Used 1996 Dodge Dakota Consumer Reviews
Used Dakota for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
This is the 6th dodge truck ive owned
javelin, 04/24/2010
1996 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
21 of 22 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck 3 months ago for $2500.00 and its the best $2500.00 I've ever spent.Truck has 180,000 and runs like a champ.The 6th dodge I've owned and as you can see it will always be this way. Dodge Dakota best truck on the road.
Good truck for the $
jkf, 02/24/2010
1996 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
All things considered not a bad truck in a 140k miles. Bought used with 30k miles and 2k later transmission went and was repaired under waranty - no problems since. Have the 5.2l V8 with positraction. Used the truck for hauling a 4500lb boat just about every good weather weekend and commuting to work. Replaced dist pickup at 65k and 120K, O2 sensor at 120k due to a "21"error code, and blower resistor at 110k. Aside from normal wear items such as tires, brakes, plugs, fan belt, radiator hoses etc. no other problems - very reliable. Been using Mobil 1 at 7.5k oil changes and does not leak a drop of engine or tranny oil. As with all these dakotas, the headliner fails, and fuel gauge is whacky.
1996 Dodge Dakota for sale near you
Showing 0 of 0 listings
Sorry, there are no 1996 Dodge Dakota vehicles for sale in our network.
See all 0 listingsMy Baby
Greg Svatora, 12/05/2005
1996 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Purchased truck in high school, drove through college, now married and still running. Truck is amazing in all weather. Only minor problems over 110,000 miles, including the standard crap Dodge transmission. I mostly drive unloaded but tow cars probably 1500-2000 miles/yr and it works great. Can't wait to get some money to put some performance stuff in her. I get great mileage, 20 mpg with the 5.2L on straight highway miles, 16-17 on normal driving. Little tip...Firestone Destination LE tires are amazing on this truck.
Love my truck
Ruben, 04/03/2003
1996 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
My truck is as reliable as the sun, hasnt given one moments trouble and i would be afraid to drive to the north pole in it if there were roads! This is the truck i want to be driving when i'm 80!
Unstoppable
kile95, 02/06/2015
1996 Dodge Dakota 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
My dad bought this truck for 500$ in 2004. He daily drove it everyday to Orlando and back loading it with miles. When I got my liscence in 2011 he gave it to me. By the time he gave it to me the truck had 380k miles on it. 380k!!. I daily drove it to school and back until April 2013. When I got rid of it, it had 420k miles on and still going strong. Oh and the whole time me and my dad owned it the only things we did to it was change a clutch and a throttle positioning sensor!! We took great care of the truck though. Oil change every 3k miles. But I gave the truck to my uncle and its his daily driver to this day. He just drove it to Michigan and back twice. Starts right up 1st time every time
Amazing after 12 Years
brasky98, 06/09/2008
1996 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Received this truck after wrapping a Toyota around a telephone pole... This truck is amazing with its reliability. Turn the key and it starts right up. Gets me to work 5 days a week and hauls drywall, mulch or gravel the other 2. The worst I have had to do is complete brakes 3 years ago. Engine is strong, tranny tight, gets me where I need to be. Only dings, dents or rust is what I've caused. I'll drive this baby until the wheels fall of. Probably will subsidize her with a new sedan here in a month or two but its about time. 12 years and still running strong!
Great Truck
laxman84, 02/01/2009
1996 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Awesome truck. Got it for an extremely low price five years ago. Has lasted 13 years of Wisconsin winters and only has a bit of rust under the passenger side door, which is quite an accomplishment. Made it to Colorado and back, and almost kept up with the Wranglers on the Jeep trails. Starts every time I need it to, no matter the temperature. Two weeks ago, -17, -15, -27, -2, and -19, and it started each morning. Little things have been going wrong, 4X4 light doesn't come on (but 4X4 stills works), cigarette lighter is busted, parking brake cable needs a replacement, and AC is out, but that is to be expected with a old truck. All in all, my next vehicle will be a Dakota
'96 Dakota Sport
ddjlane, 08/28/2003
1996 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great little truck; low maintenance, hard worker, fun to drive.
Great truck!
Dave, 08/29/2005
1996 Dodge Dakota 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've had my '96 Dakota for 8 years, and it still looks and runs great with 98,000 miles on it. I've replaced the water pump and the A/C system (I live in Florida), and I've made cosmetic repairs to the interior. The 4 cyl. engine does not burn or leak oil, and the 5-speed transmission shifts smoothly and is fun to drive. The original factory white paint still looks great. I drive it almost every day, and it is still excellent transportation. With the tough plastic bed liner, this is a VERY rugged and dependable truck!
