Overview & Reviews

The 2008 Dodge Dakota has a revised V8 engine this year. The optional 4.7-liter V8 now makes 302 horsepower and is said to be more fuel-efficient as well. On the inside, the Dakota receives a redesigned instrument panel, additional storage compartments, heated bench seats and the MyGIG multimedia system that includes a hard-drive-based navigation system. Other changes this year include new built-in cargo box utility rails, freshened front-end styling and a new limited lifetime powertrain warranty. There's also a new Big Horn trim (called the Lone Star in Texas) for 2008.

• Spacious cabin, class-leading V8 power, impressive towing capacity, respectable handling.

• Some low-grade interior materials, high price when loaded with options, limited body style configurations.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 21.00

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  Great Concept. Bad build. Too heavy and sluggish. - 2008 Dodge Dakota
  By nclemons1985 - February 26 - 2:24 am

  I Loved Dakotas. I owned a 94 4WD 3.9L V6 Dakota. Really fun to drive. Great size. In 2004 I purchased a 2000 4.7L V8 4WD Dakota. I recently sold it with 170,000 miles. It still ran great. My favorite year for Dakotas. Last year I purchased a 2008 4WD Dakota with the 4.7L. I traded it in 4 months later for a new RAM. They upgraded the 4.7L to 302 hp yet it is slower than my 00 Dakota. The 08 is to heavy. Defeats the purpose of mid size or small size truck. The ground clearance is too low. The 4WD is stiff in addition the turning radius in 4WD is as bad as I have ever experienced in a truck. The truck is almost unbearable to drive off road. The suspension is too weak to carry the weight

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  Update to previous rating - 2008 Dodge Dakota
  By Dale - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Since last review with wiring problems, Ive had my Dakota on two out of state trips, and pull a 2800 lb. boat and trlr. fishing. I now trust my truck. Ill do 72 on highway pulling boat with a/c on. May turn off air on big hills. I can get 19mpg when using cruise, which surprised me since I have a steady foot. Plan on getting 265 tires, from the 245 stocked next spring if its no issue. I also plan on getting another warranty, I have lifetime drivetrain, but will research because know how business can be. Theyd rather tell you to sue, its about money. Dont know any other truck that will fit in garage, with the power, Toyota cant be trusted now. Waiting for wagon etc. with power, mileage.

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  Break downs - 2008 Dodge Dakota
  By MD - February 2 - 4:30 pm

  Like my 2008 Dodge, Several time turn in for minor thing while under warr. Radio clock doesnt work, been reset about 6 times, gave up on turning it in to get fixed. Got 37,400 miles on it and rack and pinon when out along with power steering pump, $1,740 to fix it. Gas mileage average 16 to 18 on open highway, 3.7 6 cyl. with no load, pulling small boat, around 1,350 pounds, about 12 to 14 miles a gallon. Power on 3.7 is low, will not stay in overdrive going up small hills. Second Dodge Dakota I own. Warr should be better, keep oil change and maintenance back the book, if you go over 60 miles pass oil change, warr. is void. Turn mine in and had 12 miles before void warr.

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  nightmare - 2008 Dodge Dakota
  By paul - January 21 - 7:32 pm

  my 2004 was way better.this was nothing but problems since the day I bought it.awesome look,great power and roomy.thats all.many numerous factory tsbs and defects.mechanically and cosmetically.too many problems,that a rep was sent in.they didnt do anything,and wanted me to file suit against them.BEWARE.traded it in less than a year of having it,with only 9000 miles.nice looking,but I was also stuck with a brand new lemon with numerous,numerous problems.please stay away.factory tires are junk also.

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  2nd dakota - 2008 Dodge Dakota
  By bluedak - December 18 - 8:10 am

  Bought this 08 crew cab to replace my 01 ext. Cab due to growing family. I loved my 01, and this one is starting to grow on me. The new 4.7 has much more power than the prior version. I have 28k on the truck, and no mechanical problems yet. I guess my 2 gripes with the 08 are the interior feels a little cheap (few rattles from arm rest and more plasticky overall than my 01). And the 05 to current dakotas sit too low to the ground, esp. Compared to Tacoma and frontier. But I like it overall and would buy my 3rd Dakota in the future. Mpg 16-17 in mixed driving, similar to my 01 4.7, except with about 70 more hp.

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  Lots of Power - 2008 Dodge Dakota
  By Hoodoo74 - November 18 - 11:56 pm

  I bought this truck in January 2009 just before Chrysler went under. Like many truck guys Im very brand loyal for better or worse. This is the third Dakota that Ive owned and Ive always liked the mid-size handling and the available V8 power. In those areas, the truck doesnt disappoint - acceleration and handling are impressive. The new V8 and the 5 speed automatic seem well suited to each other. The interior, like all past Dakotas, seems to be cheaply made though Ive never had anything break off or not work. Maybe its just me but the optional heated bucket seats are like riding on a piece of 2x12 - next to no cushion at all which is a pain in the butt (literally) on long trips.

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  Transmision and Fan problems - 2008 Dodge Dakota
  By Charles - November 4 - 3:13 pm

  The first night I owned the vehicle I started it and the Variable Speed Fan was locked up. It roared like an 18 wheeler. Then came the transmission problem. When coming to a stop, at 25 MPH the transmission dropped into low gear and jolted the whole vehicle. Many trips to dealer never resolved these problems. Tech says fan problem is normal!!! I got rid of it at 28,900 miles. The decision was made solely due to the problems with the vehicle.

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  Awesome Truck - 2008 Dodge Dakota
  By EMT Ryan - August 10 - 11:52 pm

  I was looking for a nice truck that was fully loaded, but wasnt too large. After comparing all of the models available, I noticed that the smaller, almost car-sized trucks were comparable to price of the Dakota. After taking it for a quick test drive, I immediately noticed that the V6 Magnum had the power that could be used if needed. Great interior - almost nice enough to be considered luxury - and all the features you could ask for. Great ride all in all. I average 18-22mpg combined, which isnt too bad for a truck this size. Towed my 16 foot, 1500lb boat with no effort. Nice stock stereo system. New design for the exterior makes the truck look much nicer. Great truck for the money!

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  Best overall mid-sized truck. - 2008 Dodge Dakota
  By Nice Truck - January 25 - 7:58 pm

  I wanted a truck that wasnt too big, but had enough grunt to work. Love the space the crew cab gives, wish the bed was about 1 longer. 4.7 V-8 is a great engine in search of a decent transmission. Very slow to down shift, yet wont up-shift in parking lots. 4X4 knob is in a poor location. Ride is a bit too stiff--the 07 was too soft. Handling is terrific for a truck, but I would trade a bit of handling for a less stiff ride. So far 14 mpg city 21 mpg highway, pretty decent for a 300+ HP V-8 4X4. Overall head and shoulders above the Ranger and Colorado, better looking than Toyota and Nissan. Best mid-sized truck out there

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  Great truck - 2008 Dodge Dakota
  By Tom - January 3 - 10:28 am

  I reseached this purchase before spending $27K, and nothing compared to the value received in the Dakota. Oh yes, all the magazines love Toyota and Nissan, however, these same magazines receive a heck of a lot more incentives from these manufacturers for the positive take. This Dodge is every bit as good, more powerful, more capable and better looking. Take advantage of all the incentives, compare, and youll come to the same conclusion---Buy it! You wont be sorry.