21st Nov 2009, 10:16
Your tire issue is probably a defect with the tire, not the truck. Other than that, Consumer Reports gives this truck a horrible rating. Overall, Chrysler Corp is showing the worst reliability of all manufactures as a whole. Also, I've been reading complaints from consumers on this site concerning poor treatment at Dodge dealerships for years.
Point is, do yourself a favor and research your next vehicle purchase before buying. Sites like this one, and other free ones, have reviews from owners on them. I think you can even view "basic" vehicle ratings on the Consumer Reports site without a membership too.
31st Jan 2010, 09:40
I own a 2000 Dakota with a 3.9l. We use it to pull around a 16ft tandem axle utility trailer quite often. It does the job, but it's no power house.
As far as regular driving, it's fine, mpg could be better; 16.4 city 21.3 hwy, but I have to say this is the only Dodge I have ever owned. I'm 42 years old and have owned all kinds; Nissan, Toyota, Ford, Chevy; bought this Dodge with 105,000 miles. Now have 231,876, engine and truck have give me very few problems considering we use it as a full size truck.
Nobody that works for me believes this engine and trans. are original "as far as I know".
Had a sludge problem with the engine at approx. 175,000. Flushed it with diesel fuel and switched to synthetic oil, good oil pressure ever since.
1st Nov 2010, 15:58
Bought a 2007 Dakota 4x4. The front end was replaced completely at about 15000 kilometers; that included steering gear rack and pinion. When using 4 wheel drive in country, it sounds like it's 50 years old.
11th Nov 2010, 16:09
I have a 2007 Dodge two wheel drive, and when I drive on bumpy streets, this truck also feels like a 50 year old truck. Is there any way to fix the problem?
29th Jun 2011, 14:10
Bought my 2007 Dakota new.
Every year it has been worked on to replace parts or repair. Have replaced brake rotors, calipers, transfer cases, transmission parts, u-joints, ball joints, tie rods, steering assembly, rack and pinion knuckle, and now I have major emissions leaks.
This truck is JUNK! I will never buy another Dodge product again. By the way, this truck has only 23,000 miles on it.
5th Apr 2008, 01:15
I like this particular body style but I would have to agree that the 97-2004 models are probably the best looking ones on the road. I do think though that Dodge should start making certain features like power windows, locks, mirrors etc... standard for the money as these vehicles seem to depreciate more than the competition.