2005 Dodge Dakota Review
Fuel Economy
15 - 17 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Refinement appears to be the magic word at Dodge these days, and it shows in the all-new 2005 Dodge Dakota. Excellent powertrain options, nimble suspension and a well thought-out interior score major points, but the aggressive styling isn't for everyone.
Pros
Strong engine lineup, choice of part-time or full-time four-wheel drive, comfortable and refined interior, nimble handling.
Cons
No long bed or single cab models, club cab's backseat offers barely passable comfort for adults.
What's New for 2005
The midsize Dodge Dakota is all new for 2005. Improvements include a hydroformed boxed steel frame, a coil-over front suspension, three excellent engine options, a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission, revised styling and improved build quality.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
vibration
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 4 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Dodge Dakota 4dr Club Cab ST 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
Review
can't seem to determine what the vibrations are caused by. Have had two complete break overhauls done. Only 35K miles. The dealer says "harmonic vibration" and no fix. Feels like it is missing, had plugs replaced at 30K, no impact. Disapointed in the truck overall. No more Chrysler for me.
Favorite Features
Seats are comfortable.
Suggested Improvements
Needs lots of redesign work.
100000 and still going strong
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Dodge Dakota 4dr Club Cab SLT 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Great truck, bought to tow boat only mid size that would do it the V8 has good gas mileage average 18mpg have towed over 10,000 with it with no problems off road it fun. Only problem is I bent the u joint and that when I tried to pull 12000 lbs other then that, all normal wear and tear.
Favorite Features
Power when I need it. Comfy inside.
Suggested Improvements
None it a truck what do u want from a truck.
Happy with the truck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Dodge Dakota 4dr Club Cab Laramie Rwd SB (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
Review
After seeing some negative words, I had to jump on and defend this little truck. I'm not too demanding on the vehicle, but effortlessly pull my boat with it. Have found this truck to be responsive, easy to maneuver and reliable! Only problem ever encountered is vapor lock with a precocious locking gas cap, it makes the check engine light come on every once in a while after a fill up. Have had since new and am a very pleased owner.
Favorite Features
4.7L V-8 gives you a punch if you need it.
Suggested Improvements
Better gas mileage would be a plus. Don't know why the average is only about 17 unless they need to amend the wheel ratio.
Its OK, Lots of power
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Dodge Dakota 4dr Club Cab SLT 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I got the 4.7L v8 new and i have owned the vehicle for 60,000 miles. I get 16.9 mpg. The biggest and only issue i had with this truck was the oem front braking system that only lasted a few thousand miles. Lets just say after the nightmare of having to deal with there service dpt. I finally had enough and just spent the money and replaced all the front braking system. Suspension could also use some work.
Favorite Features
Love the power with the 4.7L v8. fun to drive
Suggested Improvements
who cares chrysler wont listen anyway
Great Truck!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Dodge Dakota 4dr Club Cab Laramie 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I have now owned this truck for over 3 years now and I must say it's the best pickup I have ever owned. I especially love the sound system- infinity speakers and 6 CD changer. It sounds better than my home system in fact. The car rides like a dream and the exterior chrome looks great. I got the Laramie edition. In snow, it makes driving to work fun and I love the heated leather seats when it is cold. The only complaint I have with this truck is the gas mileage, but all the other trucks get about the same, so you have to expect that when you have a pickup. All in all, great job from Dodge. Dakota rocks!
Favorite Features
Infinity sound system, styling, ride
Suggested Improvements
Nothing
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2010 Dodge Dakota
- 2009 Dodge Dakota
- 2008 Dodge Dakota
- 2007 Dodge Dakota
- 2006 Dodge Dakota
- 2005 Dodge Dakota
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