Used 1993 Dodge Dakota Consumer Reviews
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My first vehicle, wish it could be my last
Marie, 09/23/2016
1993 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
My grandpa had this truck for I don't know how many years before me, and would still have it but he couldn't handle the clutch anymore for the arthritis in his knees. I bought it from him for $500 at 117k mi in 2007 as a poor 19 year old, and now in 2016 just about to roll over 200k I still can't imagine myself driving anything else. I do believe it will rust out from under me before that engine quits, Colorado's long salty-road winters are eating it alive. In 2010 I drove it cross country from North Carolina when I moved to Denver almost nonstop no issues, completely loaded down with everything I owned in the back. I swear it runs better loaded down than empty! I camp a lot and it hauls about 1000 lbs of gear in the bed up to over 9000 ft, steepest grade encountered is 15% and it doesn't break a sweat. It's just a 3.9L V6 5 spd manual but I get 19.5 mpg highway and 15-16 city. Hauling in the mountains it still gets 18! I don't really go offroading, just gravel and dirt roads, but even being only RWD, with my nice Michelin tires it handles snow around town no problem up to 16" deep. The interior is far from luxurious, but it doesn't mind getting dusty muddy salty snowy cleanup is easy. Electrical sucks, I have replaced every sensor it has and its now time for 2nd stereo replacement, but mechanically only major replacements are the clutch at around 150k, fuel pump a year or two later, the water pump and thermostat 4x but all under warranty, and just recently the radiator (with 4th water pump). Even with one rear fender almost totally rusted away, and the hood and roof not matching the rest of the green truck (rustoleum gray, to combat rust of course) I have had several people try to buy it from me for as much as $3k. KBB is under $250 LOL. Even bringing it in for oil changes the mechanics try to buy it because there's so much room to work under the hood. But I just can't part with it. It's too good a truck and I'll never trade it because it deserves better than to be scrapped. LOVE THIS TRUCK
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My Best Friend
Beach Driver, 03/31/2010
1993 Dodge Dakota LE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck a little over 2 years ago, and I've put over 40K miles on here without a hiccup. I've lifted it put 33/12.5 on here and have never got her stuck I call her my best friend for the fact it has never let me down, it doesn't matter if it is -40 or 110 degrees she still started. The only only thing I've ever had to do is change a rear seal in the tranny no big deal seeing that it only cost me 6 bucks. I'm gonna drive her till the wheels fall off and when that happens I'll probably just fix it. NUMBER ONE TRUCK
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love my dodge, 03/13/2010
1993 Dodge Dakota LE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
i bought this truck from a friend for $800 the best money i ever spent it has a 318 5.2 V-8 Magnum and 298,000 miles on it and still will put u in the seat if i punch it. I drove it 1300 miles nonstop with no problems.
best dakota ever
mopar512, 05/04/2009
1993 Dodge Dakota LE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
My dad got the truck with 300 miles in 92, he gave it to me in 08, great truck, awesome to drive, its smooth n its a v8 and it's a Dodge it cant get any better than that, I got a dual exhaust, with a cherry bomb extreme sounds awesome
Will never part with this truck
DodgeChick, 12/07/2008
1993 Dodge Dakota LE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I got this truck for a steal! It was in horrible condition upon purchase, been in multiple accidents, and was badly beat on. But still ran! Parts are cheap and is easy to repair. Very dependable truck! The LE with the 318 is a powerful work horse. It can tow twice it's weight, no problem. It handles great, on and off the road. Fun to drive and quick. My truck has become my addiction. I love customizing this truck. Flowmasters 40 series sound fantastic, by the way.
Hard to let go when the time comes
huntin buddies, 02/16/2009
1993 Dodge Dakota 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This has been my favorite truck since the day I bought it. No 4wd, and it still kicks every day. The only thing I have had to replace on this truck for a major repair is the radiator. I love the kick in first gear. With a 3.9 Magnum V6, you just don't get any better. I have pulled people out, including my dad, and brought home my first deer with it. It get's us through thick and thin, and has saved our family a couple of times. She's a tough old bird, and part of the family. Wouldn't want it any other way.
