Used 1997 Dodge Dakota Consumer Reviews
Used Dakota for sale
What can I say?
Brendan, 08/18/2018
1997 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck this year (2018) for farm use and pulling a trailer for loads of lumber ect. It had 355,000 miles on it and I paid $250 for it. It's the red extended cab 4x4 sport edition with the 3.9 litre v6 Magnum. I'm a car guy do let me go into some detail. I bought it with a miss in the engine and new plugs wires distributor and ignition coil fixed that up. I'm guessing I'm going to rebuild the engine (parts at just around 500 or so) myself and it should run like new. It has low compression so I assume my rings are getting worn out and it does burn a little oil but nothing you expect from nearly 400,000 miles. Now I'm a Chevy owner so this is my first Dodge. I have to say, it's been taken care of, the headliner is 95% still attached to the roof, there's only one tiny chip in the windshield and the dash isn't cracked or broken. More over the seats are clean with no rips or wearing out from getting in or out which surprised me. The back seat isn't large so i don't think adults would be at all comfortable back there but plenty of room for my kids (12, 10, and 1) the bed has a bed liner and it looks like it's been in since it was new. The paint hasn't held up great, but it's still red with no rust. The clear coat is gone though. I plan to repaint if I rebuild the engine. Over all it has great potential and I wish I could have seen it new because the styling on these little trucks is pretty awesome to say the least. They really are a mini ram with the emblem on the hood and the big truck styling. The 4 wheel drive still works great, no issues with the transmission or transfer case. Headlights are ok, it's old so they arent as bright as I'd like. I'll probably put some hid's aftermarket ones in. The fog lights are nice though and help to see at night without artificial lighting. Especially in the woods. It handles well and turning is very responsive with the rack and pinion power steering. Turn radius is good and the shocks and springs have all held up very well. I give this little fighting truck a 5/5 all the way. I never thought I'd like a Dodge as much as my Silverado but it really impressed me. Take care of it and this truck can be a life long dependable ride. You won't go wrong with a Dodge Dakota.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Dakota is a great truck
Scotar, 03/07/2002
1997 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
V8 is a necessity, a lot of power with it. Interior is very comfortable. Ride and handling are very good with new tires, just good with worn tires. This vehicle is terrible in 2 wheel drive on snow and rain for accler. Fuel economy is the worst for this size truck. I avg 13 mpg and nothing is wrong with the truck. Infinity stereo sounds pretty good as stock. After 30K miles I have not had a single problem. I have had 1700 lbs in the bed several times with no problem.
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lil ram, 01/31/2006
1997 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Good power, plenty of room for gear and four wheeler. Only drawback is that the tranny is weak, 44RE tranny is not the best tranny for constant towing on a daily basis, but a good weekend warrior.
Believe it or not
TODD, 08/01/2002
1997 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Handling is similiar to a Dodge car, can stay tight on curves and has very good performance over all. I have achieved 15.75 miles to the gallon while running the a/c. This is a mixture of highway and city driving.
Great Truck
Jenn126, 06/14/2002
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought at 68K, no problems till next year. Brought to Dodge for a recall and check engine light. They said I had to replace lower ball joints, turn brakes, clean rear breaks, bad oxygen sensor causing check engine light, and leaking thermostate. Total repair cost over was $1,000. I paid $70.00 for the diagnostic and left.Went straight to Good Year to check the ball joints, they said I needed NO repair. Was Dodge looking at the wrong truck or trying to take advantage of a female? Still haven't had any of these repairs done after a year and the truck runs like a dream. Love my truck. The only repairs have been regular maintance and a new serp. belt.