Used 2002 Dodge Dakota Consumer Reviews

Dakota sxt v6 regular cab

Best and most reliable truck ever owned. When I first got it, needed a computer and some maintenance after that it runs like a champ and it does what I ask it to do and never lets me down. The 3.9 v6 magnum starts right up in sub zero temps in the middle of brutal Maine winters and runs strong. The truck gets up and goes with the 3.92 rear , while its missing top end power. The 4wd in the truck is awesome with good clearance and it out classes any fords, chevys, and toyotas offroad. Take this truck to rugged Maine north country offroad through mud holes , rivers and mountains every summer to go camping and its never giving me a problem. Very good looking truck and fun to drive.

Overall a Great Truck

Bought new in '02. Love the looks of this model year and still get compliments on it. Great versatility for hauling cargo and misc. stuff in the bed and comfortable enough to fit four adults or family in the cab. It's been a reliable vehicle, but one thing I'd do over is opt for the larger engine. Same or better mileage with the V8 and better performance. Still a wonderful truck!

Good Truck

Bought this truck used and it now has 115,000 miles on the 3.9 V-6. The truck does not use any oil and runs well. The 5 speed manual has nice gear spacing and is easy to use. I average 18-19 around town and 20-22 on the highway. The quad cab is useful and it does what I need it to do. Good truck Dodge!

Reliability!

I purchased this truck new, and have done the maintenance. (4.7 V8, automatic) It's the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. 148,000 miles and counting. Cost per mile for maintenance and repairs is only $0.025. 19.6 MPG since the day I bought it(I have a soft tonneau on it). It still looks good and has no squeaks or rattles. I'm very happy with this truck.

Best vehicle I've owned

I bought this truck new in 2002 and have loved it all the while. Only had to replace an o2 sensor. My previous truck was an Isuzu and the Dakota is a million times better. I haul welders, tools and a trailer, so it gets used. I expect to get another 8 years out of it. I get about 13 mpg with tools in and about 17 mpg empty. I put an extra leaf spring in it to help haul the weight which was a great idea.

Great work truck!

I've owned this truck since October now, bought it as a replacement for a car that was in constant need of repair. Never really been a truck guy, but got a job working Construction so I needed something to haul tools and concrete forms and whatever else around in. The truck has been nothing but a pleasure to own, having done nothing to it since purchasing besides changing the oil once and putting newer, more aggressive tires on it to combat these brutal Chicago winters. I purchased the truck, a 2002 SXT since cab, with roughly 110k miles, for about $1000. It's a base model, no traction control, no ABS, crank windows, etc. Interior has held up very very well though, no creaks or squeaks or cracks to be seen/heard, and with nothing but a $400 set of "dura-turn" cheap Chinese off road tires, it's a beast in the winter. It's actually become my snow removal vehicle too, hauling 8 bags of tube sand for traction, and another 800lbs of rock salt in the back. I've been stuck once or twice (both times, in my own driveway), but have never even had to get out if the vehicle to get it unstuck. It's a $1000 truck and I definitely treat it like one, but with that being said, at the same time I'd trust it 100% to drive cross country too. It's just an absolutely fantastic truck. Before I bought this, I was looking at Rangers, but nothing of any value in the same price range, except ancient 4 bangers, and S10s have never had any appeal to me. The thing that makes dakotas so great is that they're a little bigger than an S10/Ranger, but not quite as big as a half ton. Looking back at my purchase, I really don't even need 4x4, which i was initially concerned about. If I were to do it all over again, only thing I'd change would be to buy one with 4 wheel ABS. The only two noteable downfalls of these Dakotas is 1, poor fuel economy. I get about 16 combined with nothing in the back in he warm weather on summer gas, and I’m getting about 10mpg in the winter, with lots of idle time and stop n go doing snow removal though. This doesn’t really bother me as my company pays for my gas anyway, but something to consider. #2 gripe, and probably the bigger one, would be rust. Amazing how solid this thing is underneath, frame is still black and looks like brand new, but the body, particularly the bed, is going to sh*t very quickly. However, I keep in mind what I paid for it and already looking at newer Dakotas in the spring. First truck out of 15 vehicles I’ve owned and I’m sold!

