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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  Lovn it! - 1996 Dodge Dakota
  By penelope - November 3 - 2:00 am

  From the 1st Dakota I owned, a totaled 1993 slt ext cab completely rebuilt salvage, to a perfect 94, to my current perfect 96 model. The center of gravity makes handling easy & safe. The ride is much stronger than a s-10 or ford ranger. I luv this truck its safety, ride, looks, & dependability even into 200,000 ml. Gas economy is better in the 94 but still @ 20mpg. Anyone who wants to own one, buy w/as low mls, & limited transferred ownership as possible. Mine pulls a horse trlr, pop-up camper & small sailboat. It is low to the ground & easy for me to get in and out of. Stay w/ v6, v8, and 4x4 models, no sport.

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  A very good truck - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By Joe Finn - November 3 - 2:00 am

  this truck is outstanding v8 power people say nice truck Id buy it again two years 35,000 miles no repairs just tires.

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  Great truck - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By skeerdude - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Overall an excellent truck.I actually have a 4.7 liter V8 Dakota

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  My 4X4 Dakota - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By Dakotanator - October 19 - 2:00 am

  The Dakota has a powerful V8 and is roomy for a mid size truck.

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  best truck out there - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By loveeveryminofit - October 17 - 2:00 am

  After 36,000 mile i have on my truck still running smooth. my is a 5 speed i use my truck driving on highway and easy tour around my place. the V-6 is little weak like the chev s-10 and the ford ranger should use a little kick out of it of the v-6 gas mile not bad i getting anything 22-24 mile a gal. just cost alot money fill up the gas pump.

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  awesome truck - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By trckr1 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  my dodge dakota is at 93,000 miles and still going strong, I have yet to find a problem with it, except for a leaking washer fluid bottle, no engine problems, no transmission problems, no major mechanical problems, its been a really good solid investment. very pleased with it. tires do slide somewhat when wet, but thats a goodyear problem

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  ok truck - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By allez - October 14 - 2:00 am

  id like the eng. 5.2 v8, but it fuel economy its horroble , also i had tho replace the water pump twice already, its a good, fun truck to have

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  Perfect match - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By orionengineer - October 14 - 2:00 am

  A wonderful truck in every way! Stunning design, well thought out, and a pleasure to drive.

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  dodge junk - 1991 Dodge Dakota
  By willy1 - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Such have been painted bright yellow with green tailgate. Dodge Wont do any thing. Sold it with 86000 miles Transmission,transfir case,lifters,brakes every 6 mounths on front,drive shaft out of balane, Radiater Was a complete piece of junk. Brought it new.Hardy ever used the 4 wheel drive and it still fell apart. I was 49 years old when I got this junk from dodge, Never another dodge product.

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  Did my homework... - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By summerst - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I went for the 4.7l V8, with the 5 speed automatic upgrade. I have logged a lot of miles in a lot of different vehicles and this is one of the most responsive power trains Ive ever driven. This truck was broken in demandingly on and off road and has handled both effortlessly. When I decided I was in the market for a truck I did my homework and came up with the Dakota as the best of all aspects I needed and wanted. Better yet the critics supported my findings. Ive changed my motor oil over to a leading synthetic and expect this truck to last a long time.