Overview & Reviews

Powertrains are carried over, but everything else on the 1997 Dodge Dakota is new. Distinctions? Tightest turning circle in class, roomiest cabs and dual airbags are standard. Faux pas? No third door option, and the passenger airbag cannot be deactivated, so a rear-facing child seat is out of the question unless you cram it into the rear of the Club Cab.

• Dual airbags, tight turning circle, Ram styling, roomy cab, simplified model lineup, optional V-8 engine, optional ABS

• No third door option, cannot use rear facing child safety seat in front seat because passenger airbag cannot be switched off

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 46.00

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  Handy to have around - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By Phil Briddell - January 12 - 2:28 pm

  I bought this for my daughter who always wanted a pickup. It has a teal color. It worked very well for her. She has moved to the city and a pickup is unnecessary, so I inherited it. Im having trouble giving it up as it is handy to have around. Drives like a truck and gets the same kind of low mileage but that is what it is.

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  Dodge, never again! - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By Rosemountguy - November 4 - 5:36 pm

  This was my first new vehicle purchase and my last Chrysler product purchase. While the truck always got reasonable mileage and was comfortable to drive, it was a maintenance nightmare. I went through three power steering pumps, replaced the ball joints, fuel pump, cruise control, and had the rear rebuilt by 50000 miles. The truck also ate brakes every 15- 20thousand miles. I never owned a vehicle that was this hard on brakes, even my old Trans-Am which I drove hard. A am happy I never really used it as a heavy hauler as I am sure I would have gone through many more parts.

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  Great looking truck with many problems. - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By jcaisse2007 - June 26 - 12:39 pm

  I purchased this truck at 106,500 miles and it now has a little over 126,000. At first I loved the smooth transition of the transmission switching gears, but at 123,675 the transmission started to slip and the 5.2 liter v8 started to knock, and for everyone that put this truck in the shop it wasnt worth it. I dont plan to spend anything on this truck unless it is gas or regular maintenance. These trucks are only worth 5,000 and if you put it in the shop you will spend a lot more than its worth.

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  Still going - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By hoylemd - March 26 - 3:33 pm

  Bought my truck new. Have driven 110 miles round trip to work daily for past 6 years. Now have over 257,000 miles and uses only a half quart oil between changes. Still runs great. No major repairs, only things that wear out on any truck, brakes, water pump, belts, rotors. Radio did go out and I replaced it with a nice one with cd, which I was going to do anyway. Plenty of power with the V6, gets about 21 mpg no mater how I drive or what gas I use.

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  Best truck I could buy - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By curt - September 25 - 11:30 pm

  I wanted to get a little truck hoping for good gas mileage, and when I found my Dakota SLT 4x4 with the 5.2 V8 I fell in love. Since I got this truck all I have had done was put dual flowmaster exhaust on it which increase my fuel mileage 3 miles. I love the horsepower it has, and I feel this is the best looking Dakota model out there, and my friends agree.

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  All around good to go - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By danny - April 3 - 4:03 pm

  I am very happy with my truck. As long as I take care of it, it seems to take care of me. The V-6 has the all the power I need and the size is perfect for just around the house needs. It is fun to drive and comfortable to drive. I have only had to do the best maintance work to it. It is the base model so it doesnt have all the features, but thats what the base model is. (basic) It is a great buy and I would buy again

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  Pretty dissapointed - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By Justin - March 6 - 7:42 pm

  Got the truck 4 years ago with 29k now have 100k...Get the 5.2 or 5.9 if you get a 4x4. Have a extended cab 4x4 with the 3.9 and it is terrible, wont even stay over 70 in hilly areas or long trips.The design is beautiful and the build qaulity is good. no rattles, things broken etc...been in two wrecks and both times totaled other cars and simply busted my bumper (Mitsu Montero suv and a Toyota Camry. I have had a problem with the speedometer going crazy and the dealerships cannot figure it out. been in and out for 3 months, I am selling it....

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  Good truck - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By lil ram - January 30 - 11:10 pm

  Good power, plenty of room for gear and four wheeler. Only drawback is that the tranny is weak, 44RE tranny is not the best tranny for constant towing on a daily basis, but a good weekend warrior.

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  Loving it! - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By Scott - December 1 - 6:24 pm

  I have only owned the Dakota for a few months but those few have been awesome! The truck has not given me any problems and is a blast to drive. The V6 has given me plenty of power and the truck holds the road great. The only thing I would want to change is the gas mil1age... 11.5mpg for a V6 is horrible.

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  Best little truck - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By Leonard McCarty - November 16 - 12:20 am

  I got my Dakota when it had 27,000 miles. It now has 127,000 miles and, except for a few minor replacements, has run great. It handles smooth and corners solid. The doors still close with a "thud" and the ashtray light still comes on when you drop it down! Ive always admired people who drove a Dakota, and now I know why. I have the 5 speed manual transmission and the clutch is still tight after all these miles. My friend has a Ranger, same year, and hes replaced his clutch twice now!