10 years and still kicking
John, 03/06/2006
1996 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have owned this truck since new and will not be getting rid of it any time soon. The 1996 Dakota is a true mid size with all the guts of a full size. The v6 I have pulls and hauls as well as any small 8, and wile fuel milage around town is not great (who buys a truck for fuel mileage?) open road mileage is in the 20 mpg range. Over all I am very happy with my '96, both in performance and style. Just try to find a truck with chrome on both ends these days.
Best truck ever made
BlAcK wIdOw, 11/05/2008
1996 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My father bought this truck in 2002, my uncle got it after he died, and I recieved it almost 2 years ago. This truck has been put through its paces. It was an escort truck, hauling truck, towing people, wrecked twice (haven't had the money to fix it yet), it has 200,000 on her and still going strong. The only things replaced is the regular maintanance. Other than the headlight which happens to be a tin can since that area is caved in. The most durable and reliable truck ever.
Significantly better than I expected.
Jack, 03/10/2009
1996 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I got this truck for utility functions in addition to going to work and back. The engine purrs like a kitten, which truly amazes me. The tranny (auto) is a little slow to shift in extreme cold, but warm her up and she does just like you'd want. I replaced the brakes in their entirety and all 4 shocks (Rancho). It handles like new... and I got it at a great price. The heat is a little weak when it gets cold, but otherwise, you will have a hard time finding such a wonderful truck at such a great price. I'd drive this thing over a same aged Toyota any day. The engine sounds just like new and I have 113,000 miles on it. It has minor leaks, but, not enough to require servicing between maintenance
A great truck -The 1996 Dodge Dakota
Mike, 04/19/2008
1996 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My wife and I have owned our Dakota since September of 1995 when we bought it new. I will drive it 'til the day it dies , and I don't think that will be any time soon! It has been a SUPER truck! I have hauled all sorts of things in it, gone on vacation in it,driven it to work daily for years and it has never let me down. It has 132,000 miles on it, burns NO oil and runs as well as the day we drove it off the lot! Not counting oil changes and tires, I have probably spent less than 500 dollars in repairs and upkeep in all those years! If you need a great light to medium duty truck for daily use, if you can find one in good shape that has been well maintained , you can't go wrong here!
the best first truck
james tucker, 08/19/2008
1996 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I enjoyed my dodge Dakota truck and driving it where every I need to go. It has been dedicated to me and my family for 12 years. I want to restore it back to first look and more. Thank dodge for making a great truck.
Excellant service.
BDNebeker, 05/12/2002
1996 Dodge Dakota 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellant service , it has only 51,000 miles, It gets up to 19mls per gal.
All in all, a great deal at $8900
Darren, 06/26/2009
1996 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this truck in 98 for $8900. Paid off in 4 yrs and drove maintenance free (virtually) for another 6 years. Replaced the fuel pump at 100k miles. Replaced engine computer just after that. Engine light still comes on but dealership cannot figure out why. Truck runs great. Air still cold and it always cranks. Needs paint now but I'm debating whether to put anymore money in it. May use it for Cash for Clunkers bill just signed. Best car purchase I've ever made. not sure how to get it to pass inspection now that check engine light keeps coming on but have a few months to figure that out.
A GREAT TRUCK
Dodge/Chrysler Fan, 10/24/2002
1996 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck new and aside from a few minor fit and finish problems it has been great. It has always been reliable and is as tough as a truck can be. I would highly reccommend one for anyone who is looking for a used value.
My Dakota
rtt3, 11/24/2002
1996 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought a '96 dakota ext. cab and it has done wonders. i can alway rely on it to get me to my destination. It has 117,000 miles and is still running strong. When others fail, this one comes out on top.
BEST BEAST
CHUCK GOINS, 12/17/2002
1996 Dodge Dakota 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
OIL CHANGE EVER 4500 MILES OTHER THAN THAT I PUT A WATER PUMP IN IT WHICH COST $330.00.
wish i opted for the extended warrenty
joshua, 07/21/2003
1996 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i own a 96 dakota club cab slt with 3.9l v6 auto 90k miles.reliability is its biggest shortcomming.the transmission went out at 30k fixed under warenty,and has never really shifted smoothly.other problems include the a.c.,water pump leak,plenium gasket leak, alternator, dash lights,fuel gage. the v6 feels underpowered i would recommend the v8. on the plus side it is larger then it competitors, and averages a respectable 16mpg in mixed driving.
Lov'n it!
penelope, 11/03/2003
1996 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Regular Cab LB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
From the 1st Dakota I owned, a totaled 1993 slt ext cab completely rebuilt salvage, to a perfect 94, to my current perfect 96 model. The center of gravity makes handling easy & safe. The ride is much stronger than a s-10 or ford ranger. I luv this truck it's safety, ride, looks, & dependability even into 200,000 ml. Gas economy is better in the 94 but still @ 20mpg. Anyone who wants to own one, buy w/as low mls, & limited transferred ownership as possible. Mine pulls a horse trlr, pop-up camper & small sailboat. It is low to the ground & easy for me to get in and out of. Stay w/ v6, v8, and 4x4 models, no sport.