220,000 mi AC still works and still running
Leroy, 02/20/2018
updated 02/27/2020
1993 Dodge Dakota LE 2dr Regular Cab LB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The engine and transmission were never worked on. The AC still worked. I bought it from a friend when it had 190,000 miles on it. I kept it for 10 years. I was the third owner I think. He had it for several years. The only issues he had was fuel pump and catalytic converter after 175,000 miles. Around 200,000 the gas gauge quit and I had to replace the water pump which was the original. Also the rear wheel cylinders were replace about the same time. Otherwise it was only maintenance. Oh yes, the overdrive quit working at some point late in its life. I believe it was either the solenoid or the overdrive switch. I only used it around town with few trips on the highway so being sort of lazy I never got serious about tracking down the problem. I sold it to Car Max recently as I was going to order a new Ram 2500.
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Hard Worker
donny, 11/18/2006
1993 Dodge Dakota LE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
i traded my 1990 3500 service truck for this 1993 Dodge Dakota and it is one of the best trucks I've driven. It handles great, but needs some work like a new fuil pump. I've pulled over 25,000lbs with it and it worked it but it won't stop running. I love it
dons' dakota
donrv2, 12/20/2002
1993 Dodge Dakota LE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I've had dakota all up and down the west coast. On the road and off. I have "c" class 6ply all-seasons on factory mags. Other than a glass "Century" canopy,bed liner,$900.00 Aspen Stereo, my baby is factory stock. Maybe 2000 miles of my driving has been off road. I love to camp, hike and fish. Especially fly. I've never been stuck. I've never broken down. I've plowed through snow deep enough I couldn't open my door to get out.
Love It
AjL05_06, 09/30/2008
1993 Dodge Dakota LE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I fell in love with this truck when I first drove it. My dad bought it in '05 from a friend and he gave it to me in '08. Only had a few problems but those were just from constant break ins and worn cheap parts. Mine fortunately came with a 5.2L V8 but it is light in the back so all that horsepower is useless in winter. I've done just about everything with this truck from racing to towing and even further and this truck has proven itself tough even for its age. even though mine is starting to fall apart for lack of body maintenance, I'm gonna be sad when it dies or when I have to sell it. people off the street have actually offered me 15K for it but I turned them down, I'm keeping this truck
Ups and downs
idahoguy, 04/21/2003
1993 Dodge Dakota LE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The place we got it from was a rip off joint.We had to get the transfer case rebult twice and it had bad motor mounts.The exhuast crapped out about about a year and so on...........
POWER
Hunter, 11/29/2009
1993 Dodge Dakota LE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
My Dodge Dakota is a very nice truck for off roading, burning out, and dragging lol. My Dakota has the 5.2l 318 Engine, and she has POWER! That thing can burn down the road if I get on it. Then again I have a K&N cold air intake, dual exhaust, brand new fuel injectors, brand new 2.5l fuel pump of the lower Dakota engine, and platnum tip spark plugs(VIPER SPARK PLUGS). And she maybe makes 300 horsepower. The 2.5l fuel pump can't really keep up with the rpms and some times starves the engine at high rpms. and my fuel mileage is maybe 20 mpg.
