Used 2002 Dodge Dakota Club Cab Consumer Reviews
Used Dakota for sale
Dakota Quad Cab 2002 (oldie but goodie)
Rick T, 11/20/2015
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab SLT 2WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
13 of 15 people found this review helpful
I bought my truck brand new back in 2002. I looked at other trucks including the F150, but it would not fit in the garage. The Dakota is smaller but has the V-8 (4.7) that can handle most anything. Its a great truck and I have had very little problems.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Truck with Comfort
DaveO, 05/10/2002
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab Sport 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have the 4.7L V8. This engine is very refined and smooth. I can't get enough of driving this truck. Its comfortable, quiet, rugged, and quick. It handles great and looks good while doing it. The infinity sound is pretty good. Very clear. This truck is roomy and fun to drive.
2002 Dodge Dakota for sale near you
Showing 3 of 40 listings
- SLT Quad CabMSRP: $5,995107 mi away
- SLT Regular CabMSRP: $5,995199 mi away
- Sport Quad CabMSRP: $7,500231 mi away
See all 40 listings
Annoying vehicle
Magno, 03/12/2002
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab 2WD SB (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
1200 mi in 3 mo because of problems. Steering is stiff around center and very light elsewhere causes oversteer. Vehicle rolls excessively. Trans failed at 230 miles -no oil from factory. Backlash in the drivetrain and lurches at low speed. 2300 RPM power falls off then surges. RPM takes long time to drop- grinds syncros if shifted too fast. Clutch pedal has no feel-like a wet sponge. Shift light is annoying. Underpowered. Needs automatic to hide problems. Drivers mirror has big blind spot.
Misfiring when moisture in air
southpaw9, 04/08/2010
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab SLT 2WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
20 of 26 people found this review helpful
Every time I start my Dakota in the morning and there is moisture in the air, it will misfire and shake and go away when I drive for 5 minutes. Today, it's been raining all day and I went to go start it and it won't start. It will crank over but that's it. fuel pump turns on, coils have a shock to plugs, jump start didn't work. I don't know what to look at. Can anyone help?
Dodge Ain't What It Used to Be
BK Lawson, 12/25/2005
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab Sport 2WD SB (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Buying this truck was the worst vehicular mistake I've ever made in my life. In the first 6 months, the truck had more problems than the last 3 vehichles I've owned all put together! What was the most shocking was Daimler/Chrysler's "We don't care!" attitude, resulting in my having to go to a lawyer to try and get some kind of satisfaction over what has been the most unreliable, annoying, untrustable truck I have EVER seen in my life! Then, of course, the warranty- there's always a way out for them so they don't have to honor it. Cheap parts, shabby construction, little to no inspection of finished product. My advice? Don't buy a Dodge truck. They sure aren't what they used to be
Geat Truck
Bryan, 01/20/2008
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab SLT 2WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have the 3.9L v6 with 87k mi on it. No major problem as would be expected for a truck with this much mileage. Only problem is from time to time the evap system triggers the check engine light, a trip to Autozone fixes that. Gas mileage could definitely be better. I drive approx 20 miles a day to work, and bought the truck when I went to school right down the street. Most fun to drive of any other vehicle I've owned. For a truck with this much power it is still easily driven in inclement weather if you know what you are doing, if not you're in trouble quickly. Another bad feature is the the center console was designed for the automatic and they didn't change it for the manual, can get in way
Nice truck
victoria, 11/20/2002
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab 2WD SB (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
After driving a Dodge Caravan for years, it was a little difficult to get used to the truck-like ride. However, for a truck, I think the ride is pretty good. I'm concerned about the way it handles over bumps. Could use more head-room. Seat belts are hard to put on. Nice acceleration and fun to drive.
Lemon
Darryl Knieff, 02/10/2003
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab 2WD SB (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have had poor luck with my Dakota! It will shimmy, try to die, rattles, and has poor power on take off. I hav been told by (experts) that this is normal for this truck. Now you and I know this isn`t true. It also has major slack in the drive-train. My gas mileage is much worse than sticker showed. This is the second Dakota bought new that I have had problems with, a 93, and this 02,. Who would dream of getting 2 lemons in a row, or is this the standard for dodge. I will never own another chrysler product!