I love my Dodge

I've had my truck since it had 27 miles on it and it currently sits at a hair below 130k. Besides the water pump going bad and it still running fine for 3 years until it finally exploded, I've had not a lick of problems. Other then the standard oil changes around 5k miles and only 2 tuneups, I haven't touched a single thing otherwise. This truck has been through hell and back and still starts at the turn of a key. 2500 lbs of block in the bed couldn't hurt this truck. Beaten and abused is the best way to put it and its still my daily driver. IF it ever dies, i will indeed be looking for my next dakota. Excellent truck. By far the best vehicle I've owned.

big time

this is the best truck you can buy!!!! i have 33 in super swampers on mine and it will climb thing up side down (figuritavily speeking)!! Im so happy i got my dodge; now im no affraid to drive in the rain, sleet, smow, wind, or hail. i have no worries! I have used my truck for every thing from pulling out a couple F-350's and some Chevy's here and there. but i also go offroading (mostly mud bogging and rockclimbing)and hunting with it. it has never been suck and it had been to the doors in mud (3 feet about)all i need now is some air lockers for the rock climbing!! and there comeing!

Dakota Quad Cab 2002 (oldie but goodie)

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.

Truck with Comfort

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.

Awsome

Best truck I have owned yet. Went looking for a new one this summer and was not happy. They have nothing like this out there. Ford and Chevy gave up making Rangers and S-10's. Toyota has a smaller interior. This truck has been excellent in upper Michigan. In snow and off road it handles like a champ. Never had any major issues yet and has been a joy to drive. I plan on keeping it for another 80K. Why spend money on the new junk! The 4.7l V8 really goes and has tons of power that can tow a 24 ft trailer with no problem.

Annoying vehicle

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

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?

Dakota Quad Cab 4x4 4.7L/5spd

We ordered the 4.7L motor with the 5spd manual tranny. A really fun combo. We also added the LSD and towing pkg and pw/pdl/overhaed console and bed liner. A nice way to go because there's nothing you really need to add to the truck. We were able to pull our friends 22'TT without any problems and it's and older heavy model.

i give it 8 gold medals

Not only is this the best mid size truck ever, no other comany has anything like it. powerful,fun,sound,comfort,room,and 4X4 is all amazing. to all the complainers about fuel millage, take a full size truck for a spin and tell me if its any better. the truck has given me some minor problems that about any truck would have.

PLEASE DON'T BUY!! Dodge Corp. NO help!!

Nothing but problems since the first week!! Stuck with this P.O.S. Several problems with the transmission that supposedly was "matched nicely" to the 4.7L engine. Problems are "deemed normal" by the dealership. I'll drive it till something breaks to recreate the problem for them. Interior fan motor is done. Nothing like the smell of a burning fan motor in the morning. Nice acrid smell of burning plastic/wires. Popping noise at front wheel bearings in turns. Tried to get Dodge Corp. to swap it out and I'd pay the difference. NO DEAL! I'll just take the couple thousand loss on a trade soon. It'll be worth it!

Don't Believe The Hype, Dodge IS Good

Could have been

I've had the 4.7L for 8 years and as a whole it has been decent. I like the ride comfort, roominess of the cab, power and the 4wd in the snow. However, the front end has been painful to maintain. Seems that it always has issues whether it be ball joints, cv joints, flex hoses, calipers seizing up, various bushings needing replacement, etc. The calipers have actually seized 3 times. Crazy. Without the front-end problems this would have been the best vehicle I've ever owned. Since this is not the case, the '83 Subaru GL 4wd I had in college still reigns supreme.

one tough truck

I bought this truck for the 4 door mid- size, having kids when I need to haul. Love the way it rides, but it will jump up if you go fast over a bump, it may lose control. I have the maroon paint which looks nice, but all scratches show, so I would change colors next time. Had a linex liner sprayed in back, excellent. No problems yet, knock on wood.

2002 Dakota SLT Plus

Great truck for day to day use, however it is lacking in the following areas. Fair interior, lacks style/plain. no white face guages,red tail lights,amber turn lights, Could use some restyling to reflect a more ram like appearance. Dodge should also offer more choices regading performance & handling options on the 4 door truck. Ram Air option would be also a good idea. Disappointed with fuel milage and performance with 5.9 approx 17mpg on highway dispite several modifications. For a 5.9L I expected a lot more power in this size truck.

Excellent truck

I just don't like the 15mpg gas mileage. I have only had the truck for 3 weeks and have put over 1000 miles on it. It is so fun to drive. I love it.

Dodge Ain't What It Used to Be

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

Great truck

Great truck i love to drive it ,it drives like a car.I was going to buy a SUV, like a Jeep Liberty or explorer,but this is like a SUV but with a bed for stuff!Its been a gas hog so far 2000 miles avg 14mpg with a v6 5speed thats almost all highway!I got to bring it to dealer to see if somthins wrong i suspect a vacume leak ,i hear a whistling at 2000rpm think its somthing small.love everyting else 4x4s great.

02' Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab - 2wd

This has been a good truck so far. The only complaint is gas consumption.

should have bought the ford

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.

Lemon

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!

Great buy

We bought this used from a private owner to replace our 1988 Dakota last November. The '88 got to where it would just die on the road. We've been very pleased with it and it hasn't given us any trouble at all, and it never gave the previous owner any trouble. It rides smooth as silk, seat is very comfortable, drives well, great truck. Plenty of space, though back seat is terrible to ride in. All in all, great buy.

Geat Truck

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

All that I expected

The truck is all that I expected. Great performance out of the 4.7L V8 engine. Solid feel and build. More comfortable than many sedans that I have ridden in. More than enough interior room. Mixed driving mileage around 17 mpg, therefore increased gas cost. But all in all, I love this truck and couldn't ask for more, considering it's a mid-size truck with a big engine. I had a tacoma double cab just prior to the dakota and the only thing I miss is that Toyota quality feel. Other than that, I'm happy that I ended up with the Dakota.

look for something else!

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.

This truck wrote the book of awesome.

This truck really is great. It's really more of a people hauler, with its ridiulously massive interior that comfortably seats 5 full size adults plus a child in the front middle. Yet despite this, the 5.9L magnum has plenty of get up and go, enough in fact to send this pickup 0-60 in about 8 seconds, which isn't bad at all for a truck. It's also got plenty of torque that can pull a trailer, a bed full of whatever, and a loaded cab all at the same time. I've used it for camping, towing both cars and trailers, I've even used it to pull a tree stump out of my yard. Currently a daily driver, still going strong after about 7 years of service, only problems have been 1 or 2 recalls, nothing major.

Nice truck

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.

Ok but not great

Have 51600 miles, mostly highway. Had it to do over, I might not buy it again. Gas mileage for 4.7 V8 terrible in mixed driving - 14.6 mpg avg last 3 tanks - most of my daily trips are 75% highway. Steering failed (shafts separated) at 48575 mi - lucky for us I was at 25 mph on and empty street not 45 mins before on the interstate. Dodge did fix for free despite being out of warranty, but I had to borrow a car for two days. Very comfortable inerior. Floor tray doesn't allow for middle passenger's feet. Rear seats very comfortable, as roomy as our Impala. Bed length is same w/gate down as my Ranger was w/gate down, but it could be longer. Turning rad

150K and still loving it. Dodge Rules!

This is my first truck, and my first Dodge product. I own a Nissan car, and this has proven to be just as reliable. I purchased this with 70K on the odometer and just clicked 150,000. I love this truck. It has proven to be the most reliable vehicle ever. I've had my share of small issues like seals on the A/C compressor ($90), resistor fan switch ($50) ignition ($200) hose leaks (due to my lack of maintenance) but it has never failed to start and drive since I've owned it. These trucks do not get the respect they deserve. I have beaten this thing down (waiting 8- 9K before oil changes, never serviced tranny, differential, filters, fluids, nothing. Just brakes, oil, tires and the key.

R/T Test Drive

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.

Horrendous Update

This is an update. Bought for 9k with 27k on it, Dec."07". 51k motor goes PING, bearings and crank need replaced. Despite meticulous attention and mobi1 1. One k over 50k warranty and dealer laughs at me. I replace crank and bearings myself, lasts another 8k and motor goes again. Replace with 30k junkyard motor and two weeks later tranny goes! In 30k miles, I've also replaced, AC Compressor, full exhaust, front hubs, power steering hoses, starter (twice!), brakes, rotors and needed to replace with over sized brake pins as the originals were worn and too loose! 4 Oxygen sensors... Oh,lets not forget the fan control module under glove box which caught fire. AHHHH

Solid Truck

Overall a very reliable truck. Never had any problems w/ the drivetrain or any major mechanical issues. That said, the brakes are awful and the ball joints are junk - getting them replaced by Dodge, even with a recall, was a real hassle. Fuel economy averaged a disappointing 15mpg, and the 3.9 V6 just does not have enough power to get the heavier quad-cab moving or passing with enough authority. At highway speeds, the ride is smooth for a truck, but very noisy. Had to upgrade sound system just to hear the music. After 50k, it still runs great, but I should've opted for the V8 instead. This has been one of the most reliable vehicles I have owned, but more power is a must for a truck.

The perfect truck has arrived...

