Used 1997 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab Consumer Reviews
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Reliable
MW Maker, 08/02/2008
1997 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I bought the Dakota new back in 1997. I now have almost 150k miles with nothing but standard maintenance required. I have had a problem with the speakers since I bought it and the dealership could never figure it out. Other than this one issue the truck has served me well over the past decade.
Great 97 Dakota
Jeff, 12/04/2010
1997 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
318 5.2 auto 192,000 miles. Purchased it last summer from a 1 owner, always garaged and well taken care of. Usual rust areas esp in northeast to be expected....bottom of the pass side door, and had the rear spring shackles replaced. Hasnt failed me yet...a/c doesnt work the best, to be expected on a 13 y/o vehicle. Not the best on gas, 13.3 - 18.5 on aggressive tread 31's....wish I had a 5spd for better gas milage. Other than the a/c, everything else works great. Needed to replace the steering shaft. My second Dakota...feel they are built well and Id buy another.
1997 Dodge Dakota for sale near you
Showing 2 of 2 listings
- Base Extended CabMSRP: $4,900661 mi away
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Best truck I could buy
curt, 09/26/2006
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I wanted to get a little truck hoping for good gas mileage, and when I found my Dakota SLT 4x4 with the 5.2 V8 I fell in love. Since I got this truck all I have had done was put dual flowmaster exhaust on it which increase my fuel mileage 3 miles. I love the horsepower it has, and I feel this is the best looking Dakota model out there, and my friends agree.
Terrible
Rp, 01/03/2009
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
Bought it with 90k miles. Within two months it needed a new motor and a new transmission. It has numerous other defective parts since then - horn does not work, cruise control does not work, alarm is set off when unlocking the door with the key, a/c does not work, speakers broke, heat does not work on passenger side, air vents shut off at random. It has had numerous sets of brakes because it cannot stop well at all. Design flaws - any owner will tell you they have replaced all the tie rods and ball joints at least once, if you have a V8 model say good bye to good fuel economy (11 mpg highway at 65mph), terrible interior with no back doors, 4WD with no locking differential?
Very Nice Ride, wish I had gotten the 8
Abu_The_One, 01/30/2003
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great interior, rugged Exterior, Roomy, great for towing almost anything. The gas mileage is typical, and i wish i had gotten the 5.2, but the 3.9 seems to be serving me well.
1997 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab
Hurley, 03/17/2003
1997 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Have had only one problem - catalytic converter went out before 100K mile warranty. Timing belt (or chain) has always made a slight clicking noise, but has never hindered the operation of the truck. Absolutely love this truck; in my opinion, have had no big problems, not even small ones like a headlight or tail light going out.
Good truck
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.
Never Again
Phillie, 04/27/2003
1997 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Never again will I purchase a Dodge product after this truck. I had the truck in the shop more in the first two years that my other vehicle has been in the ten years I have owned it. Not only does the truck lack quality, but the service at the Raymond Dodge Service Center is horrible. Talk about unfriendly people.
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.
My Pig
cordulidae, 04/03/2008
1997 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I name all of the vehicles I drive, and this one is appropriately named. I love this truck and hope to pass it on to my favored heir one day. :) It is fun to drive, full of torque, fast, has trailered everything I own several times over w/out complaint, and looks better than the current Dakota's. The few bad things I have had with Pig include Batteries, I put my 4th battery in this weekend, the gas mileage (avg. 14 mpg), but it is a 5.2 V-8. Oh, and when they built her, someone put an engine bearing in wrong or forgot to. Regardless, engine was rebuilt at 3,000 miles (under warranty). But, it hasn't stalled, hiccuped, or let me down since.
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
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.
Nice Truck - some issues
Cookie, 05/20/2002
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
New lower balljoints 65k,new front brakes at 60k. Dodge Service fouled fuel injectors and rails while installing new fuel pump at 55k and tried to charge another $1300 (offered no explanation). I cleaned them myself for two bucks and found the coating inside the tank was deteriorating and ruined the pump. They reintroduced the contaminated fuel after replacing the pump. Don't go to Dodge boys for repairs!!!!!!! Air conditioner problems and heater inadequate.
I don't want him (J-P) to leave me!!!
