1998 Dodge Dakota Sport 5.2L V8

Summary:

A smaller truck than most, but will out class most too!

Faults:

The front bumper is a little rusted.

Right now I currently need to fix the Ball Joints and the inner tie rod sockets.

A piece of molding that holds the electrical windows into the door broke, so I bought a new molding piece from the Dodge dealer here in town.

General Comments:

I love the awesome power that this 5.2L puts out.

This truck is almost unsinkable if you have the big engine and the 4x4 like I have.

I have 32x11.50 All-Terrains on the stock rims right now, but I want to go to a 33x12.50. However I just found out that there are not many rims available to fit this truck without having to have the rims custom made to fit it. That sucks because that will cost me a lot more money to have this done on top of the lift kit that I will need to purchase.

If I ever found another one that I liked better i. e less miles, than I would buy it in a sec.

I love this truck!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th June, 2003

1998 Dodge Dakota 4x4 Sport

Summary:

Glad I bought it - even with its glitches

Faults:

Front bumper rusted within the second year of ownership.

30K: Noticed sopping wet floor on passenger side every time it rains... still haven't determined the cause. Thank goodness for a wet vacuum!

To pass 2003 inspection (at about 48K) : brakes and rotors replaced, new tires all the way around, front ball joints both replaced.

General Comments:

Would buy again.

The truck has had some pretty strange things go wrong with it, but I'd buy it again in a second.

After reading other's reviews, however, I think I might have lucked out.

It handles well.

It's cab is roomy (not an extended cab).

It's looks completely outclass any other similarly sized trucks that I've seen.

Does great in snow.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 11th June, 2003

23rd Oct 2004, 10:07

I have a small comment to make about your review of your 1998 Dakota 4X4. I bought a 1998 in the year 2000 with 18000 miles on it. Since then, I have replaced three transmissions, an engine, front ball joints, u-joints, brakes numerous times, and a hole bunch of other stuff. These repairs where all necessary to keep the thing running. I have never treated this truck any different from any other I have ever owned. I always keep it serviced and take very good care of it. To anyone that considering buying a truck similar to this, I would highly recommend looking at a different brand. I would not wish my truck upon my worst enemy.

1st Aug 2010, 00:16

It can be said of any vehicle ever made. Vehicles are built quickly and thrown out onto dealer lots; some are quality and some are not. I personally have had two Dodge Neons in the past, both 1995 model year.. one was a poor example of quality while the other impressed me. I have learned that there is something to the old saying of never buying a car built on Friday. Questions I would ask about the transmissions would be if they were new or used.. I never trust a used part, and did you use proper fluid - remember that almost all Chrysler products use ATF+4 fluid and not Dexron/Mercon.

1998 Dodge Dakota Sport V6

Summary:

Junk

Faults:

It has a skipping or bucking between 45 and 60 mph since 25,000 miles and the dealer (FOX Auto Mall, Auburn, NY) couldn't find any thing wrong even though I brought it back 3 time for this problem.

The driver's, passenger's windows blew out just by shutting the doors.

A coolant hose got a hole worn in it from a screw that was sticking out from the fire wall.

The battery had to be replaced after 15,000 miles.

The truck eats tires, I have had to replace them 4 times so far.

Had to replace rotors and pads after 40,000 miles.

General Comments:

This Dakota has been the worst vehicle I have ever owned. I will never by another Chrysler product again just for the low quality and lack of willingness by Chrysler and FOX Auto Mall to resolve their problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th February, 2003

11th May 2003, 17:05

Regarding the first review.

This review sound more like poor maintenance than anything.

The engine roughness at high speeds can be fixed by replacing the spark plugs and wires, after a considerable amount of miles this is typical maintenance.

Fifteen thousand on a battery is normal for OEM.

The tire problem, have you ever heard of an alignment?

Forty thousand on pads and rotors, again typical maintenance.

If you doubt my credibility then you should think about how bad the dealership must have been, if I can tell you how to fix that truck without even seeing it.