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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  Dakota R/Ts are fun! - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By The G Man - January 28 - 2:00 am

  The Dakota R/T is an extremely nice truck. great handling, excellent design, well built, and enough power to get you into some serious trouble.

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  Disappointed! - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Dont buy one! - January 27 - 2:00 am

  Truck has 25000 miles on it and been in the shop 3 times. Power steering pump failed 1 time, driving lights the next. Loud suspension noise the next time which was all the bushings...not uncommon from what I hear. Still didnt fix the problem...still loud and loose. Very sloppy and rough steering, rock hard seats and poor visibility out the windshield, transmission hesistates to shift. Not impressed for $29000!!

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  2001 Dodge Dakota 4dr 4wd - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By dakuhn - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Has been a pleasure to own.

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  Great Vehicle - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By Taz - January 22 - 2:00 am

  This is one excellent truck. My wife and I both own one and they are the best trucks i have had so far. After a total of 100k between 2 trucks in less than 4 years. all trouble free.

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  Dont buy one of these(Unless its mine) - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By GasHog - January 21 - 2:00 am

  The best fuel economy I ever saw was 11mpg on the highway on a several state road trip. The EPA claims 17mpg on the highway and a few less for the city. I could expect 7 to _maybe_ 8mpg on an average tank of mixed city/highway driving. This truck is supposed to be performance oriented. It is not very quick considering it has a 360cid engine and gets such lousy fuel economy. If you are in the market for a high performance truck, spend the extra money and buy a Ford Lightning (I dont even like Ford and am suggesting it over my Dodge).

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  1990 Dodge Dakota LE - 1990 Dodge Dakota
  By Allen - January 19 - 2:00 am

  This truck is a top quality truck. Its not quite a compact truck and not quite a full size truck, therefore its a mid-size. It can haul more than my friends 1998 Ford F-150 and its more reliable. The only bad thing about it is its transmission. Its transmission went around 74,000 miles and now i have 80,000 miles on it. I would recommend this truck because its fun and reliable.

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  i like this truck - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By theeewweeee - January 18 - 2:00 am

  had truck since 03 2002 no problems so far good family truck with power when needed, would recommend to anyone.

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  Luv my truck - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By giovine - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought my truck with 60k mi and it has a 5.2 V8 with 4WD. I now have 105K and it still drives great.I do have a couple of complaints with it. My biggest being the gas milage. I was expecting to see about 18- 20 MPG and dissapointed to get 13-14 MPG. Another dissapointment is the heater, totaly inadiquate!! You can drive hours on a cold day and never have to lower the heat. A/C has been failing since I bought it. still like it !!!!

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  SOLID 5.9 R/T - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By roxtro - January 10 - 2:00 am

  Very well built, red standard cab,255/55/17 wheels tires. Handles great, NO PROBLEMS at all, good heat and ac.Whats not to like?

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  R/T = Real Fast - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By kwood69 - January 10 - 2:00 am

  I had been waiting for a peformance trunk to come out for a few years, then when Dodge introduced the Dakota RT and it was featured on MotorTrends TV show I just fell for it. After driving one I finally broke down and bought one in 2000. Since then Ive modified the engine and the interior but this truck has been great since day one. I drag race in it, road race in it, and even place it in auto shows.