Sharp truck
Absolutly nothing. Had a 1989 dakota reg cab redone, but was totalled off last year.
They are hard to find in good shape and low kilometers.
Black shows everything, but I am too particular.
Good truck only had about a month. Good on gas and lots of pulling power out of v-6 5 speed. Sharp in black.
Lots of room.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 24th October, 2006
Awesome quality, looks and value
In 5 years of rough service I did not have one single problem with this truck.
Even with the fuel-efficient 4 the truck had plenty of power for passing, merging onto freeways and hauling my camping gear.
The Fuel mileage was a consistent 22mpg, which was worse than my Ford Ranger 4 (it got 28), but still far better than most trucks.
The interior was plush and comfortable, and very high quality for a base model truck.
The 5-speed shifted effortlessly and the gear ratios were spaced well to provide a good power range for all situations. I never encountered a hint of clutch slippage under even the harshest conditions.
No truck ever built has ever had the beautiful stying of the '97 thru '03 Dakotas. The styling was what sold me on the truck, and the fact that Dodge changed the Dakota to a bloated, ugly monstrosity with no fuel efficient engine option is why I went back to Ranger in 2006.
No vehicle I have ever owned has ever held its value like this Dakota. I sold it in January of 2006 for $1000 less than I bought it for brand new in October of 2000.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 7th July, 2006
Really liked it, but I couldn't deal with the constant problems so I went back to GM!
Steering rack, tie rod ends, brake rotors (3 times), head light switch, ball joints, exhaust, squeaks, rattles, clunking rear springs, LSD shot, pinion bearing, u-joint, premature interior wear, steering shaft, fog lights cracked (from heat), engine tapping after 20K miles, RR power lock motor, fan clutch, and more stupid little things that I've already blocked from my memory all in the 83K well cared for highway miles that I've owned the truck!!
+ Excellent power.
+ Great auto transmission.
+ Handled more like a car than a truck.
+ Nice ride even with 4X4, tow package and Sport suspension.
- Poor gas mileage (I averaged 15 MPG highway)
- Most parts are only available from Dodge.
- Seemed to break between oil changes.
+ Engine and tranny always ran smoothly despite noisy valve lifters.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 15th July, 2005
Over 100,000 miles and still going strong
The "CHECK ENGINE" light came on at 72,000 miles, detailing an evaporative emission control problem. It was solved by replacing the gas cap. No big deal.
The first major repair came at 109,000 miles when the water pump failed. Dealer service was excellent, though; the truck was fixed within 24 hours, and the new water pump is covered by a one-year warranty. They replaced the thermostat as well.
Aside from the water pump, this truck has been rock-solid and problem-free.
It's also very fun to drive; the steering is precise, and the V-6 produces a nice amount of torque, making it pretty quick off the line. At 80 miles per hour, the engine spins at a mere 2,200 RPM.
The only dislikes I have are the noise from the dual exhaust and the lack of interior cargo room in the standard cab. But those are minor quibbles.
Overall, this truck has been very kind to me.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 8th July, 2005
11th Nov 2006, 18:09
Consider your self very very lucky. I had a 99 Dakota SLT. Bad battery to start. Under hood light assembly replaced at 3000 miles. Dimmer switch replaced at 10,000 miles. 3 thermostats before 30,000 miles. Exhaust system repaired at 35,000 miles. $1,300.00 of front end repairs at 50,000 miles. Broken rear brake drum at 52,000. Water pump replaced at 63,000. Needless to say I no longer own this unsatisfactory truck.