Used 1998 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab Consumer Reviews
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Excellent truck
sgtbryan, 08/11/2006
1998 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
14 of 14 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck in 1998 with 14,000 miles on it. It now has 234,888 with the same engine and transmission. I took care of the truck by having the oil and transmissions fuel changed. This was the life of the truck. It has never left me on the road nor given me any problems.
Overall Decent Car
Brian, 10/16/2015
updated 10/19/2017
1998 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
Owned my pickup since 2009. Overall pleased, enough to keep it anyway. It will go a few years without needing any major repairs, and then several things will need work in short order. I've replaced fuel pump, exhaust system, distributor cap and associated parts, window wash pump, and brakes twice. So not bad, but then I have a load of small problems: check engine light's been on since 2010 (I was told it's due to a minor transmission issue that might cost a lot to fix with minor payoff), the ABS and emergency brake lights come on when I take a highway ramp (but no effect on driving or braking), the ceiling lining started to come loose two years ago, rust is bubbling the paint over the left rear wheel well (seems to be common for this model year), and most annoying of all, the springs supporting the driver's seat broke loose of their moorings which causes the seat to sag and the metal frame parts to poke me uncomfortably. And there doesn't seem to be an easy way to repair the seat and it's attached to the passenger seat & center console which will make replacement a major hassle. On the other hand, I think it handles great, the brakes do not disappoint, the engine is fairly quiet and smooth, and I've driven it on several road-trips from 3,000 to 5,000 miles at a time without complaint. It has a light rear end, which can be a danger in rain or snow. I've found that tires with good traction will overcome handling problems in the rain, but if you live where it snows much, I would recommend 4WD. Basically, if you need a no-frills reliable vehicle and don't mind minor problems that crop up but won't interfere with driving function, you will likely find this truck to be acceptable. Update, 2017: I still have the truck. Never got the front seat fixed or replaced. No major repairs done, but the power steering pump has a leak and needs to be replaced. Rack & pinion and a few other items need to be repaired for long term function, but still runs on a day to day basis. Used in several residential moves during the last year.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
1998 Dodge Dakota for sale near you
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Will Be Tough to Replace
runnikee, 04/12/2013
1998 Dodge Dakota R/T Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 4A)
14 of 16 people found this review helpful
I bought my truck with 40k miles on it in 2002 and it is still running like a champ. I replaced the transmission after 150k miles, but that is the only major issue I've had with it. I'm now at 235k miles on my truck and am having a hard time finding a new vehicle because I don't think I will ever get this type of value again. Mileage is between 15.5 and 18 mph, depending on how I drive. I have the 5.2L V8 (318) and couldn't be happier. Change the oil, tires, and other basic maintenance and you'll have no issues. Also, I've found through test-driving countless newer vehicles (cars and trucks), that most do not have as smooth of a ride as my truck does.
Love my truck but mileage stinks
Broken Hearted, 07/02/2009
1998 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
To start with I love my truck but milage stinks. I only get 10 to 12 miles to the gallon not 15 like it say in this review. In the last four years that I have owned this truck I have put three raditators, a water pump, new heater and thermisate. Also problems with transmission locking up in reverse. But I still love my truck and still feel it is worth more than the retail value they are listing for it.
Perfect 10 baby
adam, 10/08/2002
1998 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Very reliable, never fails to please me. Never found a surface of road that the tires wouldnt turn over from. Its a real head turner.
Vroom Vroom
Clay, 07/18/2008
1998 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought it used with 80,000 miles and it still runs like new. This 3.18 magnum v8 will melt the tires :-)... Fuel economy is around 18 average, which is quite satisfactory for a mid- size v8 truck. What can I say. The power is amazing
Poor Paint
Poor Paint, 01/02/2008
1998 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I ordered the truck with everything I wanted and was blown away when I went to the dealership to pick it up. So far, overall, it's been a very good reliable truck. The 318 V8 has plenty of power, but with any V8(and 4WD larger tires), fuel economy is poor. The interior is functional, durable and neat. Mechanically, it's been solid overall. I've had multiple ball joints replaced. No major problems with mine other than delamination of the paint which is very common for this Dakota. I've seen many others with the same problem.