should have bought the ford
grani, 09/17/2004
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab Sport 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Nothing but probs from day one. First week, stalled in wet weather on the highway. Next the seal on back window leaked. Brakes shot by 25k. Truck is babied while driven, no hot shots. Now one month after new brakes, rotors, the left wheel is smoking. Then the service engine lite repeatedly comes on. Said the gas cap needed replacement. New vehicle, what a lemon.Customer service stinks since day one.Service dept stinks from day one.The grill is cheap plastic, just broke trying to open the hood.My brother has same truck and had brakes go bad at early mileage.
look for something else!
luca66, 09/30/2004
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab SLT 2WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I was so hoping this would be a great truck to keep for always...in a word...not! Electrical, air, engine problems. should of bought a toyota. No resale value, not dependable, and the service dept too lax ( at least here in L.A.). It quickly runs through a tank of gas and can be as expensive as a luxury SUV...on premium fuel. In conclusion...sadly disappointed with this vehicle and can't wait to get rid of it. Like the other reviewer stated...good for the first 20k miles after that...good luck. Sorry dodge, but work a little harder on your product...looks cool, but that ain't enough kid.
R/T Test Drive
YO, 04/01/2002
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab Sport 2WD SB (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I dont own one, but i was able to drive an R/T model around my town for a week to see if i wanted one. This is perhaps the greatest vehicle on earth.
Great Overall Truck
gmax86, 11/30/2009
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab SLT 2WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck in October of '05 with 53k miles on it. I now have a little over 93k on it and I haven't had any major problems so far which is to be expected on a vehicle with less than 125k and normal driving conditions. The ride is very comfortable for a pickup truck with above average handling. I also love the size, not too small and not too big. The only thing I'm not impressed with my truck is the interior could be better. It's cheap plastic. My glove box handle fell off and almost every peice of plastic has at least 1 small crack on it. But overall I love this truck. It's my second Dakota (had an '88) and I'm not sure if I'd ever get anything other than a Dakota. Dodge rocks!
solid, but....
babs johnson, 04/22/2002
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab Sport 2WD SB (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i just purchased the club cab sport a week ago. great comfort, doesn't have that overwhelming truck feeling inside. good get up and go,however it seems to lose torque when the AC is on but i've heard this about most vehicles. great solid all around build yet a cool sporty look. but it is a gas pig!!!! and i only have the 6 cyl. otherwise good tough truck that handles the pot hole filled new orleans streets wonderfully.
Dakota Review
Kruk, 05/18/2002
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great all around truck with mean styling and ground clearence.
Dakato club cab V8 4x4
scott101, 05/26/2002
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab SLT 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The only complaint about this vehicle is the gas mileage. Granted it's a V8, but it still should get a higher mpg average.
Excellent Combination of Features
jwhite, 05/29/2002
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab SLT 2WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best vehicle I've ever owned, including an '89 Acura purchased new. The Dakota with 4.7 L V8 has excellent leg room for a 6 footer, more power than I can possibly use, an excellent sound system (infinity), a quiet cabin, and good structural integrity. I compared the Dakota with the Ford Ranger and the Toyota Tacoma. These vehicles did not offer the same level of luxury and features as are found on the Dodge.
Awesome
kiphart, 06/04/2002
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am a Former Ford Truck guy to staart with. This truck does everthing my full size Ford did, with more style and versatility. It performs more like a car in the ride but works like a full size truck. This dakota is just Awesome.
nothing like a dakota
sarge, 08/31/2002
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab 2WD SB (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the dakota has the best looking design of any truck,mid-sized or smaller.the design is such that even when it is sitting still,it looks like it is in motion.the larger tires,the paint scheme,and the fender flairs really set it off.every day i thank god for that truck.there are just not enough good things to say about it.
Fun to Drive, A Joy to Own
koneal, 10/01/2002
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab SLT 2WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned my '02 Dakota 4.7L V8 SLT 2WD Ext Cab for 8 months now. The ride quality is excellent, performance is responsive with the 5-speed manual transmission. I've used it to not only haul a few people around but to haul many heavy loads. It's performed to spec and more every time.
had enough
Rhet1, 08/19/2003
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab SLT 2WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The truck is decent until it hits 20k miles, then it all goes to hell. Transmission is horrible ( been replaced twice ) the build quality is horrific. It rattles and pings at any speed above 30 mph. We made the mistake of buying 6 for our fleet and will be getting rid of them asap. Do yourself a favor and look into something else!
