Used 1998 Dodge Dakota Consumer Reviews
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Mean Green
Chris, 11/13/2005
1998 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
If you are a Dodge, and truck lover, consider the Dakota. It is easy to park, and fund to drive. However, only look at the V-8; the 4x4 truck is heavy, and needs the bigger engine. The paint quaility, is great, and the interior is comfortable. The transmission shifts a little slow for me, however it is designed for towing. Once up to speed it does just fine. The gas mileage is horrible, but it is a truck. If you don't step on the gas too much and drive at a reasonable speed the mileage is much better. Consider the mods below; you will find these changes make the truck much better. I love the 5.2 ltr. The 2000- up 4.7 is a step back for the Dakota. Last, check the ball joints, tranny, and brakes
Disappointing experience
Eric, 12/04/2005
1998 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Overall, a missed opportunity for Dodge to come up with a great truck. Paint and interior holding up well. Nice ergonomics in passenger compartment. Good size for work/commuter truck, but build quality too poor to recommend. Cab leaked through rear weld (fixed a couple of times under warranty, then on my dime), water pump went out, AC drain poorly designed causing condensate to drain into passenger compartment. Most significant were front end problems. Upper and lower ball joints replaced twice, now have replaced front steering mechanism. DC customer service non- existent. Fuel mileage acceptable on hwy, poor in town. I won't be looking at DC vehicles again, based on this experience.
1998 Dodge Dakota for sale near you
Showing 3 of 11 listings
- Reg Cab 112 WB SLTMSRP: $4,999165 mi away
- SLT Regular CabMSRP: $2,999336 mi away
- SLT Extended CabMSRP: $7,950497 mi away
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Dodge Clunk
mseeley, 04/05/2004
1998 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
In short, the most unreliable vehicle ever. From the beginning, quarterly trips to the dealership. At low mileage, problems of all sorts. Electrical, water pump, catalytic converter, alternator, 3 thermostats, starter coil, tie rods, steering linkage...Customer Care at Daimler/Chrysler blows too.
Just something about Dakotas
R/T_Jarrod, 03/23/2007
1998 Dodge Dakota R/T Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
What can I say, it is my second Dakota and I have to admit I just don't think there is another small truck out there for me. How can you beat something that drives better than anything else as far as trucks go, performs beautifully, and has enough power and torque to pull a house off of its foundations? I guess there just is nothing better than driving the best looking, best overall, small truck ever. The best thing is, you can still use it like a truck, even though its a sporty ride at that. Unlike the Ford Lightning, which can haul/tow an astonishing 1500 pounds! Wow, that is weak. Dodge reached as close to perfection as you can get with this truck.
Just good enough
HoosierDaddy, 07/11/2004
1998 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The brakes have always left me with the feeling that they are not adequate for this vehicle. I have to use considerable leg strength to stop quickly. There has been a strange thump/jerk in the steering wheel ever since I have had the truck and has gotten worse over time. I have had the front end aligned and checked several times. Steering is awful, the truck wonders while going down the road but everything is within "tolerance". Power is great and fuel economy is average, 15-17 mpg.