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 81 through 89 of 89.00

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  Dakota R/Ts are fun! - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By The G Man - January 28 - 2:00 am

  The Dakota R/T is an extremely nice truck. great handling, excellent design, well built, and enough power to get you into some serious trouble.

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  Love the 8 in this baby.... - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Darbster - January 3 - 2:00 am

  This truck is a super. It is in a kinda stealth mode. With the eight cylinder 4.7 she can do almost anything the big boys can do and still park in a compact stall. If you are looking for a extended cab truck with some yank look no further this Dakota will knock your socks off. I have owned a Chevy 1500 Z71 sportside and a Ford Explorer XLT. I wish I had looked at the Dodge line sooner. The other trucks are okay but Im impressed with the overall quality and precision of this vehicle. Highly recomended.

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  2003 Dakota Club Cab Sport + (4.7 auto) - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By DustyK - November 29 - 2:00 am

  2003 Dakota Club Cab Sport Plus with 287cid V8 (4.7), 545FRE automatic, LSD, 6010 GVW & handing package, PW, PL, AC, front/rear sway bars, P245 70R16 on/off road tires. Exceptionally smooth and powerful engine/transmission combination. Plenty of power when pulling a load on hills. At 3500 miles, worst gas mileage was 15.04 (city w/load), 21.87 highway (65MPH). Current average is 17.38 mpg. Very comfortable seating, good ergonomics. Very quiet, except tire noise. Build quality & fit & finish near 100%. No performance, reliability, or quality issues yet.

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  My 4.7 MAGNUM V-8 QUAD CAB 2000 - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By SKOOB - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Have had my quad cab for almost 3 years now, Have had no problems with my as of now. Only thing to mention is a slight ruff idle when cold weather sets in, lasts only about 3 seconds. now have 25,000 mi on it, The 4.7 V-8 has been a very good motor, the performance of this truck is awesome. Reminds me of driving my 69 Superbee back in High School. When I first test drove the 4.7 quad,from a dead stop it put down 15 feet of rubber. WOW I did not expect that, the smile on my face was enough to sell me. Only thing that bugs me is the poor gas milage, 13 mpg average city and highway. But this is more then likely due to my heavy foot. Cant help it. Its too fun.

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  8Cyl Auto, Great Truck - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Bilbo4fun - October 16 - 2:00 am

  I love my Dakota slt 8cyl, auto quad cab. Interior has lots of room, have hauled 4 adults and a car seat. Fuel milage was a concern especially with a Magnum V8, but is better than I expected and as I put miles on it (2800 now) its getting better. Average 19MPG. I came close to buying a Tacoma but am glad I got the dakota instead. I have pulled a trailer a couple of times with about 1500# cargo. Didnt even notice the difference in driving with the extra weight.

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  Dakota Quad 4x4 with 4.7l V8 - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Maryland Driver - October 10 - 2:00 am

  After looking at the Ford Explorer Sport-Trac and other quad cabs, this is definately the BEST (even better than the Toyota!). Plenty of power with the 4.7l V8 (but gas milage is only acceptable). Fun to drive, very comfortable for family of 4. Great quality control (due to Mercedes Benz) and I got it $10,000 cheaper than a F- 150 SuperCrew! Great dealer (Fitzgerald Auto Mall) and I am very happy with Dodges customer relations! Highly Recommended if this is the type of vehicle you need!

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  Wishing we could keep it! - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Brett - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been such a joy. With the available 5.9L we had it matches even with the 1500 series with torque and BHP and it cost on average $8,000 less. Im 64" and I feel comfortable in the rear seats. The back doors have a full 90 degree opening which make getting in and out a breeze. The ride and comfort is so car like its unreal. The only down fall that you must live with is the fuel economy or there lack of. But with all that engine it something I can live with.

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  Wishing we could keep it! - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By brett - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been such a joy. With the available 5.9L we had it matches even with the 1500 series with torque and BHP and it cost on average $8,000 less. Im 64" and I feel comfortable in the rear seats. The back doors have a full 90 degree opening which make getting in and out a breeze. The ride and comfort is so car like its unreal. The only down fall that you must live with is the fuel economy or there lack of. But with all that engine it something I can live with.

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  no power and bad gas milage - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By eric doukas - October 5 - 2:00 am

  not very happy with this truck wish i never bought it