Awesome
Mitch, 08/17/2010
1998 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Although I am only 17 and only had the truck a few months i can't complain. I have driven many other trucks and cars and nothing compares. I enjoy the power, the comfort, the sleek look, and beautiful interior. The truck has 222k and i trust it more than a new car. Although the power steering leaks you can't complain with 220k. The engine is still full of life and power and the body is gorgeous except the dodge fade job on the roof. I don't foresee sale anytime soon. gas mileage may not be the best but if my pipes weren't loud it may help :)
Dodge Stinks
Grayson, 07/29/2005
1998 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
This is the second Dodge Dakota Sport I have owned. The first one was a 1995. I must have checked my brain at the door to buy another one. If I hadn't paid it off, I'd ditch it in a heartbeat. This one has all of the same issues the first one had under a different body: -A/C died in year 4 and continues to back up into the interior to this day. No one will fix it; they just blow out the tube and tell me to come back in 3 months. I tell them money is no object and they still won't fix it. When the dash was apart to fix the A/C itself, they still didn't fix it -Door locks start to stick in year 3 -Front Ball joints go in year 4 -Catalytic converter toast in year 3 -Water pump gone in year 3
best truck ever!!!!
72 340 demon, 01/15/2010
1998 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
ive owned this truck since 2001, with 24000 miles on it, since then ive only had to change the front break pads once. and a tune up. im currently at 123,000 miles runs and drives like the day i got it, i get 24 miles to the gallon, with the help of a tonneau cover, 3.9 magnum never lets me down on power. s-10s and rangers cant compare to the power.
Expensive to Repair
Jeff, 03/25/2005
1998 Dodge Dakota 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
A joy to drive, but a nightmare on repair costs. Dodge doesn't make it easy to repair or replace a small piece or a small part, you have to replace the entire part. One example is on the Upper Swing Arm - instead of just replacing the bearing when it goes bad, you have to replace the whole Upper Swing Arm at around $300.
Dodge Rocks
Krude 1966, 10/08/2007
1998 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck brand new, ordered just the way I wanted. V6 , 5 speed manual tranny, sport edition 2wd. I bought it to haul firewood and it has hauled anything you can imagine. It now has over 120000 miles and the only major problem was replacing the tranny in the spring of '95. That has been my only complaint is shifting from 1st to 2nd is very clunky. It gets reasonable mileage of 22mpg on the highway and 18mpg in town. This truck will be in my possession until I die, a very worthwhile investment in my book.
Good looking piece of ...
Michael Mazzio, 12/06/2003
1998 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
After the first few thousand miles replaced the #1 spark plug every month or so(cracked). Strange clunking sound in steering. At 10000 replaced the front brakes, then again every 10-16000 miles. At 18000 replaced rear shocks. At 37000, just out of warranty, Transmission rebuilt for the first time. At 44000, rear rebuilt. At 46000, lower and upper ball joints and outer tie rods replaced. Odds and ends replaced until 96000 where the transmission was rebuilt a second time, transfer case, back-up light switch and have new seals put in steering box. I'm at 166000 now, upper ball joints and transfer case needs to be rebuilt again. One good thing, truck still runs.
It's my baby
Akula, 08/08/2002
1998 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my Dodge in Dec of 1997 and have loved it. tons of room inside and lots of places to put stuff. Never had any major problems with it and have over 80,000 as of 08/02.
Don't Make the Mistake
Unsatified fool, 03/12/2005
1998 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Poorly engineered mechanically. Gas mileage was my first disappointment, only about 1mile/gal better than full sized trucks. First thermostate lasted 11,000 miles. At 29,000 miles a ball joint required replacement. The factory installed CD quit at 45000 miles and the cup holder spring broke. Air bag module went out at 54000. Sensor for the rear brakes out at 72000. At 76000 the fan clutch, belt tensioner and water pump required replacement. In comparing this truck to previously owned Ford and Toyota small pickups I vote thumbs down.
great overall
nblett, 01/09/2003
1998 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is an all around great automobile. I have no complaints and will be diving it untill the doors fall off.
Issue with catalytic converter
Bryan64, 05/10/2002
1998 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I LOVE my 98 Dakota. It has performed reliably, except in one dept: I seem to be replacing cat's annually. A rattling begings to develop when the engine is pulling (I enjoy pulling G's out of my V6 w/ low geared rear-end). Dodge warranty has replaced the cat twice, and a muffler once because part of the cat went down the pipe and damaged the muffler. I have discussed my need for acceleration with the Dodge Boys and didn't get any indication that my driving is affecting the cat. Dodge wont evaluate the O2 sensor when they replace the faulty cats.
