2000 Dodge Dakota Review
2000 Dodge Dakota Review
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Used Dakota for sale
Appraise This CarDodge Dakota model years
Dodge Dakota types
- Crew Cab
- Regular Cab
- Extended Cab
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Four full-size doors, tons of interior room, great-looking pickup.
Cons
- The 5.9-liter's fuel consumption, interior material seems cheap.
What’s new
The biggest change this year is design oriented -- the 2000 Dodge Dakota is now available with four full-size doors, and with that comes a family name: Quad Cab. A 4.7-liter V8 has been added, but the 8-foot bed is gone. You can select from five more colors as well.
Edmunds says
A new V8 and the availability of a four-door version make the handsome 2000 Dodge Dakota the hands-down choice for those who need the utility of a full-size truck in a more reasonably-sized vehicle.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2000 Dodge Dakota SLT 4dr Crew Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$237/mo for Dakota SLT
Dakota SLT
vs
$233/mo
Avg. Compact Truck
Vehicle overview
Finally! We've been waiting with bated breath for this day, and now, a four-door Dodge Dakota has arrived. And even better, the engineers went above and beyond the call of duty, making the Dakota's new doors full-size, which means getting people and cargo in and out is a no-brainer. This did force the bed to be downsized, but the vehicle length remains virtually the same as the Club Cab, 215.1 inches.
There's another bonus for the 2000 Dakota - it brings the Jeep Grand Cherokee's next-generation 4.7-liter V8 to its Magnum-power lineup. The two-wheel-drive Regular and Club Cabs get a mini-Magnum 120-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder, but all Dakotas have access to a 3.9-liter that cranks out 175 horsepower, a 5.9-liter making 245 horses, and that 4.7-liter, which makes a whopping 235. Only the 5.9-liter cannot be mated to a manual transmission, and the 2.5-liter is without an automatic option. If you're worried about having to tow with a compact truck, keep in mind the Dakota's 6,200-pound towing capacity. In other words, no problem.
You'll likely have to keep reminding yourself that this is indeed a compact pickup - everything from its towing capacity and stance to its power and interior seems bigger than the norm. A 40/20/40 split seat is standard (but you can opt for high-back buckets), and rear passengers travel on a 60/40 split-folding bench seat, creating seating for six in Quad Cabs. The interior is quiet, and Dodge has improved the comfort level of the seats this year, none too soon. Both two- and four-wheel drive are available, and on the four-bys, the independent front suspension was recently revised to improve an already solid ride quality. Steering was also switched to rack-and-pinion for better response. Underneath you'll find front disc brakes with optional ABS and rear drums with standard ABS (you can upgrade to slightly larger rear brakes with ABS). The transfer case remains in lever form, not a button, but is simple to engage. Three body styles are available: Regular Cab, Club Cab, and Quad Cab. Want the ultimate attention-gettin' Dakota? The Regular and Club Cab two-wheel-drives can take advantage of the R/T Sport Group that includes a 250-horsepower 5.9-liter V8, a lowered suspension, and a high-performance tire-and-wheel combo. The Dakota enters the new millennium with looks, power, and a much-desired four-door configuration. It sure seems like it could be a very happy new year for Dodge.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2000 Dodge Dakota.
5 star(52%)
4 star(35%)
3 star(9%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(0%)
116 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
Comfort and Power
Great Ride, 02/13/2008
2000 Dodge Dakota SLT Plus 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
I bought the 00 Dakota Quad cab with its 5.9L V8 in November of 2000, brandnew with 140 miles on the ODO. I've since put 60000m on the truck without any major issues. Heated sideview mirrors were replaced under warranty. Right side passanger widow regulator died and had to be replaced. Recent leak in the cooling system fixed with a hose replacement. Otherwise this truck has performed … wonderfully for the past 8 years. I've pulled a boat, 5 people and the bed filled with camping gears over the pass with no problems. I've hauled 50 foot of fencing material, tons of gravel, you name it. This is the family truck to own. It's also stylish enough that wife and I drive it to the opera and ballet.
5 out of 5 stars
The Best 15 year old truck you can buy
asherr6, 09/02/2015
2000 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
This review is specific to the 4.7l v-8 in the extended cab base truck. First off the engine is absolutely bulletproof. I bought it with 62k miles in 2005, now 10 years later i have 170k miles and it still runs/drives so smoothly. Aside from tires and oil changes, I've had to replace are driver side tie rod end, water pump, number 7 fuel injector, front wheel bearing ($33 on amazon, it … just slides on) and the two trans sensors that measure output speed (i think, they are side by side). all told most of labor i did my self but i've spent about $750.00 in the life of the truck. The alignment goes out once a year, (its probably a bushing) and the a/c, it has been out for about 3 years, not sure the cause but its not simply freon. This truck has taken 5 grown men from birmingham to ohio and illinois 4 times while pulling a large trailer. Its taken the same group numerous times to new orleans, tampa and south carolina. All I can say is it is still extremely reliable and if you have the opportunity to get a dakota with the 4.7, please do yourself a favor and jump on the opportunity. My wife is always asking when i'm going to buy a new truck and trade mine in (the paint is looking rough lol). I explain that I plan on my son who is 18 months, to drive it for is first car. I have all the confidence in the world, that with good maintenance and decent driving the truck will easily last another 15 years.
Update** I still have the truck it’s pushing 190k still running strong. I picked up an 05 grand Cherokee with the same 4.7 as the Dakota. So I don’t drive my truck that often. The alignment is still annoying but no other issues. Great truck!!
4.25 out of 5 stars
Useful and Reliable
mrish, 03/22/2011
2000 Dodge Dakota SLT Plus 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
I bought my 00' Dakota SLT 4.7 v8 4x4 brand new in 2000.
It currently has 195k miles on it and runs great.
Doesn't burn oil, doesn't smoke, and doesn't even have an oil leak.
The only problems I 've had is 2x freeze plugs, 2x speed sensors, and one oxygen sensor.
I've pulled a Kubota 4wd tractor, a Massey Ferguson, and pulled a fullsize truck on a trailer 300 miles.
The 4WD has worked … great and the limited slip rear diff. has got me out places that other 4x4's couldn't.
I've taken care of it mechanically and used semi-synthetic oil every 5k miles.
I would buy this truck all over again with question.
4.5 out of 5 stars
2000 Dakota Quad Cab
marine64, 10/25/2007
2000 Dodge Dakota SLT Plus 4dr Crew Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
The 2000 Dakota Quad Cab with hard shell topper was just what I wanted. It handles well in all sorts of weather. The 4.7 ltr. engine has plenty of power and get up. Only gets about 15-16 mpg in town and may 18 highway. I put a duel exhaust system on her which boosted power a bit and gives it that big truck sound. I'll certainly buy another Dakota in a few years
2000 Dakota Highlights
Crew Cab
SLT Plus
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $274/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 26.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | four wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 3,400 lbs. |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalPoor
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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