Used 1999 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab Consumer Reviews
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A great truck
I had a solar yellow r/t and it was a great truck. That thing had tons of power and was pretty fast. I never had any issues with it. I drove great, was comfortable, parts were cheap, looked great, an all around good truck. It had 142,000 miles on it when I sold it. I sold it due to the gas mileage and gas prices but I miss that truck everyday and plan on getting another soon.
A solid pickup and nice to drive
Only owning this truck for a year, I can't really say how reliable it's been before me, but it feels like it's been well maintained, has 100K miles now. It is a great vehicle to drive, it feels like a bigger vehicle than it really is and very comfortable and plenty of power. I have had to put all new ball joints on it but that is one of the common problems with Dakotas, the gas mileage is pretty poor, about 15 mpg but it has a 5.2 L V8, you want great gas mileage buy something else, though I understand the newer V6 gets close to 20 mpg. It would probably be smarter get the V6 as the V8 is more power than most people need. Anyway I love this truck and would buy a new one if could afford to.
- R/T Sport Regular CabMSRP: $19,90097 mi away
- SLT Extended CabMSRP: $1,990669 mi away
- R/T Sport Regular CabMSRP: $11,995692 mi away
Great mid-size pickup, virtually unique
At 117+K miles, it's still completely trustworthy (17 city, 20+ highway with a 3.9L V6). I've done the usual scheduled maintenance and replaced a few things along the way (water pump, power steering hose, idle motor, battery, filters, serp belt, shocks, etc.), but nothing extreme. The biggest one was to replace a couple of creaking factory front suspension links with zerk-equipped aftermarket units. The 'shift profile' of the auto tranny IMO upshifts too quickly for the V6, impacting acceleration if you're not familiar with its behavior. It's fine in the flatland, but in hills (particularly on cruise), it downshifts a lot, sometimes drastically. All in all though, I still like it a lot.
The best American-made
I researched the small truck market for months prior to buying. On paper, it came down to the Dakota, Tacoma, and Ranger. After the test drive, the Dakota won hands down. It had more muscle, better styling, the best ride, and it just felt more like I was in a real truck. The only negative is the gas mileage, which has surprised me only because it's been a good bit lower than advertised. I am a big guy - 6'2", 250 lbs. - and this truck is easily roomy enough and comfortable enough for me to drive daily. The seats have never caused me any discomfort, even on long trips. After three years, I'm as happy with my decision as the day I drove it off the lot.
Nothing but problems
At 60K the good looking truck went downhill underneath. With the money I have invested into the truck I would have been better off buying a brand new full size (GM or foreign) built. I definitely have a sour taste in my mouth. I know someone else that is following my footsteps at 60K. So, look out if you are approaching that mileage. Be prepared for ball joints (both in front), transmission (atleast once), transfer case, water pump, tie rods, brakes (atleast once), battery cables, etc. Just a forewarning!
Pretty darn good so far
Found a gem on craigslist last March and bought a 99 Dakota sport extended cab with 17k original miles (hard to believe but true). All good so far - driven it 5K miles in 9 months and a few oil changes is all the maintenance/repairs thus far. Winter has hit here in WI and an extra 300-400 pounds in the back and traction in manageable around town. Gas mileage leaves something to be desired but I knew that buying a truck. Mine has topper and bedliner and is pretty basic (no power windows or locks - am/fm stereo). Great to haul the kids baseball gear around in the summer and help friends move stuff when they ask!
POS from the beginning
The vehicle has had transmission problems and engine problems since it was purchased in April of 1999. I had it into the dealership multiple times to get it fixed and still have yet to get the issue resilved. Everytime I take it in for service, something else needs replaced or fixed and must be ordered.
troubles
This truck was great until 87,000 miles, then it fell apart. It burns up cat converters--needs 4th already, had to have a new transmission and ball joints.
Love my '99 Dakota
I bought this truck used recently, with about 109K on the odometer. The truck had been well cared-for, with a clean interior and immaculate exterior. With high mileage on the odometer, my plan was to replace most front-end parts as wear would be typical, and I did so. I now have very tight steering. I've serviced all filters, and flushed/replaced all lubricants in the A/T and transfer case, even the power steering system. My hope is to get at least another 100K out of her before considering another vehicle. This one was just too clean to pass up, out on the lot!
Dakota R/T
Very nice vehicle. I had a Chevrolet S10 prior to this vehicle and the Dodge beats it in every catogory. The big V8 make the truck a real sleeper and will out run most of the foreign junk. As long as there are American vehicles like this, I will never go foreign.