Short life
Alan, 11/16/2018
updated 11/18/2019
1993 Dodge Dakota 2dr Regular Cab LB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 8 people found this review helpful
Purchased my 1993 Dodge Dakota new. Because my old truck had a trailer hitch with electrical plug and the new Dakota already had a trailer hitch, the dealer installed a plug for my trailer lights. After just 4 months and 2600 miles, my wife was driving the truck to town when the truck quit. She got out and went to the nearest house to call me at work and when she was returning to the truck, the cab of the truck was in flames. The woman in the house where my wife called me, saw the fire and called 911. By the time I arrived, the firemen had put out the fire and the tow truck from our dealer was there to take the truck to the dealership. I went to the dealership and explained the situation to the dealer. He explained that the regional manager would have to make the call about the truck being covered by warranty. A week later, I was at the dealership with the dealership owner and the regional manager for the evaluation. The regional manager made one trip around the truck, noting that only the cab had burned and there was only smoke damage to the very front of the bed. He stopped at the back of the truck, asked me who installed the electrical trailer plug. The dealer stated that one of their qualified technicians installed the plug. The regional manager then opened his copy of the truck owners manual to a marked page that stated that any modifications to the vehicle electrical system voids the warranty. The dealer told the regional manager that because his qualified technician installed the plug and that there was no fire damage at the back of the truck bed, the truck should be covered by the manufacturer warranty. The regional manager just pointed to the page of the truck owners manual and said it was not covered by warranty because the modification was done after the truck left the factory. After the heated argument between the dealership owner and regional manager, the regional manager just held his had up and said the conversation was over, the truck would not be covered by warranty and drove off. The dealer then turned to me and apologized for the truck not being covered by warranty, and that he felt personally responsible for the truck not being covered by warranty. He said that he would offer me a new truck from off his lot at no cost to me. Because this was a Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep dealership, I explained that due to the poor support from Dodge, I would prefer the have a new Chevrolet Silverado truck and that I would be willing to pay for the price difference. The dealer gave me the Chevy truck (with trailer hitch and wiring already installed) for free with full warranty coverage. Needless to say that has my only dealership ever since.
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stick with ford or toyota
theduke, 05/12/2010
1993 Dodge Dakota 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 9 people found this review helpful
that was the worst 1000$ ive ever spent. this is the worst driving truck ive ever owned. it skips in reverse or 4L. it seems to be one problem after another, and i plan to sale this truck and get a 90's model F150 or a '86-89 toyota 4x4. i will never buy another dodge.
A sad ending to twins
firephool, 10/03/2008
1993 Dodge Dakota LE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Dad bought this red truck used with 100,000 mi when I was in High School. I took it to school b/c of bad weather and ended up totaling it. bought a matching one in blue. and that lasted under very stressful driving including some unexpected offroading that required be to buy a new bed and replace a couple windows. I loved the V8 in that truck great fuel mileage for a v8 pick-up. but alas fate has it's marker. She died b/c my father flat-toed her. :( she would have lasted forever and a day if it wasn't for that.
Old Faithful
Dave, 03/04/2009
1993 Dodge Dakota LE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this truck in march of 08. Its the best $900 ive ever spent. The 318 gives you power on demand but does get about 12-14 mph. The 4x4 gets you anywhere and out of anything. Interior styling does show it age but ive seen alot worse. Im six foot tall and having a regular cab does cramp me against the steering wheel. Having the tilt wheel option does offer some additional leg room. Exterior design is good. Typical truck style for the mid 90's. The ride quality is great. Very smooth over speed bumps and rail road tracks. This truck will make the ford 150 guys jealous.
The best purchase I've ever made
jp, 05/19/2009
1993 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
By far, very little will compare with my truck. Its got 177,000 of hard miles and its still going strong. Brakes last forever, same clutch. Other than a water pump, radiator and a belt, it all still original. Ironically, the biggest flaw I found with the truck is the gas gauge went at 95,000 miles and I have to use the trip odometer to know when to get gas (the gas light still works).
Great vehicle
W Bush, 09/04/2002
1993 Dodge Dakota LE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned the vehicle since new over 9 years ago. Other than routine maintenence I have not had any problems or expenses with the vehicle. The most reliable vehicle I have ever owned.
This thing has POWER !
Cliff D., 12/11/2002
1993 Dodge Dakota LE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second Dakota. Drove the 1st one 130000 miles it was my best vehicle ever ! Bought another. The V8 has unbelievable power. Feels like the most powerful truck on the planet. 60/40 bench seat is very comfortable. A/C is very strong. 6 passenger but only if they are small kids in back.