Great Truck
Jwiegold, 09/18/2003
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this truck new in February of last year and I have had NO problems with it. It is very comfortable and seems to be just the right size. I can fit motorcycles in the bed and even with a v-6 and automatic transmission it still has enough power to tow a trailer full of motorcycles through mountains. (It is equipped with the 3.92 rear axle ratio).
what'd you mean review title?
nickolimartini, 10/02/2003
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Couldn't have gotten a better truck for the buck, way better than any ford or chevy we've ever owned. Very rugged, never a single little problem with it, and great torque and power.
Hope to stay pleased.
mshep11025, 12/13/2003
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab SLT 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Looked at a Ford Ranger 4WD Edge first and just about bought it. Wow, am I glad I took some advice and looked at the SLT...........not really in the same category but in my case, close in price. Hope I comtinue to enjoy as much as I do now. My wife also loves it because it has plenty of style, room, and power w/o overwhelming size.
4.7 very impressive 3:92 gear
wozz123, 02/10/2004
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab SLT 2WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
all in all a really good truck
2002 dodge
charles,odell, 04/15/2004
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab Sport 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
good truckdrives real good but i do not like the gas milige. or the over drive that i have to lock out
All around great truck
rjbruce, 07/09/2004
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab SLT 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
One thing I haven't seen anyone mention anything about is the optional AWD. I'm not sure if maybe it's not offered in all regions, but it's another great feature that puts this vehicle one notch above the rest. One flaw of the Dakota is it seems to have a light rearend. No problems with AWD. We've hauled 6000lbs of hay on a 16 foot trailer with the 4.7L 5 speed combo, and never had a problem pulling it uphill or anywhere. Comfortable and an attractive design. Especially for being 8 years old. The back seat of the club cab is not for adults but is good for children or storage.
'02 R/T
Dougzilla04, 08/09/2004
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab Sport 2WD SB (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall, a decent truck. When it stays out of the shop i love it. but it has spent a lot of time there. My truck has about 32,000 miles on it now and i have to take it back for its second set of ball joints. In 2003 its spent about 3 months in the shop for mechanical and engine malfunctions. Dodge's customer service was terrible. At four different dealerships i was not allowed to get a rental car paid for which i think was wrong considering how little i got to drive the vehicle. I know a lot of people that have Dodges and dont have the number of issues that i had, but after this truck i will be going back to toyotas and/or nissans for dependablity reasons.
Great Truck
Moki, 04/26/2007
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab SLT 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This truck rides like a luxury car on the highway and in the mountains it is a very stable well balanced ride. I have towed a heavily loaded 20 foot trailor over many of the mountain passes in Colorado, handling is supurb and the V6 Magnum engine has plenty of power to assend these high passes - many of them over 10,000 ft.
'02 4.7 V8 Dakota
DodgeDude, 05/23/2003
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab Sport 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For the money this is a great truck. Excellent power, rides great, comfortable, looks cool. That little 4.7 puts out some good ponies for that mid-size truck. Had 2 minor problems in the first couple of weeks, but the dealer fixed for free. Engine made a squealing sound like a loose belt, and air bag light came on. I find that most new cars go to the shop for minor fixes within the first couple of weeks anyway.
'02 V-8 Dakota
Marklom, 05/22/2003
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab Sport 2WD SB (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall the truck is great. I did not want a huge full-size truck, but wanted a V8. I love the looks of the truck and it handles real well. It has plenty of power for a mid size truck.
Jerry's SXT
JerryH., 05/21/2003
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Before owning this truck I had a Ford F150 XLT Supercab w/ 5.4L and three door cab. I traded it in because the transmission was starting to go. The biggest mistake I made in buying the Dakota was in not getting a V-8. I mistakenly thought that the gas mileage would be better with the V-6. The amount of gas mileage that you receive does not even come close to justifying the horsepower you lose when going with the V-6. Other than than preferring the V-8, I would also get the quad cab instead of the club cab. With my f-150 I at least had three doors, with the club cab you have to fold the front seats forward in order to access the back seat.
Fun to Drive and Overall Great Truck...
onealk, 03/23/2002
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab SLT 2WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned my 02 Dakota SLT Plus 4.7L V8 Manual now for about 2 months. I've enjoyed every minute of driving it and using it like the truck it is. I've taken a few trips already with it and enjoyed the comfort of the seats and ride quality. The 4.7L V8 has enough power to propel me down the road with enough force to pass a few cars and merge onto the beltways and freeways.
Great
Brittany, 03/23/2002
2002 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Oh I just love it.