2008 Dodge Dakota Consumer Reviews

Muscle truck

Written by: Jason on 06/25/2008

Vehicle

2008 Dodge Dakota Sport 4dr Extended Cab SB (3.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Originally was going to get the 07 at the end of the year. But after hearing about the new V8 I waited. I was not disappointed, power is very good. MPG could be better but is OK at about 16.5 average. I like all the storage, but dash looks and feels like cheap hard plastic. Cab has a lot of wind noise, but with stereo on it is not noticeable. Ride is stiff and bouncy, very noticeable while going around a turn with bumps, feels like the back end is going to lose traction. I have the Sport and it should have been set up to look sportier like the Colorado with a lowered stance. Front seat only holds 2 people while my older model holds 3, 3 would be better. Stock rear tinted windows are dark.

Favorite Features

V8 is awesome, might be faster than the Hemi in the Ram due to the Ram being a 1000 LBS more.

Suggested Improvements

Better gas millage, lower stance, interior plastic needs help. I like the seats from my 03 better.

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Does It All

Written by: doug on 06/18/2008

Vehicle

2008 Dodge Dakota Laramie 4dr Crew Cab SB (4.7L 8cyl 5A)

Review

My truck is actually a Sport w/V-8, crew cab. This is my 3rd Dakota. So far, my favorite. It's red, fast, looks sporty, handles great, rides good, doors open wide, seats firm and supportive, tows, looks good anywhere, best warranty of anyone. Traded down from full-size Chevy. Like this better. Easier to get in and out of and wife likes the size. Mileage is 21-24 on highway driving sensibly. City is lower of course. Acceleration is matched by nothing else is its' class. Brakes and transmission work flawlessly. When you turn on your truck, does it return the favor? Mine does!

Favorite Features

V-8,interior room, handling, fuel mileage (considering what it is), looks, I like it all!

Suggested Improvements

Slightly longer bed, dress up dash and door panels (too plain, but ok), GM style sun visors, SRT8 option.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Nice size truck

Written by: Gerard on 05/20/2008

Vehicle

2008 Dodge Dakota Laramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (4.7L 8cyl 5A)

Review

Did some research on this truck and the ratings I read are true. My mpg on highway at 71 mph at 65 degrees, little wind, is around 19 mpg the truck had 65 miles on it. The V8 has some good power. Got the Laramie package with the trailer tow package. Truck pulls 3000 lbs real good. Love the black metal flake paint with the chrome front end looks like a Harley truck. Truck gets a lot of looks, Dodge did a good job on redesigning the front clip. Ride is pretty good for a pickup truck.

Favorite Features

Looks

Suggested Improvements

none

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Outstanding build quality

Written by: Tom Cebula on 02/13/2008

Vehicle

2008 Dodge Dakota Laramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (4.7L 8cyl 5A)

Review

After having a Honda, and a Toyota, I find my new Dakota to be their equal in terms of build quality. In fact I drove a Ridgeline, and a Tacoma on the same day I drove the Dakota, and the Dakota blew them away in terms of quietness and ride quality. The 08 interior is an upgrade from the previous year. I have the V8 which I need for towing, and so far MPG is not the greatest (14 around town,18 HWY) but it should improve once it breaks in and the weather gets warmer. The new engine has a lot of guts and will serve my needs very well. So far I love my truck

Favorite Features

I bought the Laramie with the tow package. I like the heated seats, and the remote start has been a blessing in this cold winter

Suggested Improvements

None at the time. They really did ther homework on this 08 Dakota

37 out 40 people found this review helpful

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Best Truck for the money

Written by: usafblt on 01/05/2008

Vehicle

2008 Dodge Dakota Sport 4dr Crew Cab SB (3.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I looked at all th mid/small pickups. My father-in-law owns a Colorado. I have driven many of my friends' pickups and none compare to the Dakota. Better ride and definitely more fun to drive. The new redesigned suspension is a bit stiff, giving it a tighter feel, but it is still better than the Nissan, Chevy, and the Ford. The Toyota rides a little better, but the Dakota, even with the V-6 Auto has better passing ability. Gas mileage is OK, I am getting about 22-23 MPG in mixed driving. Overall, I am very pleased I chose this truck and I look forward to many years of enjoy my time behind the wheel.

Favorite Features

The body style.

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage.

34 out 35 people found this review helpful

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Solid Ride!

Written by: Blue truck on 10/10/2007

Vehicle

2008 Dodge Dakota SLT 4dr Crew Cab SB (3.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

It has a firm, borderline stiff ride, much less spongy than the previous model years. We have many 2006-07's in our fleet and you can tell the difference. The console and cup holder layout is great and much improved. All controls are easy to reach and use. The ride is quiet. I would recommend the V8 if you need serious power. So far, my 3.7L accelerates good enough and maintains highway speeds adequately. We have had very few quality issues in our fleet so far with Dakotas, and hopefully this series will even be better.

Favorite Features

The rear storage baskets are collapsible and are a neat feature. The cargo rails w/moveable tie downs are a long-overdue improvement. YES fabrics are nice feature and are easy to clean up, especially good for fleet use.

Suggested Improvements

My old toolbox w/medium depth did not fit this model due to hitting the wheel wells. Will presumably only take a shallow-depth toolbox behind the cab- not sure how they could improve this.

101 out 105 people found this review helpful

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