General Comments:
I purchased a 2001 Dodge Dakota Sport. I went with almost all of the bells and whistles so the final price was considerably higher than a base model. I expected a quality vehicle for the price. Yes, it looks good and it has power to spare, but the short comings far exceed the positive.
The first problem was very low gas mileage. In Canada the highway mpg were suppose to be 26. Granted it would be unrealistic to expect this, but I felt it should have been better than 21 mpg. With the price of gas these days and with new technology it should be better. My brother gets only slightly worse mileage with his '92 Dakota!
The second problem is the brake rotors. The front rotors became warped and needed replacing after 30K kilometers. At 60K I can feel them starting to go again. Chrysler claims it's my driving style. I claim they don't know what they are talking about. I do 90% highway driving so I'm not riding the brake. Further, the brake pads, after two years, are only 25% worn. Rotors should never wear out before the pads. Searching the Internet revealed numerous complaints in this area and in all cases Chrysler would do nothing.
Lastly is the idle problem. When the engine is cold it is impossible to get a good idle. The engine will surge and sputter then suddenly jump to full power. This is none too convenient when backing out of a parking spot and suddenly lurching towards the vehicle behind.
These are the "highlights". There are about 20 less major problems with the entire vehicle. Everything from headrests that do nothing to seats that don't move back enough for the proper distance between the driver and the air bag.
I will NEVER buy another Chrysler product after this one. For over 20 years I have stuck to Chrysler/Dodge and now decent service is impossible. I regret the day I even looked at the brochure in the show room.
27th Jan 2005, 14:30
Hey man,
I think you got a lemon I would contact some legal advice and get a full refund or replacement.