Overview & Reviews

Finally realizing that a 120-horsepower engine has no business being in a 3,500-pound (or more) pickup, Dodge drops the 2.5-liter inline four from the Dakota's powertrain roster. An optional five-speed automatic transmission for the 4.7-liter V8 debuts, as does a Stampede package that provides the show but not the go of the R/T model. Speaking of the R/T, that model receives four-wheel disc brakes this year.

• Plentiful V8 power, alert transmission, spot-on suspension both on- and off-road, easily accessible and accommodating cabin.

• As thirsty as a frat brother, a bit big for serious off-roading, can get pricey if too many options are chosen.

User Reviews:

Showing 51 through 60 of 89.00

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  4.7 ltr Dak Sport - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By ARpapa - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Plenty power for hwy or Ozark hill/mtns pulling bass boat. Rides like a car on the highway, handles dirt/gravel like a truck.

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  Cant wait to trade - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By dellorto - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought it as a 2001 in late 2000. 4 months later, 3 trips to dlr to correct bad suspension bushings. Gas economy horrible. Brake discs failed 2X in first 12K miles.Transfer case failed in woods at inopportune time,1000 to repair @49K miles. Rear end now clunks and noticable vibration at highway since repair, dealer says its ok. Still has loud graunch over modest bumps, now has loud rattles in suspension over small bumps. Cant wait to get rid of it.

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  good bang for the buck - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By The Dinger - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I would encourage anyone thinking of buying what amounts to a midsize entry to the compact class pick up truck. Its chief competor is the Toyota Tacoma nough said. The choice was pretty easy for me too. With a 3.9L V6 engine, responsive handling, and a high-up snug feeling suspension, youll find this truck a pleasure to drive, on road or off. My only complaint is that there is not enough room to rest my arm on the seatbacks, old school country style. My uncle used to say, "comparisons are odious." And I never knew quite what he meant by that. But if it comes down to a Toyota Tacoma or a Dodge Dakota...well, go out and buy one.

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  What a dog!! - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By stuart brown - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I rectently purchased a 6 cylinder quad cab. Do not ever buy that engine. It has no power when going into a 20 mph wind on the interstate. I heard a big sucking sound. It was my gas leaving my tank. I would never again buy this vehicle.

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  Love It - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By shellfish - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I Love My Dakota. Never Any Problems. No Snow Was Too Much For The Truck To Handle. Roomy And Comfortable. And Affordable

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  Full size truck, compact price - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By sandman4x4fun - August 31 - 2:00 am

  This truck can work, ive pulled trailers hundreds of miles, whit 4,00 to 5,000 lbs. no problem. Plenty of power fo a 6 cyl 5speed 4x4. Gas milage respectable.When playing, driving on the beach mud hikks anything it just flat out goes, and ride great also.

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  never buy again - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By bad dodge - August 30 - 2:00 am

  i bought the truck with the oem trailer group and severe service group. for what the truck is rated to tow it does not live up the its standards by any means. the fact that my fender flares are falling off as well does not help. the truck has only 8990 miles on it. second why is it that my trucks value is falling faster then i can pay it off? i bought every option on it but when it comes to trade it in none that seems to matter. = by the way it is a automatic

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  Excellent - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Deucebmac - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Excellent off-road and on! Would buy another in a heartbeat!

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  my truck - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By julian - August 6 - 2:00 am

  it is the best truck ive owned.the power is unbeliveable,i drive the one with the 4.7 liter V-8.i tow my 7x14 trailer with no problem and also my two kids and wife aslo can enjoy the (TRUCK) as we call it do to its comfort all i have left to say is i love my truck!

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  bad choice - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By msr212 - August 6 - 2:00 am

  I Had the truck less then a week, 500 miles and I had to bring it back to the dealership due to lack of power and after being told there was nothing wrong they had to tear the engine apart and redo the valves along with change items in the trani. now at 20,000 miles my a/c switch has broken and only works on high and the a/c is leaking in the truck!