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 Truck - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By uncle buck - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun truck to drive. It gives you a sense of power driving around town. The styling is distinctive, the patriot blue color is different and the handling off and on highways is superb. It is without a doubt the best truck that Ive ever had, including full size trucks. The reliability gives not doubt that this truck will last me a very long time without any problems.

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  02 V-8 Dakota - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Marklom - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Overall the truck is great. I did not want a huge full-size truck, but wanted a V8. I love the looks of the truck and it handles real well. It has plenty of power for a mid size truck.

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  Jerrys SXT - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By JerryH. - May 21 - 2:00 am

  Before owning this truck I had a Ford F150 XLT Supercab w/ 5.4L and three door cab. I traded it in because the transmission was starting to go. The biggest mistake I made in buying the Dakota was in not getting a V-8. I mistakenly thought that the gas mileage would be better with the V-6. The amount of gas mileage that you receive does not even come close to justifying the horsepower you lose when going with the V-6. Other than than preferring the V-8, I would also get the quad cab instead of the club cab. With my f-150 I at least had three doors, with the club cab you have to fold the front seats forward in order to access the back seat.

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  Made the right decision! - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By T.W. - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I have owned Chevy and Ford trucks in the past, and I must say I am very impressed with the Dakota. It rides great for a truck and is very quick for a 4X4. Its also very quiet on the road. Wish it had doors for the back seat. Kids fit fine, its just a hassle to get them in and out. Suspension & brakes like to squeak.

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  Love This Truck - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By jtdamask - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I dont know if we have just been lucky or what but we have had zero problems with our Dakota. It is fun to drive and performs well.

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  Damn Good - 1992 Dodge Dakota
  By Tom Dodge - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Brought this truck in 2002 with 153000 on it. Reliable, great pickup on the highway and excellent condition, looks and runs new.

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  Dakotas a hit - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By dakotavol - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Second Dakota Ive owned, and Ill do it again, more than likely. This truck has the new 4.7 V-8, and although I hated to see the venerable 318 go away, the 4.7 is POWERFUL. Its got plenty of power to react quickly, even when pulling a boat, trailer, or other heavy load. Comfort is on a par with with most luxury cars, the ride is smoother than any truck Ive ever ridden.

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  One of My 2 Dakota 2000 Quad Cab Trucks - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By rhudman - May 8 - 2:00 am

  I own two of these trucks. They were bought in Dec 1999. Both have been driven on long vacation trips from Texas to Florida. The Sport has a 4.7 Liter V8 which is easy on the gas and very peppy. The other is a SLT with a 5.9 Liter V8 and the full towing package to enclude towing capacity to 9000 lbs. As could be expected the gas milage is not as good as the smaller V8s and V6s but it is very powerful and extremely stout.

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  Love My qc - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By mean16 - May 8 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Dakota for a year now and i have a 27k on it. So far the truck has been great. I tow a 3500 poundboat all over the place and the truck never complains. I have a 4x4 qhad cab with the 4.7 v8 and it has more then enough power for my pulling needs. As for mileage it is what i expected to get, i get 13city/17hwy and 14 towing. Its really not that much worse then the s10 i had before it. I have had only one problem with the truck, i had to have a ball joint boot replaced because it was torn. Other then that its been perfect.

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  RT is for ME - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By jlen - May 7 - 2:00 am

  This Sport-Truck is all encompassing! It performs and handles like a Vette but with the utility of a truck! A 360 engine stuffed into a Dakota..ahh the possibilities!!!! As a woman driver I can appriciate the stealth of "just another Dakota"! But look out brother when I come alongside!