Faults:

My rear end went after 295000 miles, but I had it replaced, and both the alternator and the starter went last week other than that those have been the only things that have needed repaired.

General Comments:

The v8 in my Dakota is the best engine I have ever had in a sport truck. the truck runs with imaginable power and it is basically god. the creators of the truck couldn't have done a better job.

Faults:

My starter went out on me at about 240000 miles. luckley I have a stick so I pushed started it, got to auto zone and bought a new starter.

General Comments:

Damn good little truck, I put a K&N on it, a dynomax exhaust, split fire plugs and wires, tornado, took my gas mileage from 12 mpg to 21.5 mpg.

Faults:

Recently, the drivers side caliper was sticking. New caliper and brake hose.

Paint is peeling on sides and on hood.

A big patch of rust right above the tailpipe.

Had to replace catalytic converter, muffler, and tailpipe.

The original radio was worn out and quit on me. So I replaced it, but now the second one is worn out and won't come on.

General Comments:

All together a great truck that still runs great.

Faults:

Transmission went at 235 000 km. Got it rebuilt. $1400.

Paint on the roof was pealing when I got it and only got worse. Repainted the roof at 220 000 km. $200.

Replaced the rear brake drums at 200 000 km as they were too big to machine smooth. $250.

Front passenger brake caliper only had one bolt so the caliper would twist when applied. I went through a set of brake pads and the rotor in 20 000 km. New front rotor. $100.

General Comments:

I loved this truck. The 5.2 V8 had "stump pulling" power as I used it to pull a tree stump out of the ground once and it did it no problem in low range 4X4. Put your foot down and you would fell the low end torque.

The bucket seats were very comfortable. Many 12 hour trips and I never got stiff.

Nice smooth ride on the highway and off road. Though the back end was bumpy when seriously off roading.

This was my favorite car I ever owned. In 3 years never put a scratch on her. Had to sell her as the two seater was not for the family man anymore. I sold it to my friend and in two weeks he hit two guard rails and side-swiped a tree.

Faults:

Replaced oil sending unit in 1995 15,000 miles (approximate)

Had a Vacuum sensor replaced in 1995.

When it rains heavy, the passenger floorboard looks like a swimming pool.

Paint is finally starting to go (blue in color), Can't believe it lasted this long.

Transmission "bumps" a little when you first pull off.

General Comments:

Mileage is actual (I don't drive it that much). Has been a very good truck. After 12 years, I expect things to go bad even though mileage is low. I have pulled a 6,000 lb boat and trailer up a boat ramp and about a mile up the road without a problem.

Overall, this truck has paid for itself and I hope to continue to drive it for 12 more years.

Faults:

I've had to replace various engine gaskets due to severe oil leaks, the fast idle servo was replaced to correct a surging problem, the daytime running light module burnt out, the multi-function switch on the steering column broke, the tailgate release latch is really stiff, the hood release cable broke.

Other than that, I have only done routine maintenance and manufacturers suggested service.

General Comments:

This was the first year of the factory installed V8 so it's the 165 hp non-magnum version; good power for a 1/4 ton, but really bad gas mileage. (about 12 city 24 highway)

I've heard of problems with the paint on these trucks, but mine (grey) is still all there and shines like new. The interior still looks new and is well cared for.