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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no power and bad gas milage - 2003 Dodge Dakota
By eric doukas - October 5 - 2:00 amnot very happy with this truck wish i never bought it
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over th log haul - 1995 Dodge Dakota
By steve999 - October 1 - 2:00 amThis truck was very reliable and the torque in the motor made it fun to drive. Currently have 238000 miles. Just purchased a 2003 quad cab. The 3.9 liter is not as torquey do to the added weight and larger tires. The 16 inch tires cause the motor to 250-350 less rpm and the sweet spot in 4th gear is around 75 mph.
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Fun to Drive, A Joy to Own - 2002 Dodge Dakota
By koneal - October 1 - 2:00 amIve owned my 02 Dakota 4.7L V8 SLT 2WD Ext Cab for 8 months now. The ride quality is excellent, performance is responsive with the 5-speed manual transmission. Ive used it to not only haul a few people around but to haul many heavy loads. Its performed to spec and more every time.
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4.7L Automatic 4x4 - 2002 Dodge Dakota
By CAM - September 30 - 2:00 amThe Dodge Dakota is a fun and functional truck. It has been great for moving friends and making home improvements. The interior is simple and functional. A little more interior design would go along way.
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Best PICK UP around! - 2000 Dodge Dakota
By Bobby Mac - September 25 - 2:00 amThis vehicle is the absolute most funnest vehicle to drive. It is fast, looks great and performs well in any situation. The insurance is relatively cheap and I dont even mind paying $45- $50 for a tank of gas (Canadian Dollars).
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Wheres the head Room - 2002 Dodge Dakota
By urban cowboy - September 25 - 2:00 am25 yrs.former F150 and Ranger-fan. Dakota sport reg cab drives like a car, only on smooth pavement. I like the stiffness in the stiring, but veh. bouncing on rough roads. Some weird noises at times very unusual. Dodge engine sounds like diesel when cold. But quiets dwn when warmed up. Unlike ranger this truck has no room in cab. to wear a cap or hat. What no cosmetic add ons???
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Excellent Truck - 2000 Dodge Dakota
By skitch - September 23 - 2:00 amGreat truck from day one. Ive had no problems and have had the truck off- road on several occasions. Like most reviewers, the gas mileage is not the greatest but the 4.7L V8 engine will get up and get you going when it needs to. Creaks in the front suspension on occasion but thats the norm for 4WD vehicles. Highly recommended truck.
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My New truck - 2000 Dodge Dakota
By francyfree2 - September 13 - 2:00 amThis is a very good looking truck and feels good to drive. It also is very comfortable. But so far there are two drawbacks. Highway gas milage is averaging out to at the most 16 mpg. We were told by the salesman that it had a towing package and could pull our lightweight 22ft. prowler travel trailer. But when we come back from the oregon coast which are small hills it over heats on us. Now we are afraid to take a trip where there are real mountains. So that is our delima.
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Great Truck! - 1994 Dodge Dakota
By Karen Duggan - September 8 - 2:00 amI have owned this truck since I bought it new in 2/94. It originally cost around $15,000 and I have gotten so much value for that expense. Aside from replacing tires and the battery, this truck has been amazingly reliable. I have had NO major problems. I will continue to strongly endorse this truck and believe my recommendation has caused the purchase of at least 10 Dodge trucks among friends and family.
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The R/T is in a class of its own - 1998 Dodge Dakota
By R/T Flies - September 8 - 2:00 amYou here people saying never drive in the rain. MAinly because they cant keep there foot out of it. This truck flies when the road is dry. What can u expect with a 4200 pound truck thats rear wheel drive and has most of its wieght in the front(large engine). The body style is supior to all other pickups in its class.
