2005 Dodge Dakota Consumer Reviews

Brake Issues since buying

Written by: Rob on 04/10/2008

Vehicle

2005 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd SB (3.7L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I have had nothing but problems with my '05 Dakota. I bought it used with 20,000 in April, 2007. I had problems with the brakes from the start. The dealer replaced the pads and machined the rotors in May, 2007. I have not put 8,000 miles on the pads and they are almost GONE!!!! I believe it is the calipers. They are not releasing and my pads are running on the rotors while I am driving. The brake dust on my wheels is incredible!!! I brought it to one dealer and they said the calipers were working fine. I am still covered by the factory warranty and they are giving me the run around. How else would brand new pads be worn completely down after less than 8,000 miles? Stay away from this truck!!

Favorite Features

None

Suggested Improvements

Brakes! Brakes! Brakes!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Not Bad - Could be better

Written by: Jason on 02/04/2008

Vehicle

2005 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Truck is great for storage, hauling (pulls my 20' boat with no problem), and has decent get up and go. Suspension is questionable. I just replace the tierod ends for the 2nd time since purchasing. Rear stabilizer bars need work also. Ground clearance is also a concern for a pickup. Fuel economy is worse than a lot of full-size trucks. I get roughly 13.5 in city and 16.5 on the highway if I am lucky.

Favorite Features

Power for a midsize is great, only V8 in class. Quad cab is comfy, even for adults in the back. Towing capacity is also top notch for a midsize.

Suggested Improvements

Suspension needs to be overhauled...new tie-rod ends, shocks, etc...need to go back to the drawing board. Fuel economy also needs improvement. It may be a V8, but it's also pulling a lot less weight around than full-size trucks.

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Good Truck

Written by: Jason on 12/08/2007

Vehicle

2005 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Happy with the truck. I have had it for a little over a year. Did have to replace tie-rod ends in it a couple times, which I hear is typical for Dakotas. Gas mileage leaves a lot to be desired (about 13-14 mpg in town). Power is good and pulls my boat with no problem. Roomy cab is nice and actually fits adults in the backseat. Off-road performance is adaquate. Feel's like it can't take a lot of abuse with tough terrain and ground clearance is a concern. Overall, I am happy with it and would buy it again.

Favorite Features

V8, Quad cab, available aftermarket accessories.

Suggested Improvements

V8 could use a little more power, high ground clearance, tougher suspension for off-road capabilities.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Tough. Period.

Written by: theRock on 07/22/2007

Vehicle

2005 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd SB (3.7L 6cyl 6M)

Review

This is a 2wd 4.7 v8 auto w/3.55 rear SLT. No problems, at 29k replaced w/17" plus size rims and tires from Laramie Ram 1500. Much better ride quality after that as well as slight increase of apx. 3/4 mpg. This is very basic engineered as a truck should be, although front end design is far superior to previous trucks. It is tough, muscle like in design. I have made a few mods such as duel exh., chip, intake, all very subtle changes. Great to park vs. full size, huge towing capability. Engine is happy to 'scream' at times. Quick for 4000 lb. truck. Excellent room inside (two huge kids fit great back there).

Favorite Features

Engine is fantastic. Looks are cutting edge. I can scare the hell out of any truck on the road.

Suggested Improvements

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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One of the best I've ever owned!

Written by: macgeekvt on 07/04/2007

Vehicle

2005 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I've owned several Dakotas from the two previous generations and have had mixed results. The redesigned Dakota showed significant refinement in build quality, ride, handling, reliability, performance, style and just about everywhere else. I couldn't be happier with my 2005 Dakota! My only complaint is that it can be a little gas thirsty.

Favorite Features

Seating comfort, stereo, convenience of controls.

Suggested Improvements

While I've had no functional issues, interior could be softened. The hard plastic feels a little cheap.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Overall experience owning this truck.

Written by: John B. Daily on 05/24/2007

Vehicle

2005 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab Laramie 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Since buying this vechicle I have enjoyed the handling and its ability to tow a bass boat. I bought it a little early, because I did want it with the new 4.7 L. H.O. engine. The regular 4.7 L. seems to be a very proficient engine, but gas economy could be better. The front seating space is adquate for a person 6' or more. The backseat does lack enough space for adults if travling long distances. The full-time 4 wheel drive performs flawlesly either in rain or snow With the 17" tires the handling is great and shows very little wear over 25,000 miles of travel. Most people would be pleased to own this vechicle. The size is just right for my wife to drive and park.

Favorite Features

Interior size and quality of workmanship is outstanding.

Suggested Improvements

Improved gas mileage.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Disappointed

Written by: GDC on 05/14/2007

Vehicle

2005 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab ST Rwd SB (3.7L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I purchased this vehicle new. This is my third Dakota. This model is a big disappointment. The fuel tank had problems venting. This required several trips to dealer to repair. They finally replaced the tank. Two tires blown at low speed. The speedometer sticks when cold. Battery died with barely 20 months This unit has been in the shop for weeks during its many repair activities. This product has turned me away from considering any new Daimler or Chrysler products in the future due to the pathetic quality and service.

Favorite Features

Looks of vehicle. Size of vehicle.

Suggested Improvements

The company could implement a quality improvement program that actually improves quality.

0 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Content in CT

Written by: Neil in CT on 05/13/2007

Vehicle

2005 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd SB (3.7L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I have owned this vehicle for almost 2 years and I am very happy with my choice. It has been reliable and it drives really well for a pickup truck. The only downfalls about this truck are gas mileage and the cheap looking plastic interior. Although the gas mileage is not very good, I realize that pickup trucks are not the most economical vehicles on the road anyway. I also like the interior room and the Quad cab is a big bonus. Overall, I would recommend this vehicle to anyone interested in a mid-size pickup.

Favorite Features

Quiet and comfortable ride. Interior room with the Quad Cab. Easy to use controls. Exterior styling

Suggested Improvements

Need to upgrade interior, Improve gas mileage

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I love this truck

Written by: SixSpeedJunkie on 04/12/2007

Vehicle

2005 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd SB (3.7L 6cyl 6M)

Review

This truck is my first new vehicle, and it has turned out to be exactly what I wanted and needed. I have the six speed manual transmission which I love, sports package, and I got it in 2 wheel drive. The gas mileage is terrible, at 16mpg being the best I have gotten, but it's hard to stay off the gas when driving a truck that is this much fun.

Favorite Features

6 speed manual transmission, crew cab, sliding rear window, cruise control, excellent exterior styling, V8 power

Suggested Improvements

Would have been nice if they had offered the High Output engine with the manual transmission. Brakes failed at 5k miles, which took 4 trips to the dealership to fix. Bump steer is pretty bad, has a lot of body roll in corner

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Good car, bad truck

Written by: Nic on 04/05/2007

Vehicle

2005 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd SB (3.7L 6cyl 6M)

Review

This is the least offroad capable four wheel drive truck I have ever used. The four wheel drive basically has a two wheel drive suspension that makes it sit so low to the ground that the ground clearance, approach angle and departure angle are most car-like than truck-like. If you never plan to leave the the road it is a capable vehicle that rides well, is comfortable, and tows well, but if you do avoid this truck like the plague.

Favorite Features

Good highway ride, good torque. Bed is wide enough for a 4 wheeler.

Suggested Improvements

The suspension needs a complete overhaul to qualify as a true four wheel drive truck suspension. It needs to sit at least 2-3 inches higher all around. Regular V8 needs more power.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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