Great Vehicle
Taz, 01/22/2003
1998 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is one excellent truck. My wife and I both own one and they are the best trucks i have had so far. After a total of 100k between 2 trucks in less than 4 years. all trouble free.
Stay away from dodge
celticstallion, 12/21/2014
updated 12/27/2017
1998 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
My dodge has 113k miles and is ready for the grave. Despite me treating this truck gently it still wants to quit. Since I had it I have replaced the throttle body sensor, crankshaft sensor all relays, distributor with cap rotor, spark plugs and wires, ignition coil and fuel pump. So after replacing all this it still dies at unexpected times and once you fix one thing and think you have a handle on it something else will quit.It drives like crap its slow and the transmission is a 4 speed cheap piece of garbage. In my opinion the 6 cyl engine is useless because its so weak it struggles to move the truck. I cant imagine what a 4 banger would be like. Its just a poor design from top to bottom.
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Dakota Owner for 6 years
Jim, 05/25/2006
1998 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I liked my Dodge Dakota before my extended warranty ran out. When the warranty expired I had a hard time understanding why when one small part fails you have to replace an entire module, e.g. The check engine light bulb when out and the way to fix it is to replace the entire circut board powering the odometer, speedometer, safter lights, temp, etc. The part must be bought through the dealer and is not less than $995 plus labor of taking the dashboard apart. And emissions will not pass me without the check engine bulb working. so now I'm stuck with a $1500 repair on a vehicle that only has a $4000 value. When will these designers wake up?
Dodge Dakota the Best Mid Size Truck
justin, 04/30/2007
1998 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I think it is the best mid size truck you can buy. I have hade no major problems with it. It does use a lot of gas, but with a few mods and laying off the gas, the mileage goes up.
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.
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.
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.
We love it!
Graham, 03/18/2008
1998 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We have 175,000 miles on it, have driven it fairly hard, pulled trailers with it, towed a large trailer with a bulldozer on it, etc, and we have no complaints. We got our money's worth! 318 5.2L V8 should never have been discontinued. We have just (3 weeks ago) put a rear end in it, and that might have been damaged in an accident a few years ago. No engine/tranny trouble (no rebuilds or repairs on either). The only things that have gone wrong are the ball joint (and I hear those go bad regularly, but Dodge has made parts available so you don't have to buy a whole new assembly) and the AC evaporator. We tell people we're planning to give this to our first-born, who hasn't even been born yet!
Rides, and Looks GREAT!!!!
Swenson, 03/14/2002
1998 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This truck is near perfect. I love the looks and handling. I can push, pull, haul, and drag just about everything. This truck is very hard to get stuck. Very fun to drive. Great for Hunting.
BAD EXPERIENCE
KIDZROCK4, 10/04/2004
1998 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
5.9 LITER ENGINE BLEW AT 96,000 MILES WITH NO WARNING THINK IT WAS OIL PUMP FAILURE. WAS DRIVING 65MPH DOWN A HIGHWAY WHEN CHECK GAUGES LIGHT CAME ON. REST IS STATED ABOVE. DODGE WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT THIS MISFORTUNE. THEY WILL NOT STAND BEHIND VEHICLE. WILL NOT ANSWER ANY OF MY QUESTIONS. I WILL NEVER BUY A DODGE PRODUCT AGAIN
Love it!
Eli Gills, 03/06/2018
1998 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
So I bought this truck about 6 months ago. It was purple and had the v6 in it. As well it was a flood truck but I needed something in a pinch and I’m a big Mopar guy so i went with it. Overall the truck by itself cost me about 1500 bucks and I can’t be any happier. I put 400 bucks into tune up and fluid changes and ever since I haven’t had a single real issue. It’s got an air bag light, a brake light, low washer fluid light and the check engine light on it ( tho all these are prob due to bad relays from the flood.) however I haven’t noticed an issue with drivability. My mother owned one of these before and I kinda fell in love it with when she had hers and I know why. The truck has a smooth ride, I upgraded the exhaust and it’s nice and loud but when I roll up the windows it’s quiet inside. I initially wanted the v8 but the v6 does really well it handles anything I use it for. It’s made me love the v6 more then I thot I could. I won’t be selling anytime soon. Even with the 196,000 miles already on it, it doesn’t feel like it’s aged at all, the motor alone is worth ever penny.
