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 1 through 10 of 46.00

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  Great Truck - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By Richard - January 29 - 6:55 am

  I bought this truck with 200 miles on it and have loved putting every mile on it. This truck has never given me any problems. The only maintenance that I have ever done has been due to normal wear and tear. Replaced oil pump and water pump around 200,000 miles. I have taken this truck from SC to HI to WA and finally here to Va. I cant say enough how much I have enjoyed this truck. God has been so good to me with it. I would definitely buy another one as soon as I see fit to replace this one. Maybe at around 500,000 miles.

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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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  My truck - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By Jo_jo69699 - July 15 - 11:04 am

  I liked this truck before I even bought it. I would borrow it from my aunt all the time, it is spacious, very dependable, has a lot of power, fast, and has a lot of torque. I have taken this truck off road without any problems. Even the gas mileage is good, I average about 20-25 mpg, it has a v6 magnum in it, so I thought it was gonna be a gas hog. The only problem, I have had with the truck is the ac system, I can get it recharged and three days later it would need recharged again. This truck has never let me down and I have had it for 4 years.

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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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  got to love dodge! - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By schwarz drache - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Me being a dodge fan I have always wanted a truck like this and now that I have I couldnt be happier. I love my truck, when im driving it I feel like im on top of the world. I couldnt possibly ask for more in a truck!

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  1997 Dodge Dakota SLT - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By Ethan Watters - November 7 - 2:00 am

  Great Running truck. Fun to drive, and more than enough power. Great Handling

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  1997 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By Hurley - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Have had only one problem - catalytic converter went out before 100K mile warranty. Timing belt (or chain) has always made a slight clicking noise, but has never hindered the operation of the truck. Absolutely love this truck in my opinion, have had no big problems, not even small ones like a headlight or tail light going out.

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  Very Nice Ride, wish I had gotten the 8 - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By Abu_The_One - January 30 - 2:00 am

  Great interior, rugged Exterior, Roomy, great for towing almost anything. The gas mileage is typical, and i wish i had gotten the 5.2, but the 3.9 seems to be serving me well.

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  Believe it or not - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By TODD - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Handling is similiar to a Dodge car, can stay tight on curves and has very good performance over all. I have achieved 15.75 miles to the gallon while running the a/c. This is a mixture of highway and city driving.

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  excellence on wheels - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By pibound - April 24 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Dakota that I have owned (first was an 88 model). Both were excellent performers and maintenance free other that the scheduled maintenance.