I've had this truck for 16 months and have enjoyed every one of my 22000+ miles. The 4.7L V8 gives it a sports- car feel when merging/passing at high MPH. The ride on pavement is smooth, yet it performs admirably off-road. I especially like those roomy flip-up rear seats. I'm 6'4", and the only thing that makes me uncomfortable while riding in the back seat is the fact that I'm not actually driving!

Great Overall Truck

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!

Dodge Dakota Quad Cab SLT

Overall, we really like this truck for it's roominess, versatility and comfort. The Quad Cab is great for families with kids or an extra adult or two. The back seats three kids comfortably or two adults with good head and leg room. It's quite and comfortable ride are well appreciated on longer trips. Although the gas mileage could be better, giving it's weight and size, it is better than some full size, regular cab trucks.

Nice truck

This truck is fun to drive. The V8 is a must. Back seat is roomy for kids, but a little tight for large adults. The rear seat belts are the easiest I've used for installing car seats. I replaced a poor fitting vacuum hose and need to take it in to take care of recall issues. Gas milege isn't the best. A lot of vibration when driving with the windows down.

Get a Toyota Tundra

I think this has to be the biggest mistake I have ever made in my life. I was going to get the Tundra but was blinded by the rebate. I paid $26000 for the truck after the rebate and I see its only worth $16,000 (private party value) I have never had a vehicle depreciate so fast. For the money i've lost - not including the $376 monthly payments for the last year (total cost of ownership) $1376 per month I could have paid a limo driver to drive me around. The truck has been in the shop 6 times in the year for clunking, check engine light and stalling. I will never ever buy another chrysler product again!

Love my Quad

I had a 2000 Dakota club cab, but I needed more room in the back because my two little girls are not so little any more. I was going to by a SUV (Liberty), but once I drove the 2002 Quad cab I was sold, plus I got an excellent deal.

go dodge go

THE V-8 OPTION IS EXCELLENT. THE FUEL CONSUMPTION IS POOR. TEST DROVE THE 6 CYL IT IS VERY WEAK. CHECK YOUR DEALERSHIP OUT. THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE PURCHASED OUR DODGES WOULD RANK A 2 AS FAR AS HONESTY AND SERVICE.

Great Truck

Have a '92 Dakota Club Cab and needed more room in back for my kids. The Quad Cab is perfect. Ride and handling are great, seats are confortable on long rides and cabin is pretty quiet when I leave the kids at home. Love the power of 4.7 V8 engine; have a 3.9 V6 in the '92 and that engine is weak. Both trucks have automatic transmissions. My gas milage for the V8 (14/18)is not much different from the V6 (14/19) but have to use 89 octane in the V6 to keep it from pinging. The V8 uses 87 octane no problem. Get the V8, you'll be happier.

Best Truck in town

Take the Dakota for a test drive like I did , and you'll buy it .. It's fun , tough , roomy , and with the 4.7L it will tow my boat without a problem.

Dakato club cab V8 4x4

The only complaint about this vehicle is the gas mileage. Granted it's a V8, but it still should get a higher mpg average.

Good family truck

I wanted something to do a bit of everything, commute, haul the family, tow, offroad, etc. Really liked it from the start. Cab is very well laid out. Comfortable seating with room enough for me (6'2"), even in the rear seats. Seats 6, rear doors open really wide for good access. Truck bed is a bit short, but I don't know if I would want the truck any longer (it's a good compromise). Interior is nice, but not fancy--as it should be in a truck. Overall a great truck to handle many needs. Only complaint is that it seems a bit squirrilly on washboard roads or even some bumps on the highway. MPG around 17 (~70% highway driving).

good truck

I had the truck for about 8 months. I is just what I wanted 4 doors acts like a car with the kids and has a bed to move stuff around. Only draw back is the gas milage but I knew that before I purchased the truck. Overall a very good truck a little wind noise on the hight way though.

I love my Dakota SXT

I bought my 2002 Dodge Dakota SXT single cab 2WD back in November of 2001. It has the 3.9l V-6 mated to a 5- speed manual and a 3.55 rear axle ratio. I love this truck and highly recommend it. Ive taken it on a few long trips and it is fairly comfortable. Being that I am only 18, I admit to driving this truck extremely hard. So far, it is not giving me any problems at all. Every now and then it makes some weird noises but they dont seam serious and everything has checked out alright. I love this truck! It is very fast for its weight and considering that it is only a V-6. No Ranger, S-10, or any other truck in its class can even come close to comparing.