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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  nice truck - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By BILL - October 25 - 11:06 pm

  This is a nice truck, inside and out. On rough rodes the front end tends to bounce in one direction. I have the V-6 in my truck and it seems to be under powered. The ride is nice.

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  Speed and Power - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Nick N - October 22 - 5:09 pm

  This truck is a great vehicle that I use as a daily driver and it has always gotten me from point A to B. This truck has a very nice speed for being the 3.9 V6 and has a lot of torque. The only downfall is that the fuel economy is ok for a vehicle. I get about 18mpg in town and I get almost 24 on the highway. I have over 180,000 miles on it and the only problem I have had with the truck is an oil leak at the oil pan, which I have heard is a common problem with Chryslers vehicles.

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  Problems, Problems, Problems - 1999 Dodge Dakota
  By martinex - October 21 - 3:18 am

  I owned a 97 Dakota 2WD V8 prior to buying this one. I loved it. It got reasonable gas mileage (around 20mpg) and would leap off the line. My only problem was with all that torque (and crappy Goodyear Wranglers), the truck would spin out on slick pavement. My solution was to get a 99 Dakota Sport with the same 5.2 liter engine and 4WD. Whooboy! First of all the extra weight of the transmission drastically cut down on performance. Secondly gas mileage dropped significantly (of course) but what was most disturbing was the repair costs. Engine, suspension, electrical...you name it. All within the first 20,000 miles.

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  Love it - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By David - October 15 - 11:28 am

  Our Dakota is a great medium sized truck. The towing capacity is more then adequate for our little trailer. I know much has been said about the fuel economy of the 3.7 litre but I have to say that we get 20-21 around town ans 24-25 on the highway. We keep it at 65MPH. Do wonder about the OD on the transmission under 50 and on hills at that speed I feel it performs better with the OD off.Comfortable and solid drive!

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  Could have been - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Nate - October 14 - 9:46 pm

  Ive had the 4.7L for 8 years and as a whole it has been decent. I like the ride comfort, roominess of the cab, power and the 4wd in the snow. However, the front end has been painful to maintain. Seems that it always has issues whether it be ball joints, cv joints, flex hoses, calipers seizing up, various bushings needing replacement, etc. The calipers have actually seized 3 times. Crazy. Without the front-end problems this would have been the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Since this is not the case, the 83 Subaru GL 4wd I had in college still reigns supreme.

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  65000 mile review - 2004 Dodge Dakota
  By teejay - October 14 - 12:08 am

  well i have just payed this baby off and she has just over 65k miles. still running strong. just regular maintenance issues and new tires so far!! now after just purchasing a 19 foot travel trailer i wish i had the v- 8, but hey i will be giving thie truck to my 17 year old son soon and buying me a new quad cap V-8. do you hear me dodge i want a good deal!!!!!!!

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  vibration - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By dc - September 25 - 2:11 pm

  cant seem to determine what the vibrations are caused by. Have had two complete break overhauls done. Only 35K miles. The dealer says "harmonic vibration" and no fix. Feels like it is missing, had plugs replaced at 30K, no impact. Disapointed in the truck overall. No more Chrysler for me.

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  Now, THIS is a truck! - 2001 Dodge Dakota
  By Eaton - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a 93 F150 and a 97 Toyota Tundra and this Dodge whoops em both! The Ford was a great truck, but it was too large and ate too much gas. The Dakota is the perfect in-between size and gets decent mileage for a 4.7 V8 with 235 horses. The Toyota was an overpriced joke. Underpowered and it felt like it was going to fall apart whenever I went over a railroad track. The Dakota is extremely solid on the road and handles exceptionally well for a truck. I love the smooth howl of the 4.7 V8, the great stereo and comfy interior. Ill let you know when I find something I dont like about it, but dont hold your breathe.

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  I dont want him (J-P) to leave me!!! - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By Gina - September 17 - 8:13 pm

  This is the best pick-up truck i had so far...he went through a lot!! Someone stole it, wreck it, smashed the windows, radio stolen...he is still alive and run as good as the first day. He is now 400 000km and i have to spend a little this month to fix transfer case, wipers...the mechanic told me it was worth it to keep it in good shape.

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  100000 and still going strong - 2005 Dodge Dakota
  By joe pup - September 12 - 1:29 pm

  Great truck, bought to tow boat only mid size that would do it the V8 has good gas mileage average 18mpg have towed over 10,000 with it with no problems off road it fun. Only problem is I bent the u joint and that when I tried to pull 12000 lbs other then that, all normal wear and tear.