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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Great versatile Dakota Quad Cab - 2001 Dodge Dakota
By dskoczylas - August 8 - 2:00 amThis truck has everything the typical home owner with kids needs. It has a very roomy cab which easily seats 5 people. The bed is big enough for most household chores. Plus It comes with a V8 to give it necessary power for towning and hauling. It is a blast to drive with the V8 and 5 speed, although the 5 speed is a bit noisy. Great overall truck which I would buy again.
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Great Truck! - 1999 Dodge Dakota
By scorpion - August 7 - 2:00 amYou gotta get the bed liner and bed cover. This is a sharp looking truck. Looks just like the Dodge Ram but smaller.
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my truck - 2003 Dodge Dakota
By julian - August 6 - 2:00 amit is the best truck ive owned.the power is unbeliveable,i drive the one with the 4.7 liter V-8.i tow my 7x14 trailer with no problem and also my two kids and wife aslo can enjoy the (TRUCK) as we call it do to its comfort all i have left to say is i love my truck!
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bad choice - 2003 Dodge Dakota
By msr212 - August 6 - 2:00 amI Had the truck less then a week, 500 miles and I had to bring it back to the dealership due to lack of power and after being told there was nothing wrong they had to tear the engine apart and redo the valves along with change items in the trani. now at 20,000 miles my a/c switch has broken and only works on high and the a/c is leaking in the truck!
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my red dodge - 2003 Dodge Dakota
By bobbiejorussell - August 6 - 2:00 ami own a 2003 dodge dakota quad cab sport with a magnum v8 engine, i found it necessary to purchase this vehicle because it offers the convience of a car and the capability of a truck. I currently owned a vw jetta, a great car but when you have a small child which in turn requires a stroller once you put that thing in the trunk there is no room for anything else. the only thing that is hard for me to get used to is spending more money on gas, im used to $20 per week not $60 therefore its gonna require me to update my budget. other than the low gas mileage the only thing i have to say is I LOVE MY TRUCK!!!!!!!!!
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Todays Dodge - 2003 Dodge Dakota
By Turkey - August 6 - 2:00 amMy last truck was a 1999 Extended Cab Z-71 5.3 V-8. I have also owned Fords and they are not worth talking about. My Dodge Dakota is the best truck that I have ever owned. The only truck to come close is the 1999 Z-71.
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!st big trip - 2003 Dodge Dakota
By skimox@yahoo.com - August 5 - 2:00 am1st off I have the 4.7 5/auto- Just finished a 2950 mile trip towing a 4000lb travel trailer.No problems what so ever with the Dakota.Gas milage @ 11mpg and didnt burn 1 drop of oil. What else can I say other that Im pleased with it.Solo mix is 18mpg.
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good to buy American - 2003 Dodge Dakota
By Gene Hernandez - August 4 - 2:00 amMy truck is actually a 1998. Since I have the truck for a while I thought my review can give those interested a long term view of this vehicle. It is very reliable, very quiet, has good power total average mpg is 17.0. The 4x4 is great for camping and fishing trips. Wish it had a 3rd door in 1998 besides that I love this truck. Almost bought a toyota but I am glad I bought Dodge, would do it again in a heart beat.
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Midsize Truck......Large Size Usefulness - 1993 Dodge Dakota
By Harold Turner - August 3 - 2:00 amThis vehicle used by me and family members as a nice work truck. Bed is large enough for all our needs, including carrying a 42" riding mower. Paint still shiny after 10 years. Love the pep of the V8...dislike the gas mileage! Cant have it all! Trim and power functions make it a comfortable, if rougher, ride than desired. The truck has done its job and more.
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Dakota Quad Cab 4x4 with 4.7 V8 - 2003 Dodge Dakota
By mtnbkr - August 1 - 2:00 amHas the perfect combination of size, style, and comfort. I actually have the 4.7L V8 with 5-speed automatic transmission which I highly recommend. Average fuel economy, pretty much as expected for a mid sized pickup.