DAKOTA
BIGJOHNSON, 12/15/2002
1993 Dodge Dakota LE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Quality is good. Repair is moderate. But it runs good and has power and a smooth ride.
Midsize Truck......Large Size Usefulness
Harold Turner, 08/03/2003
1993 Dodge Dakota LE 2dr Regular Cab LB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle used by me and family members as a 'nice' work truck. Bed is large enough for all our needs, including carrying a 42" riding mower. Paint still shiny after 10 years. Love the pep of the V8...dislike the gas mileage! Can't have it all! Trim and power functions make it a comfortable, if rougher, ride than desired. The truck has done its job and more.
The most reliable truck
340cuda, 07/08/2005
1993 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Solid, no hassle truck, and it still gets 18 MPG with 151k+ miles. Rock soild, super reliable, mid sized truck. To give an idea of how reliable it is, I've owned it since it was new, and the first repair was at 90,000 miles (serpentine belt broke) I get 50-60k miles out of front brakes, and changed the rear at 125k. Total mechanical repairs over 12 years, radiator, thermostat, wheel cylinders, and one caliper. Still driven daily
Great Old Truck
FourDakotas, 03/15/2006
1993 Dodge Dakota 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased it with 165K miles two years ago. Truck had been neglected and vandalized prior, but has never failed us in 14K miles. 3.9 L still uses no oil, drives fine, just a great, dependable truck. It has lived a hard life before I bought it, and has some rust. But here in Michigan, most of the '93 S-10s and Rangers are rusted away, and the '93 Japanese pickups were rusted away and worn out years ago. Where does JD Power get these "2 of 5" mechanical ratings? These trucks are bulletproof--at least all four of mine have been. One more reason to Buy American--or at least try something other than GM junk before you send your hard earned GDP to Asia.
93 4x
briand91, 06/22/2004
1993 Dodge Dakota LE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought car used, had 2 initial, under warenty problems that were corrected satisfactorly. At 125K miles had engine replaced due to bad oil consumtion, rear oil rings and cam pitted. New long block ok, but bad MPG's. Truck has been really great none the less. Have fun on the 4x trails, and she keeps ticking.
quality
LAWNMOWERMAN, 09/15/2004
1993 Dodge Dakota LE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck to haul my lawn mower and to do cleanouts for my business. I wanted some thing that had enough power to haul a fully loaded trailer with the bed full as well. This truck has not let me down. Its big enough not to be to small and small enough not to be to big. With a V-8 and 4wd there is little this truck will not handel. The only negitave aspect is the gas mileage but I guess you cant have it all. I now have 207k miles on it and have only had to preform general mantinence. I will buy another when, I mean if this one ever wears out.
The medium truck that could
Robert Dunbar, 02/23/2005
1993 Dodge Dakota 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck about a year ago. I am very pleased with the truck overall, it really can haul with the Magnum V8. The only problems I've had was a wire that wore through to the transmission, but I fixed that no prob, and a transmission oil leak. The factory sound system was pretty much shot, so I replaced it. It has a silly slide out cupholder on the passenger's side of the dash, and the center console is poorly made. If you have one, put at least 30 inch tires on it, it looks like it's been lifted two inches for a few bucks.
Best Truck
Chub Walters, 01/03/2007
1993 Dodge Dakota LE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Truck could haul a 2 bedroom apartment from Austin, TX to Waterloo, IA. Very dependable. Nothing major breaks down.
Excellent truck
gitrdonedakota, 02/17/2007
1993 Dodge Dakota LE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought a '93 Dakota in '03 as my first vehicle. I used to love Chevy trucks but now I love Dodge. Being in college my money is a little tight, and with this truck no money goes into repairs. The 3.9 V6 is tough and very reliable. I have towed many of my buddies when they have broken down. Despite my truck being a 2WD it still performs well off road. I spend a lot of time hunting and fishing. I put this truck in bad situations and she still pulls out. I could not be happier with this truck!