Gina, 09/18/2009
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best pick-up truck i had so far...he went through a lot!! Someone stole it, wreck it, smashed the windows, radio stolen...he is still alive and run as good as the first day. He is now 400 000km and i have to spend a little this month to fix transfer case, wipers...the mechanic told me it was worth it to keep it in good shape.
nice 97
Rocky, 10/03/2010
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This truck has only 72,000 miles, on it just now have replaced, the original brakes.The truck has been used to trailer heavy construction equipment, the V-8 runs great gets 19 to 20 on highway. Just put the 2nd set of tires on it, front end wears tires with out uneven wear. There is no vibration in front at all.Have used 4wd very often on muddy constructions sites. The only problem the cheap plastic gear shift handle broke loose.I have always run premium gas in the v-8 and it makes a whole lot of difference over regular gas. Over all Very happy with truck.
Awesome Truck
the_koof, 01/30/2005
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my first vehicle and am approaching 190,000 miles with relatively trouble free use. Only problems so far have been the water pump giving out, dirty sensors, and the power steering pump also giving out due to an accident early in the truck's life. Other than that it has been trouble free. I absolutely love the truck and will buy another when this one gives out except I would opt for the 318 V8 as the 3.9L V6 is gutless.
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT
Ethan Watters, 11/07/2003
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great Running truck. Fun to drive, and more than enough power. Great Handling
Good for the first five years
Rosemountguy, 03/30/2004
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After my initial purchase and subsequent visits to the dealer for various quality control problems, the truck worked very well for three years. Shortly after this a series of problems has made me question my purchase of a Chrysler product. Three sets fo brakes in less than 75,000 miles, various electrical gremlins, suspension problems, and cracked exhaust studs have jaded my initial opinion of the vehicle. The recent condition of peeling paint has made me consider selling the vehicle and purchasing one of foriegn manufacture.
Dodge Dakota
KenR, 09/19/2004
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my Dodge Dakota in the shop numerous times and nine of those times where for design flaws. I have only been able to receive compensation on one items, the misalaignment of the front end at time if manufacture.
One Awesome Truck
the_koof, 01/16/2005
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is one tough little truck. This is my first vehicle and I have beaten on it even though it had 174,000 miles on it when I got it. Now it has about 190,000 and its still running like a champ! It only has a V6 so it is not very fast and I wish it had the 318 V8. Has very rarely let me down. Only parts that have failed are the power steering pump (was going out for a while after an accident early on in its life), the water pump and dirty sensors. Other than that, extremely reliable and very recommended. Never had a transmission problem either.
Dakota
webert1, 03/24/2005
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Vehicle rides well and is more than adequate for hauling stuff around. Many trips to Home Depot and not one thing that could not be hauled home. I would recommend this truck for the average person who needs something to do the light household chores that need to be done. I occasionally tow a camper, but would not recommend it for long trips and hilly terrain. The truck seems to work a lot when you are pulling a camper.
Pretty dissapointed
Justin, 03/07/2006
1997 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Got the truck 4 years ago with 29k now have 100k...Get the 5.2 or 5.9 if you get a 4x4. Have a extended cab 4x4 with the 3.9 and it is terrible, won't even stay over 70 in hilly areas or long trips.The design is beautiful and the build qaulity is good. no rattles, things broken etc...been in two wrecks and both times totaled other cars and simply busted my bumper (Mitsu Montero suv and a Toyota Camry. I have had a problem with the speedometer going crazy and the dealerships cannot figure it out. been in and out for 3 months, I am selling it....
Still going
hoylemd, 03/26/2007
1997 Dodge Dakota 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought my truck new. Have driven 110 miles round trip to work daily for past 6 years. Now have over 257,000 miles and uses only a half quart oil between changes. Still runs great. No major repairs, only things that wear out on any truck, brakes, water pump, belts, rotors. Radio did go out and I replaced it with a nice one with cd, which I was going to do anyway. Plenty of power with the V6, gets about 21 mpg no mater how I drive or what gas I use.