- Performance
- Interior
- Value
My First Car
mrken3235, 11/01/2004
1998 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Ok well it wasn't really my first car, but my second to first. I love my truck. I have the 5.2 liter V-8 that will do anything you want it to, but will drink gas. I used to go from southwest Michigan to mid Minnesota quite frequently. The trip would cost $100 just in gas one way! Oh well, what do you expect with a big V-8 though? I've had my share of problems with it. Although I found out that it had been in an accident prior to my ownership of it. I would definitely recomend one of these and would probably get a new 2005 if they weren't so ugly and if they had the hemi.
Great truck
Shap, 04/16/2022
updated 04/24/2023
1998 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have a 1998 Dakota club cab. I love the smooth ride and the tight turning. Mine has a 2.5L engine, 5speed manual transmission and a 22 gallon fuel tank. I can go a hair over 500 miles on the interstate, not bad for a 25 year old truck. It’s not a perfect vehicle, but who has a perfect vehicle.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Dakota doesn't live up to it's billing
benhunts, 04/09/2003
1998 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Power is adequate for a V-6 but at the expense of fuel economy. Had to replace factory tires @ 19k miles; battery @ 24k miles; brake pads at 27k; backup lights haven't worked in 2 years despite replacing wiring, bulbs, fuses, etc.; rad.temp circuit chip at 55k; A/C fail at 60k; fan clutch @ 63k; front rotors, calipers, & pads. Paint began fading on the roof and tailgate at 43k and is now spreading over the cab. Truck, with the exception of the above, has performed reliably well in spite of the above.
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.
not good
wayne hersel, 06/09/2009
1998 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
truck is a V-6 and I have had nothing but problems. I will be driving along at 60 mph and it will die, sometimes backfire and then when I turn the key off sometimes wont start. I have replaced computer, coil, fuel pump, tune up, and numerous odds and ends they havent replaced and it continues to cut out. Has anyone else had this kind of problem. I now have more into in last year than it is worth.
Nothing but problems
Disappointed, 05/07/2008
1998 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Trucks look great, but lack performance and reliability. Bought the truck 1 1/2 years ago with only 48,000 miles on it, today I have around 66,000 and have had to replace the transmission twice, the radiator, brakes, ball joints, heat. I bought the truck with high expectations and have been nothing but let down ever since the day I drove it off the lot.
Pretty good truck
J. Hilderbran , 02/10/2003
1998 Dodge Dakota R/T Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall the experience has been a positive one. This truck has a great feel to it & is a blast to drive. It has enough power when you need it. It looks sharp & the interior is well finished. It is very comfortable & the extended cab is roomy enough. It has had one mechanical problem. The sending unit in the gas tank is bad & the gas guage reads quarter full when you are actually out of gas. The original Goodyear tires sucked (but all Goodyear tires suck). The gas milage is pretty good. The only bad exterior problem is with the black front bumper. It started flaking & rusting at about 25,000 miles. The rest of the paint job has held up well.
Looks and Feels Great But Quality Sucks
Schmutte, 03/05/2002
1998 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This truck starts falling apart at the seems after 50K miles. It drives great and is very comfortable, but poor quality. THANKS UAW!!!! The UAW has turned me off from ever buying another American car.
Almost A Truck!
Mazda Fan, 03/29/2003
1998 Dodge Dakota R/T Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bucket seat cushions seem to be too long for my 5'6" frame and the backs are to flat and non supporting. Visability is horrible with the huge A pillars. Ours also has the fuel pick up problem that has left us stranded twice! It ate left front brakes and rotors untill I upgraded the front pads. Resale value is poor,along with the gas mileage. 13/17, worse than a full size suv! Engine rattles on anything less than premium fuel, sometimes on that too!Rear seats too small, even for children. No locking glove box. Noisy fan motor. No overhead console on this year. Rear bumper design to weak for towing any weight. This COULD be a good truck.
superior ride
kingmacaw, 03/04/2004
1998 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
45000 miles and only one warranty repair ever needed-cruise control once went out. replaced shocks w/beltech nitros to stiffen up ride!
Peppy Mid-Size Machine (V8)
Joe, 08/16/2007
1998 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Now that I have the Dakota I am very happy that I bought it. My friends always talk about their fast little cars, and to be in my 5.2 and beating all these sporty little cars makes me laugh so hard. They are relatively easy to work on and I love punching it when I am going slower than 40 mph because getting it to chirp is sweet. The Dakota to me is a fine truck I would buy them for a long time but only from 1997-1999 because of the 5.2 and body style because the new body style to me isn't that good looking.
Great truck
Stanley, 03/19/2004
1998 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Truck has performed exceptionally well. The V-8 has plenty of power and never strains in any situation. Mileage is not great 13-17 but it is a truck and V- 8. Just the right size also.I recommend it highly.
