1996 Dodge Dakota Sport club cab 3.9 V6 from North America

Summary:

Take care of it properly and it will never die

Faults:

The starter went out at around 90.000 miles.

General Comments:

I have used this little v-6 to haul concrete statuary loaded to the max and at the same time a trailer loaded with concrete, it will pull any thing a 318 or 360 will I have previously owned dodges with the v-8's, also when not loaded with taller than stock tires, I have got over 20 miles to the gallon, this is the best truck I have ever driven and I plan to get at least 300.000 miles out of it, I change the oil every 3 to 5000 miles and change transmission fluid and filter every 20.000 the interior is perfect no rips or worn spots and the front end is still as tight as when I got it and it does not use any oil, enough said.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th January, 2003

1996 Dodge Dakota Sport 4x4 3.9 Magnum from North America

Summary:

Too much fun in the mud

Faults:

Rear main carrier bearing went out around 75.000 miles. Due to hauling a large double axle trailer with large tractor and brush hog. Approximate weight of trailer and tractor is 55 hundred pounds. My fault. Replaced under warrenty without question. Thank you Dodge.

General Comments:

The Dodge Dakota Sport 4x4 is a strong and reliable truck.

The 3.90 V-6 Magnum is all the engine this little truck needs.

The 4x4 system is great, locks up when needed. I have stuck my truck one time since 1996. Mud 1/2 way up the doors, pulled another full size F150 out after I got myself unstuck with palm franz under the front tires. I would buy another Dakota tomorrow.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th June, 2001

1996 Dodge Dakota Sport 3.9 V-6 from North America

Faults:

The fuel filter, which is normally a < $15 replaceable item on most vehicles is part of the fuel pump and is located in the fuel tank. As of this date, 2/25/2000, it is still a dealer only item. This is one reason I would not consider buying any vehicle so poorly designed. The trim and paint have been deteriorating since June 1997, when the truck was less than a year old. Finish on plastic trim has become discolored, paint has peeled on roof, and interior upholstery has not held up well on console or bottom seat edge.

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

Review Date: 25th February, 2000

25th Jul 2001, 21:42

I own a truck just like yours and the fuel filter is not in the tank. I do my own mechanic work, you were ripped off, and all of the other problems are your fault.

10th Sep 2001, 22:57

To the first comment:

I've been researching vehicles for myself for a year now and I know that MOST Dodges have the fuel filter in the tank, and that the paint fades and cracks quickly. Even the new Durango has the fuel filter in the tank. The paint fading and cracking is one of the main complaints I have found. So, you must either have a different truck or who knows what.

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1996 Dodge Dakota SLT 318 from North America

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with this vehicle. Routine maintenance only at 26,000 miles.

General Comments:

Overall, I am satisfied with this truck. Power is MORE than adequate in a vehicle this size, good interior room, fairly smooth ride for a pickup.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd December, 1998