1994 Dodge Dakota Consumer Reviews

Extremely reliable!

Written by: jrwahlst on 02/15/2004

Vehicle

1994 Dodge Dakota 2 Dr SLT Extended Cab SB

Review

I bought my '94 Dakota (w/3.9L V6) with 120,000 miles on it about 3 years ago, and have had absolutely no major problems. I'm now up to 155,000 miles and still going great! I've been very pleased with how reliable this vehicle has been. I'm in Minnesota and have had it parked outside in well below zero temps and it always starts right up. I'm no great car expert, but it's been really solid for me. The paint's been fine, too, unlike some reports I've heard.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

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best all around

Written by: squierian on 02/03/2004

Vehicle

1994 Dodge Dakota 2 Dr SLT Extended Cab SB

Review

This is a great truck. I've had it for almost for years, and the guy who had it before me babied it. I've had a little bit of trouble with the radiator, and have replaced at least one cv joint, but not too many more, and a wiper bushing. The air conditioner is excellent. I can push upwards of 320 miles to about 17 gallons, and have used this truck for work and play. The exterior is in agreable condtion, the only blemishes in the forms of dings and scratches. The headliner has been sagging, but I can live with that. I like it because it's in between the compact s-10's and the large f-150's.

Favorite Features

I so abuse the cruise control! The cab is huge! I can get in there and move around a 4x12 guitar amp with ease. The bench seat is great.

Suggested Improvements

I would say a slightly smaller engine... I mean, I can appreciate the power, but 3.9 liters is a bit excessive... maybe 3.2? Also, because ther is so much space in the engine compartment, it takes forever to get the heat going, but it works out well, 'cuz it doesn't overheat.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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94 Dakota SLT V8

Written by: BJCjr on 01/24/2004

Vehicle

1994 Dodge Dakota 2 Dr SLT Extended Cab SB

Review

Vehicle has been extremely reliable since buying new. Chrysler repainted vehicle due to paint peeling after warranty expired, but had to work through dealer and regional rep to get it completed. Gas Gauge sending unit has been replaced 4 times, still doesn't work sometimes, A/C won't hold charge, Chrysler can't find problem. Radiator leaked less than 2 years after owning, finally replaced after 6 years.

Favorite Features

Electric mirrors, powerful V8, comfortable ride, room for 6 adults (not on long trip), plenty of cargo space, has been very reliable vehicle.

Suggested Improvements

Could improve on gas mileage, average summer mileage 18+, winter 12.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Dakotas for life

Written by: Dakotasforlife on 08/20/2003

Vehicle

1994 Dodge Dakota 2 Dr Sport Extended Cab SB

Review

Fun to drive and the most reliable vehicle ever built I haved owned an 87 Dakota and ran it for 396000 miles it was still running when it crashed but not worth saving so I moved on to a 94 Sport with extended cab and have had no problems in my 45000 miles.

Favorite Features

Reliable reliable reliable reliable reliable

Suggested Improvements

Needs better steering and handling

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Surprised by high quality & performance

Written by: djd1212 on 06/15/2003

Vehicle

1994 Dodge Dakota 2 Dr SLT 4WD Extended Cab SB

Review

I bought this truck new in late 1993. It still just keeps going and going. Very few problems, quality higher than expected. Very good ride, more power than I need. Engine & transmission are still very smooth. I guess I'll have it another 10 years.

Favorite Features

Smoth engine & transmission.

Suggested Improvements

Needs more ground clearance.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Work Truck

Written by: swc on 12/23/2002

Vehicle

1994 Dodge Dakota 2 Dr SLT Extended Cab SB

Review

It really is a comfortable vehicle, rides well and mine has every option so it has neat toys. However the build quality is terrible (such as my headliner caving in, the paint falling off, the interior fading to 4 differant shades of grey plus my dashboard turning blue). It has been driven hard and it is almost 10 years old, so I do expect things to go wrong... it just seems to happen more often then it should. As for safety, it's built like a tank... I wouldn't even consider a 1997 or newer because they are like tinfoil with plastic bumpers. Overall, I will keep this truck until I can get a nice old Toyota Tundra Quad-Cab at a reasonable price...

