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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Fun - 2002 Dodge Dakota
By eagleeye13 - July 9 - 2:00 amSpecial ordered 4.7, 3.55 lsd, 5 spd with all the goodies. added 3" dynamax cat back exhaust, K&N air filter and ARE tonneau. July 5,2003 drove from San Diego to San Fernando Valley and back 370 miles speed 75 mph avg (70-80) freeway, with about 30 miles city type driving 19.6 mpg for trip. This truck rides and handles more like a car. Previous trucks were 98 dakota 5.2 with same as 02 accesories, needed more seat room, and 89 se-v6 Nissan loaded, I get better mpg from both Dakotas with more comfort and power then the Nissan.
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2003 sxt 4wd - 2003 Dodge Dakota
By goodyear 1 - July 6 - 2:00 amLove the truck wish it had a few more options. Best buy for the money.
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1993 Dodge Dakota - 1993 Dodge Dakota
By Hugh319 - July 4 - 2:00 amMy Dakota is a 4x4 extended cab with a locking shell over the bed. It is the 3.9L V6 and 5 Spd manual tranny. I have used it as a work truck for my Handyman business and as a 4x4 to explore reasonably tough 12 to 13000 Rocky Mountain 4 wheel drive passes. We have also used it to pull a 1500 lb poptop camping trailer over 7000 miles. That was a breeze! It has also been used in the business to pull heavily laden utility trailers. I once pulled our 3600 lb travel trailer for about a hundred miles to get it repaired. That was about 120% of what it could do well. that means that we were down to 2nd gear on a 3 mile 7% grade at about 25 MPH... Not fun...
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Love My Dodge - 2001 Dodge Dakota
By PaulNY - June 30 - 2:00 amI have had my Dakota Since October 00. 32,000 miles later, I have had no problems. Its Comfortable, and looks and drives great. However, living in a colder climate, my only regret is not getting the 4x4.
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Best Quad Available on Market - 2001 Dodge Dakota
By hotsaucnmyburito - June 28 - 2:00 amWhen we test drove all quads, the Dodge Dakota Sport was by far the roomiest in the back for passengers, the most comfortable ride, the most powerful and reliable truck on the market with the most bang for your buck. In the 2 years we have had this truck, we absolutely love it. We towed a few times and had no problems. The bed was used MANY times for large and small items. We moved about 4 times in the past 2 years and have had excellent results from it.
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Should have bought a Tacoma - 2003 Dodge Dakota
By manly - June 28 - 2:00 amI was so close to getting a Tacoma and now I wish I had. Gas guzzling and noisy truck with bad fit.
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1995 Dodge Dakota - 1995 Dodge Dakota
By whitebliss1990 - June 23 - 2:00 amThis vehicle has been good to me despite a few minor electrical problems. The drivetrain has stood up to some harsh driving, although I am usually very easy on it. This model has the 3.9L V6, which is plenty of power. There is no need for the 5.2 L unless you plan to use it as a work truck, I have towed other trucks out of ditches on muddy roads. THere have been minor oil leaks, caused by normal wear of engine seals. I would not reccomend, however, a more recent model or a different model, say a Ram. The dakota is one of the best built vehicles by dodge and one of the better trucks overall. I highly reccomend this for design and operation.
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2001 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab - 2001 Dodge Dakota
By rick burkeen - June 17 - 2:00 amIf your looking for the get up and go try the larger of the 2 v-8 engines. The 4.7l just doesnt get up and go. By the way this is my second Dakota I loved the old 318cu. engine.
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Surprised by high quality & performance - 1994 Dodge Dakota
By djd1212 - June 15 - 2:00 amI bought this truck new in late 1993. It still just keeps going and going. Very few problems, quality higher than expected. Very good ride, more power than I need. Engine & transmission are still very smooth. I guess Ill have it another 10 years.
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Dakato V6 Quad - 2003 Dodge Dakota
By Denjmar - June 14 - 2:00 amThis it was time to get into a truck instead of a car. Full bells & whistles. Love the truck but when I bought it I had concerns about fuel MPG so I went with V-6 and 2WD. So far it has performed well but V6 works hard on long hills. I dont think MPG is much different between V6 and V8. Next time will go with V8. Dont do any off road but got limited slip diff instead of 4WD. Will see what winter brings. Very happy with Dakato and would do it again.
