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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  1997 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By Hurley - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Have had only one problem - catalytic converter went out before 100K mile warranty. Timing belt (or chain) has always made a slight clicking noise, but has never hindered the operation of the truck. Absolutely love this truck in my opinion, have had no big problems, not even small ones like a headlight or tail light going out.

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  In shop more often then on the road - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By cleatus - March 14 - 2:00 am

  This truck is great when it is running, unfortuntly, that is not too often. With less then 20k it needed a steering rack. About 30 k came the 1st set of rotors,at 81k now its on its 3rd set. water pump and catalytic coverter have also had to be replaced.I now have an ABS and brake light lit up indicating ABS failure and have found out the toque converter in the transmission is bad. This truck is less then 5 years old and has 81000 miles. too many problems for a vehical of this age...

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  Mines a Lemon - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Jimslemon - March 9 - 2:00 am

  My vehicle has been in the shop 7 times since I bought it. It will be going back shortly. The ABS isnt working properly. This is the second time something has been wrong with the brakes. The dash board has been rattling since 17000 miles. That will need to be fixed too. My MPG hovers around 13MPG on the HIGHWAY! Needless to say, I am more than disappointed in the DODGE product and will be going back to foreign manufacturers.

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  Dream Machine - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By tinpandan - March 6 - 2:00 am

  The Dakota has the best sound system offered in any stock truck. I promise you will not complain about leg room (I am 6-5" & will vouch for this). The 4.7L engine is the only way to go. Avoid the 5.9L V8. I got 11 mpg average honest. The truck handles like a sports car, you will love to drive this machine. Those needing 4X4, look for models with AWD (there are some out there and they have jeep parts note reg. 4X4 cant be driven on dry pavement). Best truck money can buy!

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  01 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab SLT - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By KCKettridge - March 6 - 2:00 am

  Reliable,fun to drive work horse. The V6 has enough power and the cab is quiet when cruising at highway speeds. The Infinity AM/FM/CD System rocks and the seats are comfortable. The black interior is high maintenance though, as it shows everything from cracker crumbs to dog hair. The instrument panel,heater/ac/fan/wiper/headlight switch(s)/controls are large enough without seeming bulky or awkward. Interior appointments are nice, although the glove box is a little on the small side, the center console is rommy. The standard Goodyear Wrangler ST tires are a little small(215/75/15) but it still handles well and gives a smooth ride.

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  Questionable - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Dogman - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a 2003 Sport plus 4.7 litre 5speed automatic. I only get 12 miles per gallon. And if this holds up wonder if I should have spent the extra couple thousand for the 1500. The truck for someone who wants almost full size capabilities with ease of parking.

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  PLEASE DONT BUY!! Dodge Corp. NO help!! - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By WillieP - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but problems since the first week!! Stuck with this P.O.S. Several problems with the transmission that supposedly was "matched nicely" to the 4.7L engine. Problems are "deemed normal" by the dealership. Ill drive it till something breaks to recreate the problem for them. Interior fan motor is done. Nothing like the smell of a burning fan motor in the morning. Nice acrid smell of burning plastic/wires. Popping noise at front wheel bearings in turns. Tried to get Dodge Corp. to swap it out and Id pay the difference. NO DEAL! Ill just take the couple thousand loss on a trade soon. Itll be worth it!

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  I Love This Thing!!! - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By LoveThisBaby!!! - February 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my first new vehicle. My Previous was a 92 dakota with the v6, and boy oh boy is the V8 worth every penny. This has to be one of the fastest vehichles in production, (for the price). I wish I got the manual instead of the auto and 4wd instead of 2wd, but you cant be picky when shopping off the lot.

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  92 dodge dakota - 1992 Dodge Dakota
  By dakota shawn - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck when it had 216,000 miles on it. I only paid $850. I figured i would put a motor in it in a few months but it ran great for two years and then I ended up selling it for $1200.(I did put rims and a paint job on it)This truck was great. I want it back!!If you have on keep it!!!

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  4X4 SXT 3.9L 4spd auto - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By brupac - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Would never of thought of buying a Dodge before but this truck really impressed me. Great looks,quality feel inside and out plus plenty of power from the 3.9L not to mention a $3000.00 rebate how can you go wrong.