Dodge Dakota Review

2008 Dodge Dakota Sport Extended Cab Shown

It wasn't until the late 1980s that Dodge got serious about competing in the compact pickup market. Instead of building another bite-size truck to scrabble for sales against strong-selling imports, the company created the Dodge Dakota, the first-ever midsize pickup truck. Size has long been the Dakota's chief advantage over the competition, as it slots neatly between cramped compacts and hulking full-size trucks. When Dodge introduced the Dakota Quad Cab in 2000, it was the first relatively small crew cab to offer truly comfortable seating for four adults.

In addition to its just-right size, the Dodge Dakota has always had an edge in on-road dynamics. When it first arrived on the market, compact trucks were typically tough and durable enough for off-road use, but most were ill-mannered on pavement. In contrast, the Dakota rode smoothly and handled predictably on the road, yet was still hardy enough for off-highway work. These traits have carried through to the present day. Dodge was also the first manufacturer to put a V8 in a small pickup, and indeed there have been some powerful Dakotas over the years. However, the leading import brands are now getting as much or more performance out of their more fuel-efficient V6s, which has left the current-generation Dakota at a competitive disadvantage. Aside from this shortcoming, though, the Dodge Dakota has much to recommend it to consumers shopping for a spacious and versatile midsize pickup truck.

Current Dodge Dakota

The current-generation Dodge Dakota dawned for 2005, and was updated for 2008 with a more powerful V8 option, newly available features and revised styling. It remains one of the best candidates for daily commuter duty among the current crop of compact and midsize pickups. This third-generation Dakota drives like a car compared to the more rugged Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier. Engine choices include a 210-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 and a 302-hp 4.7-liter V8. The base V6 will suffice if fuel economy and cost are your main considerations, but the V8 offers considerably more torque and is thus better suited for towing.

Like the competition, the Dakota is available with two-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive; however, on high-line models you can get a full-time 4WD system -- an unusual feature in this class. Dodge no longer offers a standard cab configuration for the Dakota, so buyers have their choice of an extended cab (known as the Club Cab) or crew cab (Quad Cab). The Quad Cab is the way to go if your truck will serve as a family vehicle, but unfortunately, it has a short 5-foot, 4-inch bed and Dodge offers neither a longer bed length nor a factory bed extender. Club Cabs have 6-foot, 6-inch beds. All Dakotas offer comfortable seating and simple controls, but despite the interior update for 2008, plastics remain low in quality.

Past Dodge Dakotas

The current Dakota was introduced for 2005. Prior to 2008, the Dakota featured a pair of optional 4.7-liter V8s: a 230-hp engine and a 260-hp high-output version. Exterior and interior styling also differed.

The second-generation Dodge Dakota (1997-2004) features virtually all the strengths of the current truck. Spotty reliability is the one downside. Only standard and extended cabs were available from 1997-'99. In addition to the Quad Cab's arrival in 2000, a potent SOHC 4.7-liter V8 joined the lineup that year, replacing the old-tech 5.2-liter V8. If you want a six-cylinder Dakota, 2004 is the best year, as the more powerful 3.7-liter V6 pre-empted the aged 3.9-liter V6.

Performance buffs will want to consider the Dakota R/T, a bona fide sport truck sold in regular cab and Club Cab versions from 1998 to 2003. Unlike today's R/T, which is little more than a cosmetic package, this Dodge truck had its own engine, a torquey but thirsty 5.9-liter V8 rated for 250 hp and 345 pound-feet of torque, and a sport-tuned suspension.

The original Dodge Dakota, on sale from 1987-'96, was also a solid truck for its time, but the ones you're likely to run across on the used market are likely to be well-worn. It's best to confine your search to the 1992-'96 model years; In '92, Dodge introduced a new family of V6 and V8 engines, bringing a much-needed increase in performance and refinement.

SELECT A SPECIFIC DODGE DAKOTA MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.