1989 Dodge Dakota Sport 4 cylinder

Summary:

A very reliable long lasting truck

Faults:

I had to replace the alternator, I had one off from another similar truck which my dad had owned so I cost practically nothing to replace.

It was heating up so I had to replace the thermostat.

General Comments:

This truck is very nice. I bought it as a truck to take back and forth to work and I am now driving every where. It is very reliable and it has some get up and go, especially for a 4 cylinder.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st June, 2004

1989 Dodge Dakota LX 3.9 V6

Summary:

Worst vehicle ever owned!!!

Faults:

You name it!!! Been through 3 transmissions (first one six months after owning the truck) and working on another! Replaced A/C too many times!! The gears in the rear-end have been replaced three times! Interior leaks like a sieve. Lowsy paint job! Radio eats tapes. There have been so many things go wrong there are just too many to list.

General Comments:

The vehicle has been a nightmare to own!!! Currently the a/c has quit again, it will not shift into overdrive, and I had to pull all the carpet out due to it leaking all the time. If you ever see one for sale, RUN AWAY!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th March, 2003

2nd Oct 2012, 09:35

Okay, so you CLEARLY had a Dakota that has been treated poorly. Any vehicle will become a terrible vehicle if it is not taken car of. People laugh at how much I baby my cars, but I know that it'll stay in good shape as long as I own it that way. The owner of the vehicle, is just as important to quality of the vehicle, as the vehicle itself.

In reply to 2nd Oct 2012, 09:35

14th Aug 2014, 16:02

Awesome comment, treat your vehicle with respect, and it will last a long time.

In reply to 2nd Oct 2012, 09:35

7th Sep 2016, 23:11

Couldn't agree more, look after them and they will look after you.

In reply to 7th Sep 2016, 23:11

10th Sep 2016, 03:43

One owners are no guarantee. As is low mileage. My son tore the clutch out of our brand new Integra in one day. That was some time ago, but I think if we sold it quick it would have been no cream puff. Other factors like steep terrain, dusty roads, bumper to bumper daily traffic, extreme temperatures etc are all different for owners. My state is flat and I have a garage. Someone else may leave cars out in the elements. Or not change the oil often enough. Or have a teen son with a new license and a hot foot!

1989 Dodge Dakota Sport 3.9liter V6 239cu.in.

Summary:

A good reliable truck - Ahead of its time

Faults:

Paint Peel (started in 1998)

Exhaust (complete front to back)

Power steering Pump (1995)

Steering Rack (1995)

Starter/Alternator/Battery (X2) (1999)

Sway-Bar links (2002)

U-joints (1998)

Shocks (all around) (1998-back, 2002-front)

PCV valve and EGR valve (X2) (1997 and 2002)

O2 sensors (2002)

All Coolant Lines (2000)

Radiator (2002)

Thermostat (2001)

Rear Brake Cylinders (2001)

Valve Cover Gaskets (2000)

Fan Control circuitry (2000)

Small Oil Pan gasket leak (since 1999)

A/C is still Ice Cold and never been touched!

General Comments:

This Truck looks very nice. The body has no rust, however parts have been painted do to typical Dodge paint defects. It has never left me stranded anywhere, when parts fail there is usually warning, or else the vehicle still runs, just not to its utmost. Most of the repairs I've done are routine maintenance issues to be expected with the high mileage the truck has. It has server me well through high school and all through college and doesn't seem to want to kick the bucket quite yet. The power is a bit to be desired, but the overall ride is smooth and comfortable. It has outlasted many friends s-10's and rangers in the looks and mileage departments.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th November, 2002