Great 4 cyl pickup
Bought new in '99, this truck has been great to me so far. It gets up to 26 mpg on the hiway and yet hauls anything I put in the back. I'm easy on vehicles and at 118K I'm still using the original brakes and am on the second set of tires. I went this year to buy another and discovered Dodge doesnt make the 4 cyl in the Dakota anymore. Such a shame! I just have to baby this one some more!
My Review
I like my truck.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Don't Drive it in the Rain!!
As I titled it, no traction in the rain. As I approach 25K miles with the original Goodyear tires, what will help my traction in wet weather? Probably nothing. Even with weight in the back, still cuts loose with light pedal. Zero problems except the catalytic converter quit 2K ago. Replaced for free and a cheap glove compartment latch that broke the first week I had it.
Best Truck I ever owned
I loved the truck from the day I drove off the lot. Now 117K miles later I still feel the same. The catalyic converter went at 80K(warranty). A/C went at 115K ($875) which I paid because I still want to keep the truck. My brother works for GM, and I have a GM Card, but I still prefer my Dodge. I take care of my truck and my truck takes care of me.
Overall, an Excellent Pickup
I purchased my Dakota in November of 1998, and will be selling it just short of 70,000 miles. I do so not because I've been disappointed with the pickup, but because returning to college makes it necessary. I've averaged just short of 16mpg, at 15.9, with a short list of modifications. They of course helped with the power, also, so, they're a great investment. Intake, headers, new exhaust. Do it, you'll like the results.
Keeps on chugging...
We were given an extended cab 4x4 almost three years ago when we were desperate and our friends had just gotten a new truck. It had over 200,000 miles and they thought we'd be lucky to have it last a year. It's still going despite us letting another friend, who kills cars, drive it most of the time. We've had work done on the radiator after it ran into something, and the power steering. I think it's going to fall apart from rust before it dies mechanically. The tailgate no longer has the supports where it is supposed to pivot, the wheel wells are rusty, recently the driver side mirror fell off, and the rear license plate holder is falling off.
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Dodge Dakota 1999 ext. cab sport
Basically I bought this truck knowing I drive about an hour each way to work and needing something comfortable, reliable, and decent on gas. All of that has happened. I made some mods in order to get 20mpg from this V-6, throttle body spacer, cold air intake, and Flowmaster exhaust. Issues have been tranny rebuilt at 63,000, cat at 110,000, front hubs at 130,000, and 2 outboard speed sensors. I bought this truck with 59,000 and currently have 145,000+ on it. Overall a good truck, could have better gas mileage, better tranny (more reliable and better shift points), and more ponies. Love the handling, traction is pretty good for 2wd, interior layout is good.
Been a great truck
Really loved this truck, hated to sell it. I still miss it.
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truck is horrible
catalyic converter is shot and from these reviews it is a common problem the automatic shifter column is a toy it is off about 1/4 inch so u dont know if your in drive or 2nd gear, the exterior mirrors don't fold in this truck is in desparate need of a redesign. your better off with a nissan frontier
My '99 Dakota - What was I thinking??!!
Here is the scoop: There are countless sqeaks and rattles coming from under the hood. The right front wheel has not been right from the start as I constantly hear a thump when I turn. When applying the brakes the truck shutters like an out of whack washing machine. The tires, oh the tires, they are HORRIBLE. Even on dry blacktop, when turning I slide. The interior is less than impressive and the gear selector blocks the temperature controls. The extended cab seat is only good for people with 12" legs. Do yourself a favor and stay away if you value your life.
A great pickup
If you're in the market for a mid sized truck the Dodge Dakota is an excellent choice. I disagree the unhappy reviews. Most people don't write reviews if they are satisified. I've had my truck for over a year, and although I have replaced a few things, the truck's overall performance and features well make up for the repairs you may need to do. The truck's size is far less bulky than that of the full size p/u, and allows for easy parking in most situations. The truck's ride, power, and curb appeal are all excellent. Prevenitive maintence eliminates numerous problems listed in other reviews. The Dakota's interior build quality far exceeds that of many other manufacturers, I.E no rattles.
Dakota Rocks!
I purchased just it a few weeks ago, and all I can say is it's a great truck. Best looking truck on the road. It has 127k miles, but rides excellent. Mine has a 5.2L V8 which produces lots of power! Gas mileage is OK for this much power. Great acceleration. Great turning radius. Good braking. The power steering pressure hose developed a pin-hole (have no idea why?). But replacing it was a breeze! Lots of room to work around. Easy access. I expect to drive it about another 127k based on what I have seen and experienced so far. Love this truck!
Solid well built truck.
