Overview & Reviews

The Dakota R/T, featuring a 250-horsepower V8, is available for those seeking a performance pickup. The passenger airbag can now be deactivated in all 1998 Dodge Dakotas, so a rear-facing child seat can be used. The Dakota is also available in three new colors.

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

• No third door option

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 60.00

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  Overall Decent Car - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By Brian - October 16 - 12:46 pm

  Owned my pickup since 2009. Overall pleased, enough to keep it anyway. It will go a few years without needing any major repairs, and then several things will need work in short order. Ive replaced fuel pump, exhaust system, distributor cap and associated parts, window wash pump, and brakes twice. So not bad, but then I have a load of small problems: check engine lights been on since 2010 (I was told its due to a minor transmission issue that might cost a lot to fix with minor payoff), the ABS and emergency brake lights come on when I take a highway ramp (but no effect on driving or braking), the ceiling lining started to come loose two years ago, rust is bubbling the paint over the left rear wheel well (seems to be common for this model year), and most annoying of all, the springs supporting the drivers seat broke loose of their moorings which causes the seat to sag and the metal frame parts to poke me uncomfortably. And there doesnt seem to be an easy way to repair the seat and its attached to the passenger seat & center console which will make replacement a major hassle. On the other hand, I think it handles great, the brakes do not disappoint, the engine is fairly quiet and smooth, and Ive driven it on several road-trips from 3,000 to 5,000 miles at a time without complaint. It has a light rear end, which can be a danger in rain or snow. Ive found that tires with good traction will overcome handling problems in the rain, but if you live where it snows much, I would recommend 4WD. Basically, if you need a no-frills reliable vehicle and dont mind minor problems that crop up but wont interfere with driving function, you will likely find this truck to be acceptable.

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  Stay away from dodge - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By celticstallion - December 21 - 12:26 am

  My dodge has 113k miles and is ready for the grave. Despite me treating this truck gently it still wants to quit. Since I had it I have replaced the throttle body sensor, crankshaft sensor all relays, distributor with cap rotor, spark plugs and wires, ignition coil and fuel pump. So after replacing all this it still dies at unexpected times and once you fix one thing and think you have a handle on it something else will quit.It drives like crap its slow and the transmission is a 4 speed cheap piece of garbage. In my opinion the 6 cyl engine is useless because its so weak it struggles to move the truck. I cant imagine what a 4 banger would be like. Its just a poor design from top to bottom.

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  Will Be Tough to Replace - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By runnikee - April 12 - 8:57 am

  I bought my truck with 40k miles on it in 2002 and it is still running like a champ. I replaced the transmission after 150k miles, but that is the only major issue Ive had with it. Im now at 235k miles on my truck and am having a hard time finding a new vehicle because I dont think I will ever get this type of value again. Mileage is between 15.5 and 18 mph, depending on how I drive. I have the 5.2L V8 (318) and couldnt be happier. Change the oil, tires, and other basic maintenance and youll have no issues. Also, Ive found through test-driving countless newer vehicles (cars and trucks), that most do not have as smooth of a ride as my truck does.

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  Best Truck Ive Owned - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By Chris - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck from my father in late 2002. Had it until I sold it in Summer of 2009. It had 218,000 miles on it when I sold and was still running great. Never had to do more than change the brakes, tires and oil. Started to rust a bit at the end, but that was expected.

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  Great Pick Up Truck - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By WhiteWonder - September 16 - 2:00 am

  My Mom purchased this truck and it is simply amazing. We have an automatic and even the auto is quick. The interior is comfortable with a spacious armrest for even more comfortable driving. The sound system that comes stock is amazing and sounds great with tapes or just good old FM/AM radio. The drive is smooth and it absorbs bumps easily. We have had problems with the AC, but thats normal and our tranny line busted. AC gets pricey obviously, but a simple hose is nothing to repair. Fantastic truck I would recommend it to anybody!

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  Awesome - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By Mitch - August 16 - 8:00 pm

  Although I am only 17 and only had the truck a few months i cant complain. I have driven many other trucks and cars and nothing compares. I enjoy the power, the comfort, the sleek look, and beautiful interior. The truck has 222k and i trust it more than a new car. Although the power steering leaks you cant complain with 220k. The engine is still full of life and power and the body is gorgeous except the dodge fade job on the roof. I dont foresee sale anytime soon. gas mileage may not be the best but if my pipes werent loud it may help :)

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  best truck ever!!!! - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By 72 340 demon - January 15 - 2:55 pm

  ive owned this truck since 2001, with 24000 miles on it, since then ive only had to change the front break pads once. and a tune up. im currently at 123,000 miles runs and drives like the day i got it, i get 24 miles to the gallon, with the help of a tonneau cover, 3.9 magnum never lets me down on power. s-10s and rangers cant compare to the power.

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  Love my truck but mileage stinks - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By Broken Hearted - July 1 - 10:48 pm

  To start with I love my truck but milage stinks. I only get 10 to 12 miles to the gallon not 15 like it say in this review. In the last four years that I have owned this truck I have put three raditators, a water pump, new heater and thermisate. Also problems with transmission locking up in reverse. But I still love my truck and still feel it is worth more than the retail value they are listing for it.

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  not good - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By wayne hersel - June 8 - 9:15 pm

  truck is a V-6 and I have had nothing but problems. I will be driving along at 60 mph and it will die, sometimes backfire and then when I turn the key off sometimes wont start. I have replaced computer, coil, fuel pump, tune up, and numerous odds and ends they havent replaced and it continues to cut out. Has anyone else had this kind of problem. I now have more into in last year than it is worth.

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  Vroom Vroom - 1998 Dodge Dakota
  By Clay - July 18 - 6:27 pm

  Bought it used with 80,000 miles and it still runs like new. This 3.18 magnum v8 will melt the tires :-)... Fuel economy is around 18 average, which is quite satisfactory for a mid- size v8 truck. What can I say. The power is amazing