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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Ups and downs - 1993 Dodge Dakota
By idahoguy - April 21 - 2:00 amThe place we got it from was a rip off joint.We had to get the transfer case rebult twice and it had bad motor mounts.The exhuast crapped out about about a year and so on...........
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IRON HORSE - 1993 Dodge Dakota
By MOE PAR - April 18 - 2:00 amI bought this truck NEW in 1993 and have owned it ever since. This Dakota is powerful, fun to drive and comfortable. The drivers seat is without a doubt the most comfortable seat(or chair) I own. I once drove this truck virtually non-stop from Taos New Mexico to my home in north Texas and I was pain-free & comfortable all the way (I have back problems). The Dakota has a deep throaty sound and has always had all the POWER I ever needed. About a year and a half into ownership, the rear end went out. The dealership replaced the rear end and U-joints---no charge. This is a GREAT TRUCK!
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Dakota Sport - 1996 Dodge Dakota
By mopar guy - April 17 - 2:00 am2.5 ltr 5spd Great truck, no special repairs other than regular wear/tear, first 5 yrs of ownership cost $600 for repairs, not bad!! Easy to work on with 2.5 and no a/c, you can stand in the engine compartment to work on it.
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First time truck owner - 2003 Dodge Dakota
By Kelly Jones - April 17 - 2:00 amThis truck handles really well. The ride initially is not great, you feel all of the bumps and grooves in the roadway. Over time, this seems to have smoothed out a bit. Interior is very comfortable and roomy in my model (bucket seats, club cab). Gas mileage is around 17-18 city, 19-21 hwy.
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Sweet Ride - 2002 Dodge Dakota
By Silver RYno - April 15 - 2:00 amI bought My Quad Last year based on the Versatility and Awesome looks. I knew, before buying, that I would be getting fair gas mileage (4.7L V8 4X4). Well I was right, due to city driving, I have been getting 13 mpg. When I do get to take it out on the Highways I get around 16-17. 2 Small things that have gone wrong since I bought it: A vacum Hose broke 2 weeks after I bought it (fixed for free), and My hazards come on sometimes when I use my turn signal (not fixed yet). But Those are really is my only complaints. I Love driving it! It looks awesome and it does everything I ask of it from hauling my 5 friends to hauling fire wood. Love My Toy!!
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Never agian - 1999 Dodge Dakota
By Going to Nissan - April 11 - 2:00 amI had to replace my catalytic converter 5 times. The first was before my first oil change. That one only lasted 6 months. Replace again, got another 6 months out of it. After the third one it was the new and improved model, yeah right. Lasted a year. Replace again lasted another year. Go to Midas or someplace similar that has a warranty on their products.
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V8 Madness - 2003 Dodge Dakota
By BNASTEE - April 10 - 2:00 amI recently bought the SLT Plus Quad Cab 4.7 V8 4x4. Love almost everything about it except the fuel mileage, a whistling noise on the highway, and dirt seems to be able to enter the front door panels and sits above the rubber molding strip at the bottom of the door (same problem on the Durango and other Dakota models).
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Dakota doesnt live up to its billing - 1998 Dodge Dakota
By benhunts - April 9 - 2:00 amPower is adequate for a V-6 but at the expense of fuel economy. Had to replace factory tires @ 19k miles battery @ 24k miles brake pads at 27k backup lights havent worked in 2 years despite replacing wiring, bulbs, fuses, etc. rad.temp circuit chip at 55k A/C fail at 60k fan clutch @ 63k front rotors, calipers, & pads. Paint began fading on the roof and tailgate at 43k and is now spreading over the cab. Truck, with the exception of the above, has performed reliably well in spite of the above.
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love my dakota - 2000 Dodge Dakota
By Maverick - April 9 - 2:00 amThis truck has preformed great from the day I drove it off the lot. Have not had one bit of trouble. I do not have the limit -slip rear end, I know people who do and they have lots of trouble with there Dakota.
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love my dakota - 2000 Dodge Dakota
By maverick - April 9 - 2:00 amThis truck has preformed great from the day I drove it off the lot. Have not had one bit of trouble. I do not have the limit -slip rear end, I know people who do and they have lots of trouble with there Dakota.