OK this a well built american truck all those who disagree probably drive a toyota. my truck was bought @ 90k miles i have had it for a year and 16k on it. I have replace the cat and soon ball joints. Ball joints are normal to go out look and fords an chevys the eat them like they are nothing the cat was replaced w/ after market those who used factory obviously don't know cars. the tranny still shifts well and seems to be very strong. all in all this is one of the best truck i have been in.
Dakota 4Cyl
I bought my Dodge Dakota with 70,000 miles on it. I jumped into buying it. It has the 2.5 L 4 cylinder engine that is expected to carry over 3500 pounds. I have a difficult time getting up to speed and fill I am going to get run over. And with a 4 cylinder I only average 18 mpg that is unbelievably low. But besides having no power, the truck has needed both upper and lower ball joints, radiator at 80,000 miles, the crankshaft sensor at 85,000 miles, the front seal went out at 91,000 miles so I spent over 1,200 dollars in two years in repairs. But at the moment I have 107,000 miles on it and it is finally running good, but I am still not getting anywhere fast.
Served Me Well
Ordered with features I wanted. Lots of commuting miles so I purchased the 6 clyinder. Interior room better than later models. Nothing extraordinarily expensive to fix. Able to be serviced by local mechanics. Based on record would buy a Dodge again.
Owner
It is a good solid truck. There have been few problems with it so far - I was a Ranger owner before and I like this truck a lot better. It was a good choice for me I am very happy with it.
In shop more often then on the road
This truck is great when it is running, unfortuntly, that is not too often. With less then 20k it needed a steering rack. About 30 k came the 1st set of rotors,at 81k now it's on it's 3rd set. water pump and catalytic coverter have also had to be replaced.I now have an ABS and brake light lit up indicating ABS failure and have found out the toque converter in the transmission is bad. This truck is less then 5 years old and has 81000 miles. too many problems for a vehical of this age...
Great Truck!
You gotta get the bed liner and bed cover. This is a sharp looking truck. Looks just like the Dodge Ram but smaller.
awesome truck
my dodge dakota is at 93,000 miles and still going strong, I have yet to find a problem with it, except for a leaking washer fluid bottle, no engine problems, no transmission problems, no major mechanical problems, its been a really good solid investment. very pleased with it. tires do slide somewhat when wet, but thats a goodyear problem
Good Truck -Reliable
I love this truck and am very pleased with its performance. Reliable, fast, and sharp looks. Decent gas mileage.
My 4X4 Dakota
The Dakota has a powerful V8 and is roomy for a mid size truck.
Solid Truck Great Value
I've owned my Dakota for five years now. Bought it with 26000 miles, now has 64000. Only thing I have replaced has been the battery. Haven't replaced a single other thing. Not a u joint, ball joint, brake pad, muffler, anything! Here's the best part. I also plow my snow with it up here in Michigan's upper peninsula. We get around 250" of the white stuff every winter so I use it a lot. I have a Blizzard 720LT plow for it and it pushes all the snow you'd ever want. People think that using your truck to plow snow is too hard on them, but not my Dakota. I know many guys with Fords and Chevys who plow and they're always getting something fixed. They quality of this truck has been superb!
All you could ask for
The truck has been solid if not spectacular during my ownership of about 85,000 miles. If it has received $1000 in repairs, that would be a lot. The cat was replaced early on (covered by warranty), and the alignment went awry early such that I only got 15,000 miles out of the two front stock tires (alignment fix was warranty). Other than that, no serious issues to report. Power with the V6 is good with some pep when you need it, and MPG has been right around 20 with a bias toward highway miles.
Dodge Dakota
Overall this truck has served me well. The power isn't too bad, interior comfort is pretty good. Reliability has been good. The market value stinks though.
Never agian
I had to replace my catalytic converter 5 times. The first was before my first oil change. That one only lasted 6 months. Replace again, got another 6 months out of it. After the third one it was the new and improved model, yeah right. Lasted a year. Replace again lasted another year. Go to Midas or someplace similar that has a warranty on their products.
As good as the old cabs and cop cars
Sure it may not be as stylish as some or as fast as others, but it is a nice ride comfortable on long trips. Average gas mileage, and reliable to a fault....83k and a set of plugs and wires, and a water pump....my wife's GMC Yukon has had over a grand of repairs in the same time....
1999 Dodge Dakota
Happiness is passing everything on the road in your Dodge Dakota! The Dakota is great on the road and in the city, and by adding a hard Tonneau cover, I increased the gas mileage by 2 mpg. Off road, I've had this truck in some rough terrain in the Rocky Mountains, southern Utah, and the southwest; and in all applications it has taken me where I wanted to go with complete confidence. I have had very few repairs. My original brakes lasted 72,000 miles. I love this truck!