Dakota was great
S, 05/06/2004
1996 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Dakota was always a good truck
1996 Dodge Dakota
Bob, 03/16/2005
1996 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been a very reliable pickup. it has the most room of any truck in its class. it takes the corners very well and handles great. my first road trip with it (600 miles) rendered me 27 miles to the gallon which was pretty good at 75 mph going up and down hills!!!
Excellent Choice
Dallas, 07/29/2005
1996 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Dakota with 182,000 miles on it. The exterior was in great condition and it was a steal at $1,900. I lived in Maine for two years through the rough winters and my abusive driving. The truck really kept itself together. I did minor repairs and spent roughly $400 dollars on it, but never had to do repairs on the engine. I sold it to a friend for $1,100 dollars and I just talked to him recently. Its still going strong with 265,000 original miles! All he's done is oil changes. I had the best times of my life in that old truck and I'm searching everywhere to find another one. 2wd 3.9 v6 magnum 5 speed sports are fun and dependable. I wont buy another Ford again.
Reliable
Reggie , 01/26/2006
1996 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought my Dakota new in 1996, has 140,000 on it and still going strong. Uses no oil to speak of and has not given me any problems other then the poor quality interior. Comfort is great considering I'm 6'6". Gas milage could be better, could use a split heat defrost option. Exterior is holding up to Maine winter very well considering the truck was purchased in Arizona. Does very well in the snow for a 2wd, I use a 70 lb sand bag in the bed and good all season tires, so far no problems. Probably the best vehicle I have ever owned.
Never let you down.
broadripple1, 08/28/2006
1996 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck on Ebay, and thought I got stuck with a lemon. The gas guage does not work, but on everything else, my initial impression was flat wrong. This vehicle is a low maintenance winner. It hauls everything (bricks, lawn tractor, boards, etc), including long distance, and other than the normal maintenance, I have not spent an extra dime on this truck in four years of ownership. It's simple to operate, and I'll keep it forever.
This truck rocks
sydbarrett1970, 02/28/2007
1996 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my '96 sport 2.5 4 cyl. for 4 years now, bought it when it had 103,000 miles on it, one previous owner, and let me you, this truck is seriously well built. Dodge apparantly used an engine that was unique to all the other Dakotas of the period, (at least for the 4 cyl model), a motor designed for Jeep, it was originally designed by a collaboration of engine makers, (Renault, Chrysler, and maybe a third party?) Anyway, anyone I have ever talked to says the same...this truck is really built to last. One person I spoke with said he sold his when it had 300,000 on it and it still ran strong. I absolutely love mine.
Dakota Sport
mopar guy, 04/17/2003
1996 Dodge Dakota 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
2.5 ltr 5spd Great truck, no special repairs other than regular wear/tear, first 5 yrs of ownership cost $600 for repairs, not bad!! Easy to work on with 2.5 and no a/c, you can stand in the engine compartment to work on it.
Wouldn"t trade it for anything
DodgeOwner, 05/22/2003
1996 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I use my Dakota on a farm and there has been no problems at all. It has hauled heavy loads through mus and other off road terrains and has always had enough power to do it all!
#1 Truck
Kris Lewis, 05/22/2003
1996 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Plain and simple, dependable, fun, a workhorse V6.
what is wrong
vivian eutsler, 07/19/2016
1996 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I like my truck but it dies sometimes when I stop at a long light so cant drive it to town it gives no warning just dies but when you start backup it rans great
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
DODGE Dakota
Ford lover, 06/13/2008
1996 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
Owned the truck 6 months, first dodge I ever bought. My dad talked me into buying it. I learned 2 things from this truck. 1. I will never buy a dodge and 2. when the check engine light comes on, it's junk. Get rid of it. I have put more money into this truck than i did my 300.00 1988 ranger that has 300,000 Miles. I really do hate this truck.
wish i opted for extended warenty
joshua dunton, 07/12/2003
1996 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
i have a 96 dakota slt club cab v6 with 90k miles.it has had many problems transmision,ac,plebium gasket leak,water pump,alternator,fuel gage not accurate,dash lights to name a few. i like the looks of the truck,and over all comfort is good.i like the engines choices,better than competion.v6 needs more power.i average 16mpg mixed driving. and slightly bigger than competion. inteior is outdated,next generation got much improved in this area.overall i would not recommend this truck do to poor reliability problems, but i may have owned a lemmon. just my two cense take it for what its worth.