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 a Good Buy - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Joachim - January 10 - 2:00 am

  Truck runs great and looks good. Only problem has been a faulty headlight switch.

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  great overall - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By nblett - January 9 - 2:00 am

  This is an all around great automobile. I have no complaints and will be diving it untill the doors fall off.

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  Great truck after modifications. - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By Stoney - January 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this used with 32,000 miles on it. Its the 2000 Dakota SLT V8 4.7, all time 4x4 w/locking diffs. I like the all-time 4x4 because it grabs around corners, but you loose acceleration when starting from stopped position. This is a good truck as stock. OK power, and looks great. It will get you anywhere. A little costly on the gas. This truck with modifications is great. I changed air intake,put in headers, cat-backs, and a mod-chip, and its STRONG! Also get 1-2 miles per gallon more, when Im not flooring it. Theres a new magnum V8 HO engine in the Dakotas that puts out more power. I would look into a Dakota with this engine if I was looking to buy.

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  Love the 8 in this baby.... - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Darbster - January 3 - 2:00 am

  This truck is a super. It is in a kinda stealth mode. With the eight cylinder 4.7 she can do almost anything the big boys can do and still park in a compact stall. If you are looking for a extended cab truck with some yank look no further this Dakota will knock your socks off. I have owned a Chevy 1500 Z71 sportside and a Ford Explorer XLT. I wish I had looked at the Dodge line sooner. The other trucks are okay but Im impressed with the overall quality and precision of this vehicle. Highly recomended.

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  FRobyne - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By FRobyne - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I have very good luck with this vehicle. It is reliable and fun to drive. It is actually more comfortable to drive than my car. I have not experienced any mechanical, electrical or structural integrity problems. The only faults of this vehicle are the lack of power and the bad fuel economy of the 3.9 ltr V6 engine.

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  Steer Clear ONLY as a LAST resort. - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By dodgeneveragain - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Have had ALOT of problems since the purchase. Lost the transmission within the first 2,000 miles. Still having some problems at shifting points of the transmission. Rough idle. Surge in the motor at hwy speed. Several other misc. problems that mysteriously cant be recreated at the dealership. Have noticed very poor overall craftsmanship upon closer inspection after the purchase. Little Late then!! Oh well, stuck for now. NEVER again!! If I can keep at least ONE person from buying, this comment will not have been in vain. Will look at Chevrolet, Ford or Import next time!!

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  5.9 has the power - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Ralph Wiggum III - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I have the 5.9 and get around 12mpg most of the time. Sometimes 14 or so with highway driving but is worth it if you tow. Its also nice knowing I can accelerate faster than any other truck out there (except 5.9RT, but who wants 2WD).

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  Love it - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Caarrl - December 28 - 2:00 am

  Great truck. Lots of power. Stereo rocks. Drives as nice as an SUV.

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  Work Truck - 1994 Dodge Dakota
  By SWC - December 23 - 2:00 am

  It really is a comfortable vehicle, rides well and mine has every option so it has neat toys. However the build quality is terrible (such as my headliner caving in, the paint falling off, the interior fading to 4 differant shades of grey plus my dashboard turning blue). It has been driven hard and it is almost 10 years old, so I do expect things to go wrong... it just seems to happen more often then it should. As for safety, its built like a tank... I wouldnt even consider a 1997 or newer because they are like tinfoil with plastic bumpers. Overall, I will keep this truck until I can get a nice old Toyota Tundra Quad-Cab at a reasonable price...

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  Nice Truck.....Terrible Gas Guzzzler - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By DAKOTA - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Bought me truck 1 year ago. Except for a few warranty claims for wiper switch and both sway arms in the back going it has been a great truck to drive. I have put 30,000 kms on it (canadian eh) and have had fun doing it. Down fall however has been the gas mileage. I dont drive hard and still get terrible gas mileage????????? I drive a lot of highway now and am seriously considering getting rid of it for better gas mileage...too bad i like the truck.