Generally Satisfied Owner
My Dakota was a good purchase, the truck has been very reliable and far exceeds the quality of my previous Blazer ZR2, the truck has required maintainence and repairs, as any vehicle will, nothing major or out of the ordinary, trucks power with the 318 is very good, turning radius is exceptional which makes for easy parking, the interior build quality is very good and pleasing to the eye, far better than any GM product(my opinoin, not a fact) the transfer case engauges flawlessly and instantly everytime as compaired to electric shift systems, mileage is good in my opinion, if you want awesome mileage you shouldnt be looking for a truck, i will surely buy a Dodge for my next vehicle.
Wish it had a HEMI, the 1999 Dakota SLT
I've owned the Dakota SLT extended cab for 2 years now and it has been a great truck for me. In that time, it has only broken down once, and that was the battery losing a cell. Now, at 93000 miles the upper ball joints are starting to go out, which I hear is common on these trucks. Mechanically the truck is very sound. I have the V6 2 wheel drive and do not find it very off road worthy. I am a little disappointed in the lack of power when compared to other trucks of similar size and age. For a V6 with so so horsepower, the gas mileage should be better. I'm pulling 18 on the highway. Overall I am very pleased with this truck.
Made the right decision!
I have owned Chevy and Ford trucks in the past, and I must say I am very impressed with the Dakota. It rides great for a truck and is very quick for a 4X4. It's also very quiet on the road. Wish it had doors for the back seat. Kids fit fine, it's just a hassle to get them in and out. Suspension & brakes like to squeak.
Dodge dakota sport
i had to replace the power steering unit after buying it from a private seller 2 months ago.
Decent enough
Decent little truck. Does break down once or twice a month. But my truck is very worn out after multiple previous owners. When it decides it wants to work, it runs great. Had it for about 2 years now.
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Dakota, i just like it!
I've owned every american brand truck. I've owned about 12 in fact. This is my 2nd Dakota. 1st was a 1987- the year of intro. The v6 didn' have power. Sold it. In 2022 i bought a 200k+ mile, used 1999 Dakita, super cab 4x4 5.2 V8. It's loaded, lifted and in average condition. Very little rust. I live in PNW. The ride is a bit rough due to the 4" lift & 33" tires on it. The front ones rub in full lock turning. I'm thinking spacers? Plenty of power, no smoke. At cold idle i can hear lifters. Top of cab & hood needs repainting. Bed has a spray on tar liner- zero rust. Came with matching shell that I removed (didn't improve ride or rattles). Mpg is about 10mpg around city. So far, so good! It's fun to drive around town, easy to park. It's tall like a full sized truck. Hope this helps. Lot's of easy to find reviews on youtube as well.
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Thank You, Mr. Lee Iacocca
OK, so Iacocca hasn't been CEO of Chrysler in a while, but he changed their mindset. The result is the Dakota. Works like a mid-size pickup should; drives/handles like a large car. I am happy with it. Toyota was overpriced; Fords too small in the mid- sized pickup market. Sturdy. Fine utility/tow vehicle. Reminds me of my first pickup love; a 1986 Ford Ranger XLT 4WD, but with out the accompanying 1986 Ranger transmission problem.
My Dakota
I have owned my truck for 5 years. It is comfortable and fun to drive. It looks nice and the paint job is very good.
john's review
I am 17 and this is my first car, i love it, it rides great and the interior was well designed. Controls are right where you need them. I have had the truck for 2 months but it has come in handy. I was very lucky to find this truck in great condition and with 26,000 miles.
Great truck!
I love the Dodge Dakota. It's the perfect size truck, not too big to drive in the city but big enough to haul around what you need. It's got a ton of power with the 318 and with 4x4 you have to traction to put it down. This thing handles great both on and off the road. I would recommend this truck to anyone.
99 3.9l
3.9L sluggish, hesitates at higher speeds, turning ratio is terrible.
Nightmare
One problem after another, and it is not even paid for yet. Ball joints, drive train, a/c, shocks--all problems- -
Better than a Ranger and a Ram
In have a 99' Dodge dakota V8 5.2L 4WD Ext. Cab. It runs good and has alot of power. I live on a dirt road so it burns out real easily, even when i just tap the gas. It has an ok tunring radius and good acceleration. I wax and polish it about once a month and try my best to keep the inside clean. It is between the size of a ranger and a ram. It is a good looking and driving truck. I have 74K on it now.