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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Kickin Butt Truck - 2003 Dodge Dakota
By Whatup - April 9 - 2:00 amI purchased this truck in April 2001, I got the 5.9L Automatic with the rest of the bells and whistles and I love it. I tow a sandrail and a 21 ski boat and fly down the freeway. For a midsize truck it delivers a full size punch. Great power and great to drive!
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95 Dodge Dakota Sport - 1995 Dodge Dakota
By Wrangler Smith - April 7 - 2:00 amBought this truck new. 5-speed. Didnt need to do a thing to it the first 100,000. Ran nice. A/C finally went out soon after 100,000.
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sucks gas and eggs too - 2000 Dodge Dakota
By GM_Bound - April 6 - 3:00 am2 drive shafts replaced. rack & pinion steering replaced. Tranny recall, spewing fluid all over the engine. 3 door locks failed, 4th one is now starting to fail. computer reprogrammed, Radiator fan relay stuck in the RUN position, would not turn off, not to mention that the local dealer gives me a PURPLE neon as a loaner with $1000 deductible that I am responsible for. Other than the list above, it was dependable ( haha ).
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The truck I needed... - 2000 Dodge Dakota
By Juan F - April 5 - 2:00 amIve only had my truck for a week but I already know this was the truck for me. I bought this 2000 with only 12k miles. It still has the new car smell. I was looking for something with 4wd and a V8 so I could haul my motorcycle and use to plow with in the winter. This truck is perfect for me because it has great power from the 4.7 liter and all the features you would find in a car but the utility of the pick up bed. For all those owners who complain about the fuel consumption you should have bought a hybrid car. I feel this is one of the meanest looking trucks out there, really who is intimidated by a Nissan Frontier.
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Best Truck Ever Purchased! - 1993 Dodge Dakota
By PMdave - April 4 - 2:00 amBest truck I ever baught. Very Reliable with over 100000 miles this year.
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Love my truck - 1996 Dodge Dakota
By Ruben - April 3 - 2:00 amMy truck is as reliable as the sun, hasnt given one moments trouble and i would be afraid to drive to the north pole in it if there were roads! This is the truck i want to be driving when im 80!
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Almost A Truck! - 1998 Dodge Dakota
By Mazda Fan - March 29 - 2:00 amBucket seat cushions seem to be too long for my 56" frame and the backs are to flat and non supporting. Visability is horrible with the huge A pillars. Ours also has the fuel pick up problem that has left us stranded twice! It ate left front brakes and rotors untill I upgraded the front pads. Resale value is poor,along with the gas mileage. 13/17, worse than a full size suv! Engine rattles on anything less than premium fuel, sometimes on that too!Rear seats too small, even for children. No locking glove box. Noisy fan motor. No overhead console on this year. Rear bumper design to weak for towing any weight. This COULD be a good truck.
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Good Looking Truck - 2005 Dodge Dakota
By Raimundo - March 28 - 10:42 amI have it already for almost 5 years and the only problem I had was replacement of steering links but Im running it with 20" wheels. It is very comfortable, we love it. After that just normal maintenance, oil change etc and a new battery just because of time life. The truck had a couple of recalls and Dodge complied with them with no complains. But I drive it very carefull and dont abuse from it. The best thing is there is not to much technology on it, same as less headechs to deal with.
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4.7 liter V8 QuadCab - 2000 Dodge Dakota
By Jynxie - March 25 - 2:00 amVery comfy! A very stable truck to drive your kids around in.
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nice try mopar - 2000 Dodge Dakota
By rim - March 23 - 2:00 amI liked it because it was a mid-size truck, however it drives like a full size and suck gas like a full size truck. The brake is below what I expected. The Good-year eagle rs is already showing signs of wear after 25k on them. The windshield wiper blade left the vehicle after two years. Even though it was almost never used (living in so. cal, no rain). Nice try dodge, how bout using some quality parts.
