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 - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By mailman - May 7 - 2:00 am

  2001 Dakota SLT 4x4, This truck has been virtually problem free since purchased. Truck just feels solid, you can tell the difference. I added rear springs for towing a camper and now it no longer jumps out of control on large bumps at fast speeds, made a big difference, the factory should have done this. I have the 4.7 engine, which sounds like the harley of trucks.

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  Fun but Stiff - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Mo-Jo - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Love the truck styling and power. Very comfortable. Big enough for family and not to still drive a truck.

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  Fun to Drive and Overall Great Truck... - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By onealk - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my 02 Dakota SLT Plus 4.7L V8 Manual now for about 2 months. Ive enjoyed every minute of driving it and using it like the truck it is. Ive taken a few trips already with it and enjoyed the comfort of the seats and ride quality. The 4.7L V8 has enough power to propel me down the road with enough force to pass a few cars and merge onto the beltways and freeways.

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  Great - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Brittany - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Oh I just love it.

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  Dakota mid size is perfect fit - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By Me in Midwest - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Looked at F150, looked at Ranger. Looked over the Ram 1500 (big), but found the Dakota to be the "right size." Comfortable interior, great utility, attractive to look at.

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  Never Again - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By Phillie - April 27 - 2:00 am

  Never again will I purchase a Dodge product after this truck. I had the truck in the shop more in the first two years that my other vehicle has been in the ten years I have owned it. Not only does the truck lack quality, but the service at the Raymond Dodge Service Center is horrible. Talk about unfriendly people.

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  My Dream Truck - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By ptarmagan - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I love everything about My Quad Cab except one thing, gas mileage. I average about 17 mpg but mostly city driving. I guess thats the reality of having a 4x4 truck. I have the 4.7 liter V8 and its sure fun to drive. Passing a slow moving vehicle on the road is quick and effortless. This is the only compact quad cab on the market that can sit four adults and one young one comfortably. The gas mileage is a small sacrifice for all the comfort and performance built in.

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  The perfect truck has arrived... - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By dakotadon - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this truck for 16 months and have enjoyed every one of my 22000+ miles. The 4.7L V8 gives it a sports- car feel when merging/passing at high MPH. The ride on pavement is smooth, yet it performs admirably off-road. I especially like those roomy flip-up rear seats. Im 64", and the only thing that makes me uncomfortable while riding in the back seat is the fact that Im not actually driving!

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  Dodge dakota sport - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By fishngrl18 - April 23 - 2:00 am

  i had to replace the power steering unit after buying it from a private seller 2 months ago.

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  2000Dakota - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By gwashy - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Up to this point, I have had only positive experiences with my 2000 Dodge Dakota. The Magnum V6 engine in conjunction with the handling package and wide tires has had plenty of power for hauling anything in the bed of the truck. I have had no warranty issues outside of getting the windshield wipers replaced. I look forward to continued performance from this vehicle.