1999 Dodge Dakota Consumer Reviews

My 99 V6 Dakota

Written by: thetrurocker91 on 06/09/2008

Vehicle

1999 Dodge Dakota 2 Dr Sport Standard Cab LB

Review

Ok. Well I've read everyone else's reviews and I have to beg to differ with some of them. I have a 99 Dakota V6 Sport with the long bed and standard cab. I took out the back seat to put stereo and have dual Gibson exhaust, Airaid Cold Air Intake, and 20" rims on 45 series tires. The power for a V6 on big rims and tires, I think is great. I can still do a decent brake stand! Although, even with all the modifications, the gas mileage is still horrible. I average around 10 mpg and 12 on a cold day. I perform routine maintenance and it has never given up on me. Ride quality is that of a Buick, even with the rims! Overall, I give it a 8 out of 10. Even though I already have 140,000+ miles on it!

Favorite Features

The ride quality and power of the V6 for the size of the truck. Pretty good hook up and plan on dropping in 360 V8 for more performance. Also going to convert to HHO hybrid for better gas mileage.(HHO made through electrolysis) Approx. minimum increase of 40% mpg increase.

Suggested Improvements

Just the gas mileage and maybe a little better paint job. Very thin. Parts made cheaper too! That would definitely be nice!

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Somewhat satisfied

Written by: SOME WHAT SATISFIED on 05/12/2008

Vehicle

1999 Dodge Dakota 2 Dr STD 4WD Standard Cab SB

Review

I purchased this truck in sept. 2007 from a used car lot that I trust very much. For the first few months it was great. The gas mpg had something to be desired but what can you do. During the winter months I froze because the factory heater didn't work correctly no matter what we did. We had to take the thermostat out so the truck wouldn't run hot. Now that is is over 100,000 miles everything is starting to go wrong. I have replaced the tensioner pulley 3 times and still squeals. The whole front end is going out. But for right now it gets me from point a to point b. I am trading it in within the next few months for something with better fuel mpg. 2500 on repairs in 1 month.

Favorite Features

the seats are comfortable to relax in especially with all the surgeries i have had and had to ride home in it

Suggested Improvements

better gas mpg,better power,better heater,heavy duty front end as far as the tie rods, wheel bearings, bushings etc. better heater

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Generally Satisfied Owner

Written by: Peterbilt03 on 11/30/2007

Vehicle

1999 Dodge Dakota 2 Dr Sport 4WD Extended Cab SB

Review

My Dakota was a good purchase, the truck has been very reliable and far exceeds the quality of my previous Blazer ZR2, the truck has required maintainence and repairs, as any vehicle will, nothing major or out of the ordinary, trucks power with the 318 is very good, turning radius is exceptional which makes for easy parking, the interior build quality is very good and pleasing to the eye, far better than any GM product(my opinoin, not a fact) the transfer case engauges flawlessly and instantly everytime as compaired to electric shift systems, mileage is good in my opinion, if you want awesome mileage you shouldnt be looking for a truck, i will surely buy a Dodge for my next vehicle.

Favorite Features

Really like the looks, the 318 is very reliable and provides excellent power in a truck weighing less than 5k pounds, Truck really is a joy to drive in any weather, the overhead console with trip computer is great, nearing 10y.o and still a great looking, really disappointed the 318 is gone for 2000

Suggested Improvements

The factory Infinity speakers in the doors dont hold up really well, Magnum intake pan gasket goes bad and causes spark knock, replace with MOPAR gaskets only(pan gasket is updated to a steal gasket), antispin differentail should be more common, heater weak from factory, replacement core is thicker

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great trucks

Written by: bobdog on 11/02/2007

Vehicle

1999 Dodge Dakota 2 Dr Sport 4WD Standard Cab SB

Review

I know I'm only 17 but my Dodge Dakota Sport is great. It handles well out in the desert where I am all the time when I have some free time. My truck handles well and is easy to keep in control. I live in Utah so when it snows it should be a little harder to keep in controll right? No! it stays with me at all times "and with no arguing". I have a friend that owns an older trans am. Great clasic mussle car fast and fun. My truck smokes it every time right off the line v8's are nothing to mess with. And handles better than my other friend's lancer evo "met for rally racing". Dodge makes a great truck.

Favorite Features

Speed and traction plus it needs very little to maintain it.

Suggested Improvements

Taller. I like a little bit bigger trucks but other then that nothing. I put a 4" liftkit on just because I like them bigger.

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Dodge Dakota

Written by: broncos4zak on 02/28/2007

Vehicle

1999 Dodge Dakota 2 Dr Sport Extended Cab SB

Review

Overall this truck has served me well. The power isn't too bad, interior comfort is pretty good. Reliability has been good. The market value stinks though.