Favorite Features

Overhead Console & Auto Dimming Rearview Mirror.

Suggested Improvements

Too many to list... But think of the Toyota Tundra...

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Work Truck

Written by: SWC on 12/23/2002

Vehicle

1994 Dodge Dakota 2 Dr SLT Extended Cab SB

Review

It really is a comfortable vehicle, rides well and mine has every option so it has neat toys. However the build quality is terrible (such as my headliner caving in, the paint falling off, the interior fading to 4 differant shades of grey plus my dashboard turning blue). It has been driven hard and it is almost 10 years old, so I do expect things to go wrong... it just seems to happen more often then it should. As for safety, it's built like a tank... I wouldn't even consider a 1997 or newer because they are like tinfoil with plastic bumpers. Overall, I will keep this truck until I can get a nice old Toyota Tundra Quad-Cab at a reasonable price...

Favorite Features

Overhead Console & Auto Dimming Rearview Mirror.

Suggested Improvements

Too many to list... But think of the Toyota Tundra...

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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It keeps going and going

Written by: Gasque on 12/07/2002

Vehicle

1994 Dodge Dakota 2 Dr Sport Standard Cab SB

Review

I bought this truck new in 1995 after it sat on the lot for 15 months. It has the 3.9L V6 which has performed flawlessly. It has not had any major problems in 7 years. The only minor problem that I've had is the transmission started only in neutral until the neutral safety switch was replaced. Other than replacing tires and batteries, no other maintenance has been performed that isn't routine, preventative maintenance. I would recommend that other consumers buy the limited slip differential if buying 2WD to help traction in the rain and snow.

Favorite Features

Great reliability. It's easy to work on if I want to do any maintenance myself.

Suggested Improvements

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It Depend On The Truck!

Written by: CarpeNoxRacing on 11/27/2002

Vehicle

1994 Dodge Dakota 2 Dr Sport Standard Cab SB

Review

All Depend On How Much You Baby It.

Favorite Features

Powerful Engine And No Blind Spots

Suggested Improvements

Maybe Alittle More Aftermarket Support For V6 Models.

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BEST VEHICLE YET

Written by: DAKOTA FOR SALE on 11/08/2002

Vehicle

1994 Dodge Dakota 2 Dr SLT Extended Cab SB

Review

USE THE TRUCK FOR FIELD SERVICE. BEEN UP AND DOWN EASTERN COAST. TOTAL OF 210,000 MILES AND COUNTING. PERFORM REGULAR MAINTINENCE RELIGIOUSY. NEVER LEFT ME STRANDED BY THE ROADSIDE. HAVE THE MAGNUM 3.9L V6. MOTOR KEEPS ON TRUCKING!!

Favorite Features

CUPHOLDER IS ONE OF THE BEST GOING. GREAT LOCATION TOO. VERY RELIABLE. A PLEASURE TO DRIVE. VERY COMFORTABLE. AVERAGE 20MPH IN A TRUCK OF THIS SIZE WITH 175HP! LOVE THE REAR BENCH SEAT DESIGN, NOT LIKE THOSE WIMPY FORDS AND CHEVY COMPACTS, TRULY A MIDSIZED TRUCK!

Suggested Improvements

IMPROVE WATER PUMP/RADIATOR DESIGN. TRANNY IS GREAT UP TO ABOUT 180,OOO MILES WITH REGULAR MAINT. PRIMER USED BY DODGE IN 94 REMINDS ME OF THE DREADED DODGE DISEASE OF THE 7O'S PAINT CHIPS GET OUT OF CONTROL CAUSING PAINT TO PEEL. VALVES HAVE A TENDENCY TO CLATTER.

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