for years, and the guy who had it before me babied it. Ive had a little bit of trouble with the radiator, and have replaced at least one cv joint, but not too many more, and a wiper bushing. The air conditioner is excellent. I can push upwards of 320 miles to about 17 gallons, and have used this truck for work and play. The exterior is in agreable condtion, the only blemishes in the forms of dings and scratches. The headliner has been sagging, but I can live with that. I like it because its in between the compact s-10s and the large f-150s.

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  false economy - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By dodge man 88g - February 1 - 2:00 am

  for $26000 you would think they would include an ash tray and lighter even non smokers can find uses for these items .rear brakes squeal from day one but this is the only problem i have.

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  Good Truck! - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By chrispyrook - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I have had no problems with this vehicle and I would highly recommend buying one. The only drawback is that it is only a two-seater which can work to your advantage and save you gas when traveling with more than one person! The interior has a lot of space for storing small items, although there is not much room behind the seat to store anything or add an after-market woofer or amp. Overall, I am very pleased with my purchase!

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  Great truck, good looks, good handling - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Nic Nelson - January 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Dakota since August of 01 and in that time I have never had any problems with it what so ever. The only thing that I have done to since I bought it is replace the serpentine belt at forty thousand miles. Other than that she has run like a dream and I wouldnt trade it for the world.