Favorite Features

Interior room and comfort are quite well for a 6' 270lb guy. The ride and handling are sporty, but also can serve its purpose as a truck should.

Suggested Improvements

The V-6 in these trucks needs more power. Seems like it is always straining to accelerate. 4 wheel disk brakes and 4 wheel ABS should be standard. Do something about the gas mileage Dodge!

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All you could ask for

Written by: stuffingmonkey on 02/13/2007

Vehicle

1999 Dodge Dakota 2 Dr Sport Extended Cab SB

Review

The truck has been solid if not spectacular during my ownership of about 85,000 miles. If it has received $1000 in repairs, that would be a lot. The cat was replaced early on (covered by warranty), and the alignment went awry early such that I only got 15,000 miles out of the two front stock tires (alignment fix was warranty). Other than that, no serious issues to report. Power with the V6 is good with some pep when you need it, and MPG has been right around 20 with a bias toward highway miles.

Favorite Features

Styling. Was the best looking compact/midsize pickup at the time and still is.

Suggested Improvements

Back seat for a midsize is pretty cramped, but many pickups have moved away from extended cabs in favor of 4 doors now with more room.

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Great 4 cyl pickup

Written by: Dodge man on 01/11/2007

Vehicle

1999 Dodge Dakota 2 Dr STD Extended Cab SB

Review

Bought new in '99, this truck has been great to me so far. It gets up to 26 mpg on the hiway and yet hauls anything I put in the back. I'm easy on vehicles and at 118K I'm still using the original brakes and am on the second set of tires. I went this year to buy another and discovered Dodge doesnt make the 4 cyl in the Dakota anymore. Such a shame! I just have to baby this one some more!

Favorite Features

The economy, great radio system. The storage under the back seat. The styling is among the best on the road. The low profile is nice too.

Suggested Improvements

The paint is thin and has lots of spots. The front doorpost is way too thick. Soundproofing could be improved. More tiedowns in back. The throw of the tranny stick could have been smaller.

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A great pickup

Written by: DakotaSport on 12/09/2006

Vehicle

1999 Dodge Dakota 2 Dr Sport Extended Cab SB

Review

If you're in the market for a mid sized truck the Dodge Dakota is an excellent choice. I disagree the unhappy reviews. Most people don't write reviews if they are satisified. I've had my truck for over a year, and although I have replaced a few things, the truck's overall performance and features well make up for the repairs you may need to do. The truck's size is far less bulky than that of the full size p/u, and allows for easy parking in most situations. The truck's ride, power, and curb appeal are all excellent. Prevenitive maintence eliminates numerous problems listed in other reviews. The Dakota's interior build quality far exceeds that of many other manufacturers, I.E no rattles.

Favorite Features

318 V-8 provieds excellent power and (with good driving habits)respectable fuel mileage. The NV231 transfer case, smooth engagement. Very comfortable interior. Interior build quality. Features of the interior. Very easy to work on when repairs are needed. Trucks curb appeal and oveall looks.

Suggested Improvements

The 8.25" backlash seems to be set too loose from the factory. The stock heater core does not provide very good heat (the replacement part is 3times the size) The ball joints everyone complains about should be greasable, but most people would not grease them, which is why Dodge opted for sealed ones.

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My Dakota

Written by: Sierra on 08/07/2006

Vehicle

1999 Dodge Dakota 2 Dr STD 4WD Extended Cab SB

Review

I have owned my truck for 5 years. It is comfortable and fun to drive. It looks nice and the paint job is very good.

Favorite Features

Power windows, air conditioning, smooth ride

Suggested Improvements

Better gas mpg. Larger engine as it is a heavy truck and the v6 really has to work hard

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Dodge Dakota 1999 ext. cab sport

Written by: broncos4zak on 07/25/2006

Vehicle

1999 Dodge Dakota 2 Dr Sport Extended Cab SB

Review

Basically I bought this truck knowing I drive about an hour each way to work and needing something comfortable, reliable, and decent on gas. All of that has happened. I made some mods in order to get 20mpg from this V-6, throttle body spacer, cold air intake, and Flowmaster exhaust. Issues have been tranny rebuilt at 63,000, cat at 110,000, front hubs at 130,000, and 2 outboard speed sensors. I bought this truck with 59,000 and currently have 145,000+ on it. Overall a good truck, could have better gas mileage, better tranny (more reliable and better shift points), and more ponies. Love the handling, traction is pretty good for 2wd, interior layout is good.

Favorite Features

Styling is excellent, good handling at any speed, good ride, mpg is fair for a V-6, decent power for a V-6 in a truck of this weight.

Suggested Improvements

Make a transmission with steel gear in tailshaft (91-at least 00 had aluminum), better mpg (maybe 25mpg hwy), better paint (been a problem for 20 yrs now), move distributor to front of engine.

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