Overview & Reviews

A new value-priced 2002 Dodge Dakota SXT debuts and includes 16-inch alloys, automatic tranny, air conditioning, bucket seats and CD player. An appearance group consisting of graphite-colored bumpers, grille and fender flares is also fitted to the SXT.

• Available V8 power, commodious cabin, commendable performance on road and off.

• Poor fuel consumption with V8, upper trim levels can get pricey if loaded up with options.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 110.00

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  Dakota Quad Cab 2002 (oldie but goodie) - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Rick T - November 19 - 8:59 pm

  I bought my truck brand new back in 2002. I looked at other trucks including the F150, but it would not fit in the garage. The Dakota is smaller but has the V-8 (4.7) that can handle most anything. Its a great truck and I have had very little problems.

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  Dakota sxt v6 regular cab - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By mainer351 - February 1 - 11:05 am

  Best and most reliable truck ever owned. When I first got it, needed a computer and some maintenance after that it runs like a champ and it does what I ask it to do and never lets me down. The 3.9 v6 magnum starts right up in sub zero temps in the middle of brutal Maine winters and runs strong. The truck gets up and goes with the 3.92 rear , while its missing top end power. The 4wd in the truck is awesome with good clearance and it out classes any fords, chevys, and toyotas offroad. Take this truck to rugged Maine north country offroad through mud holes , rivers and mountains every summer to go camping and its never giving me a problem. Very good looking truck and fun to drive.

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  Awsome - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Bogey69 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Best truck I have owned yet. Went looking for a new one this summer and was not happy. They have nothing like this out there. Ford and Chevy gave up making Rangers and S-10s. Toyota has a smaller interior. This truck has been excellent in upper Michigan. In snow and off road it handles like a champ. Never had any major issues yet and has been a joy to drive. I plan on keeping it for another 80K. Why spend money on the new junk! The 4.7l V8 really goes and has tons of power that can tow a 24 ft trailer with no problem.

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  Reliability! - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Operator398 - August 2 - 4:28 am

  I purchased this truck new, and have done the maintenance. (4.7 V8, automatic) Its the most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned. 148,000 miles and counting. Cost per mile for maintenance and repairs is only $0.025. 19.6 MPG since the day I bought it(I have a soft tonneau on it). It still looks good and has no squeaks or rattles. Im very happy with this truck.

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  Best vehicle Ive owned - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Roger vlietstra - April 25 - 8:56 pm

  I bought this truck new in 2002 and have loved it all the while. Only had to replace an o2 sensor. My previous truck was an Isuzu and the Dakota is a million times better. I haul welders, tools and a trailer, so it gets used. I expect to get another 8 years out of it. I get about 13 mpg with tools in and about 17 mpg empty. I put an extra leaf spring in it to help haul the weight which was a great idea.

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  Misfiring when moisture in air - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By southpaw9 - April 7 - 9:13 pm

  Every time I start my Dakota in the morning and there is moisture in the air, it will misfire and shake and go away when I drive for 5 minutes. Today, its been raining all day and I went to go start it and it wont start. It will crank over but thats it. fuel pump turns on, coils have a shock to plugs, jump start didnt work. I dont know what to look at. Can anyone help?

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  Overall a Great Truck - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By markbg - March 30 - 9:21 pm

  Bought new in 02. Love the looks of this model year and still get compliments on it. Great versatility for hauling cargo and misc. stuff in the bed and comfortable enough to fit four adults or family in the cab. Its been a reliable vehicle, but one thing Id do over is opt for the larger engine. Same or better mileage with the V8 and better performance. Still a wonderful truck!

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  I love my Dodge - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Cal - January 8 - 5:18 pm

  Ive had my truck since it had 27 miles on it and it currently sits at a hair below 130k. Besides the water pump going bad and it still running fine for 3 years until it finally exploded, Ive had not a lick of problems. Other then the standard oil changes around 5k miles and only 2 tuneups, I havent touched a single thing otherwise. This truck has been through hell and back and still starts at the turn of a key. 2500 lbs of block in the bed couldnt hurt this truck. Beaten and abused is the best way to put it and its still my daily driver. IF it ever dies, i will indeed be looking for my next dakota. Excellent truck. By far the best vehicle Ive owned.

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  Great Overall Truck - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By gmax86 - November 30 - 3:58 pm

  I bought this truck in October of 05 with 53k miles on it. I now have a little over 93k on it and I havent had any major problems so far which is to be expected on a vehicle with less than 125k and normal driving conditions. The ride is very comfortable for a pickup truck with above average handling. I also love the size, not too small and not too big. The only thing Im not impressed with my truck is the interior could be better. Its cheap plastic. My glove box handle fell off and almost every peice of plastic has at least 1 small crack on it. But overall I love this truck. Its my second Dakota (had an 88) and Im not sure if Id ever get anything other than a Dakota. Dodge rocks!

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  Horrendous Update - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Bill Sohonage - November 7 - 9:44 am

  This is an update. Bought for 9k with 27k on it, Dec."07". 51k motor goes PING, bearings and crank need replaced. Despite meticulous attention and mobi1 1. One k over 50k warranty and dealer laughs at me. I replace crank and bearings myself, lasts another 8k and motor goes again. Replace with 30k junkyard motor and two weeks later tranny goes! In 30k miles, Ive also replaced, AC Compressor, full exhaust, front hubs, power steering hoses, starter (twice!), brakes, rotors and needed to replace with over sized brake pins as the originals were worn and too loose! 4 Oxygen sensors... Oh,lets not forget the fan control module under glove box which caught fire. AHHHH