1998 Dodge Dakota Sport 3.6 V6

Summary:

Junk!!!

Faults:

I was the second owner of this truck. Bought it at a dealership for the middle to high end retail asking price.

This truck is under powered.

It has terrible brakes in the wet.

The sport package added up to just stickers, nothing else.

I have replaced the thermostat, water pump, all coolant hoses and performed a complete tune up.

This truck has developed a clutch chatter that can't be adjusted.

The transmission itself grinds and has big time trouble going into first gear when stopped; reverse is no easier.

The ABS and check engine lights have continued to stay on, even after being checked at a Dodge dealership.

Went round and round with the service manager at the dealership over the catalytic converter going bad, even though Chrysler had a major recall out on this item.

The springs have fallen out from underneath the bucket seats.

The rear differential started to fail. By that I mean when spinning the drive shaft by hand with the truck on the ground, it had almost 2"s of play.

General Comments:

This truck was never abused and was used to commute to work only. It is a sorry excuse for a pickup and I would not recommend it to anyone unless they have a full garage of tools and know how, or plenty of cash and another unit to drive while this one's being repaired!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd September, 2007

1998 Dodge Dakota SLT 3.9 V6

Summary:

AWESOME

Faults:

Nothing just totalled out by a person with no car insurance.

General Comments:

The truck has 242,000 miles on it when totaled out.

I have never had any problems with it, the transmission and engine are all original. it kept the transmission fluid and oil changed. it has never failed me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th August, 2006

1998 Dodge Dakota Sport 3.9L

Summary:

Not very impressed

Faults:

Have to replace rotor each time I replace front brake pads

175000 KMs - daytime running light module

170000 KMs - water pump, rack and pinion

150000 KMs - ball joints, shocks (oh, and lets not forget yet another set pf brakes & rotors)

130000 KMs - Air conditioner

123000 KMs - Serpentine belt tensioner seized.

Truck is gutless. Very hard time passing cars on highway. Brakes & rotors always need replacing. Still original battery, alternator & starter. Pig on gas!! Not to sure if I'd buy another. GMC was better on gas with less repairs, but less room. I don't know, maybe bought a lemon or it was made on a Friday!

General Comments:

Large interior, nice ride.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th May, 2006

30th Oct 2008, 17:38

Sounds like you have what in the trade is called a high mileage vehicle. It means that it has high kilometers. When truck parts have high kilometers, are worn out or broken, they tend to need replacing. Routine maintenance, or lack of it, is the root cause or just about every review I see for most vehicles on this web site. Buy a service schedule for it, and take it to your local mechanic to replace worn parts and fluids, or better yet, do it yourself, and I guarantee you will have a helluva lot less trouble.

1998 Dodge Dakota Sport 3.9L

Summary:

Best truck in its class

Faults:

I love my little truck the only thing I had go wrong with it was I had to buy a new battier around 101,000 and a fan belt on it at 100,500.

But other than those two minor problems the truck is the best small truck for the value.

General Comments:

Would buy another in a heart beat.

First thing to do is exhaust because it frees the beast within.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th September, 2005

1998 Dodge Dakota Base 3.9L V6

Summary:

Best, most fun to drive vehicle!

Faults:

The map sensor had to be replaced at 9000kms.

General Comments:

This truck was the most reliable vehicle I ever owned.

I ran Amsoil Synthetic oil from day one and attribute the reliability on that.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th March, 2005

1998 Dodge Dakota Sport Magnum V8

Summary:

This truck is a real dream!

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

I haven't had this truck long, but it handles really well.

This truck has serious horse-power. Perfect for those guys that think they have fast cars. Leaves them in the dust.

The interior is great. The instrument panel has a white background, so it's easy to read.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd October, 2004