Great looking truck with many problems.
jcaisse2007, 06/26/2007
1997 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this truck at 106,500 miles and it now has a little over 126,000. At first I loved the smooth transition of the transmission switching gears, but at 123,675 the transmission started to slip and the 5.2 liter v8 started to knock, and for everyone that put this truck in the shop it wasn't worth it. I don't plan to spend anything on this truck unless it is gas or regular maintenance. These trucks are only worth 5,000 and if you put it in the shop you will spend a lot more than its worth.
Dodge, never again!
Rosemountguy, 11/04/2007
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was my first new vehicle purchase and my last Chrysler product purchase. While the truck always got reasonable mileage and was comfortable to drive, it was a maintenance nightmare. I went through three power steering pumps, replaced the ball joints, fuel pump, cruise control, and had the rear rebuilt by 50000 miles. The truck also ate brakes every 15- 20thousand miles. I never owned a vehicle that was this hard on brakes, even my old Trans-Am which I drove hard. A am happy I never really used it as a heavy hauler as I am sure I would have gone through many more parts.
Dakota keeps up with BIG BOYS
tsrtrek, 03/20/2008
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great design and layout but with POOR MPG and a weak transmission. Have had no major problems just ball joints and new paint.
Very nice for the money
bmwbiker, 03/18/2002
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this truck for four years and I have not had one major mechanical breakdown in all that time. I have the V6 w/ a 5-speed so it gets easily 24mpg on the hwy and 18 in town. It has enough power to tow my Harley and also enough payload to move heavy antique furniture on more that one occasion. It has a shell and a bed extender which make even better.
My Dodge
Miles, 03/29/2002
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Looks great, even got a complement on it at a tire service center today. Brakes are weak link, and had to have serpentine belt idler replaced.
front ball joints
ken pittman, 03/29/2002
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
love my dakota but disappointed when i had to replace all 4, upper and lowers ball joints with under 50000 miles. this was about a 500 dollar job and one i felt unnecessary because chyrsler put under size ball joints on in the first place.
got to love dodge!
schwarz drache, 04/12/2004
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Me being a dodge fan I have always wanted a truck like this and now that I have I couldn't be happier. I love my truck, when i'm driving it I feel like i'm on top of the world. I couldn't possibly ask for more in a truck!
excellence on wheels
pibound, 04/24/2002
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is the second Dakota that I have owned (first was an 88 model). Both were excellent performers and maintenance free other that the scheduled maintenance.
Great Truck
Richard, 01/29/2010
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck with 200 miles on it and have loved putting every mile on it. This truck has never given me any problems. The only maintenance that I have ever done has been due to normal wear and tear. Replaced oil pump and water pump around 200,000 miles. I have taken this truck from SC to HI to WA and finally here to Va. I can't say enough how much I have enjoyed this truck. God has been so good to me with it. I would definitely buy another one as soon as I see fit to replace this one. Maybe at around 500,000 miles.
Pain to Maintain
nate676, 08/19/2002
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Typical American truck. You will spend many hours and many dollars at the garage having maintenance done. Fuel economy, as expected with a V8 is horrible. Engine starts knocking around 60000 miles; I suggest using premium gas for best results. V8 has good get up and go. My Dakota has a severe tire wear problem; it is not related to front-end alignments (or lack there of). Dakota doesn't hold up very well in a car wreck. I rear-ended a dinky Toyota Corolla and it cost $2700 to repair my vehicle.
Luv my truck
giovine, 01/16/2003
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my truck with 60k mi and it has a 5.2 V8 with 4WD. I now have 105K and it still drives great.I do have a couple of complaints with it. My biggest being the gas milage. I was expecting to see about 18- 20 MPG and dissapointed to get 13-14 MPG. Another dissapointment is the heater, totaly inadiquate!! You can drive hours on a cold day and never have to lower the heat. A/C has been failing since I bought it. still like it !!!!
Sturdy and quite ride
Kirk, 05/01/2018
updated 11/07/2019
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Does not come with a lot of extras, but it is very reliable. Surprisingly super quite ride. Have to repair the front brake system (pads, disc, calipers, etc..) Also needs a complete front end repair (minus the upper control arm). 5/5/2019 Finally had to sell the truck. Just too many repairs due to the age and the rough wear and tear caused by the previous owner. I would definitely buy one again if the opportunity came along at the right time.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value