Best Truck Ever Purchased!
PMdave, 04/04/2003
1993 Dodge Dakota 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best truck I ever baught. Very Reliable with over 100000 miles this year.
Needs some fixing
chad, 03/08/2007
1993 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My vehicle has many miles and has gotten me through some deep mud. I live on a farm and I always have to drive through the mud. Even though I don't have four wheel drive it manages well in the mud and snow with sand bags in the back. She runs excellent.
IRON HORSE
MOE PAR, 04/18/2003
1993 Dodge Dakota LE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck NEW in 1993 and have owned it ever since. This Dakota is powerful, fun to drive and comfortable. The drivers seat is without a doubt the most comfortable seat(or chair) I own. I once drove this truck virtually non-stop from Taos New Mexico to my home in north Texas and I was pain-free & comfortable all the way (I have back problems). The Dakota has a deep throaty sound and has always had all the POWER I ever needed. About a year and a half into ownership, the rear end went out. The dealership replaced the rear end and U-joints---no charge. This is a GREAT TRUCK!
Good truck
john, 09/05/2007
1993 Dodge Dakota LE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is one tough truck. 185000 miles and reliable as a new truck. The v6 can put out the power you want even at 14 years old. If you are considering buying go for it.
Best vehicle I've ever owned
rhapsodyfreak, 06/05/2007
1993 Dodge Dakota S 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was a truck driver for a while in the US Marines and despite all of the Humvees and other bog trucks I drove and performed maintinance for, no vehicle has ever been as reliable to me as this vehicle. It has never let me down in the few years I've had it and believe you me has it endured many things since then, several wrecks and off-roading, and overall abuse it still runs magnificent. In spite of all of this, it is fast and comfortable. The only thing bad in my opinion is the fuel economy isn't the greatest and it contains only about a 10-12 gallon fuel tank. The stereo it comes with is loud and many other factory or stock items are very nice for such an old vehicle.
1993 Dodge Dakota
Hugh319, 07/04/2003
1993 Dodge Dakota 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Dakota is a 4x4 extended cab with a locking shell over the bed. It is the 3.9L V6 and 5 Spd manual tranny. I have used it as a work truck for my Handyman business and as a 4x4 to explore reasonably tough 12 to 13000' Rocky Mountain 4 wheel drive passes. We have also used it to pull a 1500 lb poptop camping trailer over 7000 miles. That was a breeze! It has also been used in the business to pull heavily laden utility trailers. I once pulled our 3600 lb travel trailer for about a hundred miles to get it repaired. That was about 120% of what it could do well. that means that we were down to 2nd gear on a 3 mile 7% grade at about 25 MPH... Not fun...
Tough Tittle Dodge
tarfee, 08/17/2006
1993 Dodge Dakota LE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This truck is just the right size for me. I drive my full size truck very little now. The Dakota is comfortable and drives well. It has a real seat in the extended cab a real plus to other smaller trucks. The body is rock solid and tough. Keep the touch up paint handy however or the paint will fly off. I have had no mechanical problems. The transmission is like most Dodges, it shifts down very often even will just a light load. One of my favorite trucks to own.
money pits
Joe , 02/25/2021
updated 08/09/2021
1993 Dodge Dakota LE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 5 people found this review helpful
i swear i just recently purchased one of these pos about a month ago. todays date is February 24th 2021. and i tell you never invest in one of these. dont even take it as a gift. i originally bought it because it had very low miles (98,000) original miles. it was very clean too. that was all it had. i have only driven this thing a handful of times since I've owned it and those times were to have it repaired. not only is it almost impossible to repair, but the parts for this thing are IMPOSSIBLE to find. since purchasing this pos i am never buying a dodge vehicle again. and for the record ANYTHING American made is garbage....
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- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value