1995 Dodge Dakota dakota SLT ext. cab 4x4 318 V8

Summary:

Smooth, powerful, reliable truck

Faults:

Alternator died at 98,000.

Tranny cooler lines began to leak slightly at 112,000.

No other problems other than routine brakes, tune-ups, etc.

General Comments:

This was my first Dodge, and I have to admit that I was concerned about Dodge quality, especially the automatic transmissions in '95 models, but I put over 90,000 miles on top of the 34,000 on it at the time of purchase, and it ran perfectly the whole time. Now, I should say that I ran only Mobil 1 full-synthetic oil in it, and I believe that stuff works miracles. This truck was comfortable, built solid, had more than enough power, rode smooth, was quiet, and an all-around awesome truck.

The only reason I don't have it still is that someone t-boned me while running a stop sign, and rolled me over twice, totaling the truck. This happened at 115,000+ miles, and the tranny was still rock solid, and the engine compression was still at factory specs! (thanks, Mobil 1). I have heard horror stories about Durango's and a few other Dodge vehicles, but I miss my Dakota; it treated me as well as I treated it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th March, 2006

1995 Dodge Dakota SLT 5.2L V8

Summary:

Really good truck, would recommend to anyone looking for a mid-size truck with power

Faults:

Computer was bad when bought, was replaced before bought, but still not working right.

Transmission leaking, but all it needs is an o-ring.

Tachometer reading wrong. (maybe computer)

General Comments:

This truck has got great power for a mid-size truck.

Front seats are really comfortable, but back seat is very cramped and uncomfortable.

Handles really good in the snow w/o ABS and it is only 2wd.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd March, 2006

1995 Dodge Dakota Sport 5.2 318

Summary:

The best thing created

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

My truck is one of best trucks around. It hauls ass and gets me from point A to B, and a lot of the time point C. With the 318 under the hood, it has lots of power and speed. Everyone should have one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th May, 2005

4th May 2005, 20:28

"The best thing created" Uh huh. Have you ever noticed these things called women?

16th Aug 2010, 23:04

I agree, but I'm about to give up on mine, it died in the middle of a downpour, and wouldn't start. It wasn't getting any spark, fixed that problem, and now the darn thing is putting out 18 volts, and we can't figure out why.

1995 Dodge Dakota SLT 5.2

Summary:

Great all around vehicle

Faults:

Seat belt drivers side latch wouldn't release. Air condition evaporator core shot at 78000 miles. And computer went out under warranty and was promptly replaced by dealership.

General Comments:

We had 36 inches of snow. No other vehicles were out, but the Dakota went through it. It has enough power to pull a horse trailer, but is nimble enough to drive around town. Also for 4x4 v-8 it gets around 17 miles per gallon regularly. I have been very pleased with this vehicle. If Dodge made a Dakota with a small turbo diesel I would wait in line for it. I have owned 25 vehicles, and this ranks in top 5. Just rolled over 114k miles still no troubles, and now regularly pulling a 30 foot camper around. Come on Dodge put a cummins in the dakota. I will be waiting in line to buy it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th March, 2005

1995 Dodge Dakota 3.9

Summary:

Junk!

Faults:

Transmission went out. Local Dodge Dealer opened it and told me it would cost $2100.00 just for parts.

HA! I don't think so. So now I have to search for a used transmission.

General Comments:

Also earlier in the year I spen $1600.00 on various things like timing chain etc...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th April, 2004

30th Apr 2004, 15:11

Considering you got 120,000 miles on a Chrysler built product back during a time period where they were not known for their transmissions is pretty damn good. Just ask anyone who's owned a Caravan or a Voyager from this time.

3rd May 2004, 11:48

I agree. I drove a '92 Doge Caravan. We had to replace the trans twice in 200k. Getting 120k out of it was not too bad for a Chrysler/Dodge.