Stuck With It
Blessed Anyway, 05/18/2007
1998 Dodge Dakota R/T Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I rarely buy vehicles and only once bought new which was this one. Ball joints and brakes were bad news for this model. Several manufacturer recalls: steering, two exhaust related ones. Brakes warped (Underengineered). Oil pressure has been issue this past year. Had oil pump replaced and only slightly improved pressure. Overall, performance was great compared to other small trucks, especially power/acceleration from 4-cyl, but the quality of parts and durability was quite poor. Several interior items failed, some more than once. Emergency brake handle, glove box handle mechanism, and cup holder assembly all failed. Overall, it took a beating from me, but I feel I didn't get full value.
Dakota mid size is perfect fit
Me in Midwest, 04/28/2003
1998 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Looked at F150, looked at Ranger. Looked over the Ram 1500 (big), but found the Dakota to be the "right size." Comfortable interior, great utility, attractive to look at.
130,000 miles and its time to go
Randall , 08/18/2002
1998 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Well, with a baby now and not enough room in the ext. cab for it its time for a quad cab. My truck has been put threw hard driving and just loves to work. What is going on with the ball joints? Replaced every 30k miles. bottoms are beefy but the tops are like a golf ball. Too bad you need to break the bottoms to replace the tops. When i nigotiate my new price, I will want a 100k mile warrentee on the ball joints. Would I recomend this truck to someone? Answer...yes
Nicest Dodge Ive Ever Driven
Ralph, 04/15/2008
1998 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have never driven a 5 speed standard 318 before this truck. I have to say its got some jam. And the throttle response is great. The body has great flowing lines that are arrow dynamic, unlike the new Dakotas that seem square. If i ever decide to buy another truck, it is gonna be a Dakota.
Miss My Dodge
Brian355, 03/30/2002
1998 Dodge Dakota Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I recently traded mine in and miss it already. It was a good truck but the extra cab wasn't quite enough. The rear bench seat is OK but not as OK as I had hoped when I bought the truck. The ride and performance are first rate for a pick-up. For the 50+ thousand miles I owned it, I only had to perform normal maintenance and replaced the tires. (The stock Goodyears really sucked.) There was only one recall during this time. If it wasn't for a growing family, I would have kept it 'til the doors fell off.
The Mustang GT of Trucks
J. Ferreira, 10/26/2002
1998 Dodge Dakota R/T Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A kick ass truck with the right amount of power and torque. Mileage isn't that bad. If you're worried about gas mileage then buy a scooter!
2 Dr SLT Extended Cab Standard bed
notnamedjess, 10/24/2004
1998 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just sold my Dakota after 6 years. Over all I really liked my truck and was proud of it. It was fun to drive and anyone that drove it liked it. It was comfortable with plenty of room in the front seat for passengers but the back seat was not comfortable for adults. The bed was a good size for anything I needed. I got an average of 18mpg, up to 23 and as low as 9mpg when pulling my boat.
This Truck HAULS!
Bill C, 09/03/2005
1998 Dodge Dakota R/T Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (5.9L 8cyl naturally aspired 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I feel fortunate that this has been a pretty reliable (American) hauler. Fuel pump (in tank) failed under warranty and the differential gears were unnecessarily replaced in an attempt to fix a "clunk" noise when braking hard and turning into a drive (apron). Other than that, routine maintenance. I'm 6'2" tall and the seats fit great. Pulls a car hauler and sometimes heavy loads of gravel, dirt, etc. No problem. The 5.9L engine is a old school, but very dependable one. Lots of grunt. I love my "Art-eee" truck.
Ping, Ping, Ping, Boom, Smoke
Harvey Cedars, 05/09/2002
1998 Dodge Dakota SLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.9L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
5.2L, 5-speed. Was a superb ride till I hit 12K miles, then engine started pinging. Got worse and worse until it sounded like the engine was full of ball bearings. Tried high test gas, then brought to dealer which twice did all TSB checks. Finally submitted to Chrysler arbitration, who tried to reneg on their promise to buy the vehicle back until I mentioned the magic phrase "EPA". Delivered it back to Dodge on 12-23-00 with 36K on the clock and pinging, burning oil (1QT every 700mi.), and a terrible grinding sound in the front when cold. Chrysler service sucks!! I've had CC cars all my life - never again. Quality has gone to the dogs. Where is Lee Iacocca when they really need him?