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:

• 

  Nine years with Dodge Dakota SLT Ext. Ca - 1994 Dodge Dakota
  By Frank Klee - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Nine years ago, I bought a new 1994 Dakota SLT Extended Cab with the 3.9L V6 engine, auto transmission, power windows locks and mirrors. The truck has never failed me during cold winters (Chicago)and scorching summers---except once when I let the battery run out. No major problems ever, just minor irritants: radio ground wire disconnected, transmission sometimes starts only in neutral, and the gas gauge sensor quit after 7 years. I recommend the Dakota highly.

• 

  8Cyl Auto, Great Truck - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Bilbo4fun - October 16 - 2:00 am

  I love my Dakota slt 8cyl, auto quad cab. Interior has lots of room, have hauled 4 adults and a car seat. Fuel milage was a concern especially with a Magnum V8, but is better than I expected and as I put miles on it (2800 now) its getting better. Average 19MPG. I came close to buying a Tacoma but am glad I got the dakota instead. I have pulled a trailer a couple of times with about 1500# cargo. Didnt even notice the difference in driving with the extra weight.

• 

  Good Value - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Jackneye - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my new Dakota and I am impressed so far. I was reluctant to look into a Dodge, but as I researched other trucks (mid-size & full-size), I found the Dakota to have the best value. The interior is especially comfortable and the club cab actually provides a decent amount of extra space. The ride is very car-like, and the power, although not overwhelming, is adequate. In comparison with other compact trucks, the Dodges styling blows the competition away. All in all I am pleased with the truck and I feel I got the most bang for my buck.

• 

  Great Buy - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By thestuff - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Dakota for over 3 years now and I love it. Value, power, everything is the best. Id recommend this truck to anyone.

• 

  Dakota Quad 4x4 with 4.7l V8 - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Maryland Driver - October 10 - 2:00 am

  After looking at the Ford Explorer Sport-Trac and other quad cabs, this is definately the BEST (even better than the Toyota!). Plenty of power with the 4.7l V8 (but gas milage is only acceptable). Fun to drive, very comfortable for family of 4. Great quality control (due to Mercedes Benz) and I got it $10,000 cheaper than a F- 150 SuperCrew! Great dealer (Fitzgerald Auto Mall) and I am very happy with Dodges customer relations! Highly Recommended if this is the type of vehicle you need!

• 

  Perfect 10 baby - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By adam - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable, never fails to please me. Never found a surface of road that the tires wouldnt turn over from. Its a real head turner.

• 

  Wishing we could keep it! - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Brett - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been such a joy. With the available 5.9L we had it matches even with the 1500 series with torque and BHP and it cost on average $8,000 less. Im 64" and I feel comfortable in the rear seats. The back doors have a full 90 degree opening which make getting in and out a breeze. The ride and comfort is so car like its unreal. The only down fall that you must live with is the fuel economy or there lack of. But with all that engine it something I can live with.

• 

  Wishing we could keep it! - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By brett - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been such a joy. With the available 5.9L we had it matches even with the 1500 series with torque and BHP and it cost on average $8,000 less. Im 64" and I feel comfortable in the rear seats. The back doors have a full 90 degree opening which make getting in and out a breeze. The ride and comfort is so car like its unreal. The only down fall that you must live with is the fuel economy or there lack of. But with all that engine it something I can live with.

• 

  Thank You, Mr. Lee Iacocca - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By rab3 - October 6 - 2:00 am

  OK, so Iacocca hasnt been CEO of Chrysler in a while, but he changed their mindset. The result is the Dakota. Works like a mid-size pickup should drives/handles like a large car. I am happy with it. Toyota was overpriced Fords too small in the mid- sized pickup market. Sturdy. Fine utility/tow vehicle. Reminds me of my first pickup love a 1986 Ford Ranger XLT 4WD, but with out the accompanying 1986 Ranger transmission problem.

• 

  Better than I expected - 1994 Dodge Dakota
  By voyageur_mike - October 5 - 2:00 am

  This truck gave us good service for a long time, with only a few glitches along the way. It gets 15+ mpg in metro area driving, closer to 20 on highway. The Dodge paint job was the shabbiest Ive ever had on a vehicle, and began to chip off 2-3 years ago. And I had a plastic radiator split at under 50K miles on the vehicle. I liked owning it but wouldnt get another Dodge truck-- my sense is that it might be rolling the dice one time too many.