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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  Great vehicle - 1993 Dodge Dakota
  By W Bush - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the vehicle since new over 9 years ago. Other than routine maintenence I have not had any problems or expenses with the vehicle. The most reliable vehicle I have ever owned.

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  nothing like a dakota - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By sarge - August 31 - 2:00 am

  the dakota has the best looking design of any truck,mid-sized or smaller.the design is such that even when it is sitting still,it looks like it is in motion.the larger tires,the paint scheme,and the fender flairs really set it off.every day i thank god for that truck.there are just not enough good things to say about it.

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  5.9L Full Time AWD Model - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By FULL TIME AWD - August 31 - 2:00 am

  We loved the design, ride, features and HP. We have a FULLY Loaded 5.9L Full Time AWD(That is NO Longer AVL!) Automatic with overdrive, locking front and rear difs, Front & Rear ABS, Heavy Duty Tow Package with a engine oil cooler and heavy duty Tranny cooler ect....SADDLY.. We have had nothing but constant problems with it. The engine replaced, Front Diff replace, Constant drive train problems, AC problems, Exhaust Leaks and electrical problems. The dealer has had it more than we have!

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  cute but effective - 1995 Dodge Dakota
  By R_Erickson - August 24 - 2:00 am

  Have the 4 cyl sport in white, sharp looker. Drive it like a truck, hard and fast for 75,000 miles. Not a high horsepower vehicle but fun to drive and never felt underpowered hauling or towing so long as you keep her in 4th.

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  Best truck Ive owned - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By CEO - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Great ride , great fun to drive (get the 4.7L V8) Milage so-so , but as a mid size tow vehical.. the best , Take a ride in all the others , then save the best for last , this way you can drive it home !

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  Pain to Maintain - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By nate676 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Typical American truck. You will spend many hours and many dollars at the garage having maintenance done. Fuel economy, as expected with a V8 is horrible. Engine starts knocking around 60000 miles I suggest using premium gas for best results. V8 has good get up and go. My Dakota has a severe tire wear problem it is not related to front-end alignments (or lack there of). Dakota doesnt hold up very well in a car wreck. I rear-ended a dinky Toyota Corolla and it cost $2700 to repair my vehicle.

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  Fantastic - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By Brian1330 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a great truck to drive. It has the power and the looks. I drove several trucks before buying the Dakota, and I couldnt beat the room. For the same price as a compact truck why not buy the midsize Dakota. You wouldnt be sorry.

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  Nice family truck..and the V8 rocks! - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Allwirl - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I had a Chevy..many problems. Then I got a Ram Quad 1500, it was nice, but sooo tight in the garage. This (not so) little Dakota is the perfect size for a family man who doesnt tote a lot of lumber anymore. Kids love the backseat, Mom loves the size, and Daddy loves the V8! The V6 seemed sluggish, and the V8 downright hauls butt. I actually got the V8 cheaper than I could have gotten the V6...go figure. From my past experience with the Ram, I know there is quality. I had minor problems, but dealership and Dodge excell in customer service. GOTTA GETTA DODGE!!!

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  130,000 miles and its time to go - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By Randall - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Well, with a baby now and not enough room in the ext. cab for it its time for a quad cab. My truck has been put threw hard driving and just loves to work. What is going on with the ball joints? Replaced every 30k miles. bottoms are beefy but the tops are like a golf ball. Too bad you need to break the bottoms to replace the tops. When i nigotiate my new price, I will want a 100k mile warrentee on the ball joints. Would I recomend this truck to someone? Answer...yes

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  Good Truck - 2000 Dodge Dakota
  By Autolycus - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Extended Cab 4x4, 4.7L with auto. So far the truck has preformed well. It handles good, rides smooth, accelerates great, turns sharp and is comfortable for a truck. It hauls and pulls loads as well as a full size. The 4x4 works good. The fit and finish is very good. No problems with the truck.