Used 2003 Dodge Dakota Consumer Reviews
Used Dakota for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Dodge Dakota's are Number One!
Mary Sh, 07/24/2003
2003 Dodge Dakota 2dr Regular Cab SLT 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
wouldn't bye anything elce
Dakota Quad Cab 4x4 with 4.7 V8
mtnbkr, 08/01/2003
2003 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab Sport 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Has the perfect combination of size, style, and comfort. I actually have the 4.7L V8 with 5-speed automatic transmission which I highly recommend. Average fuel economy, pretty much as expected for a mid sized pickup.
2003 Dodge Dakota for sale near you
Showing 3 of 26 listings
- Base Regular CabMSRP: $3,450287 mi away
- Base Club CabMSRP: $5,895418 mi away
- SLT Club CabMSRP: $3,995427 mi away
See all 26 listings
bad choice
msr212, 08/06/2003
2003 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab Sport Rwd SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I Had the truck less then a week, 500 miles and I had to bring it back to the dealership due to lack of power and after being told there was nothing wrong they had to tear the engine apart and redo the valves along with change item's in the trani. now at 20,000 miles my a/c switch has broken and only works on high and the a/c is leaking in the truck!
Excellent
Deucebmac, 08/29/2003
2003 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab SLT 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent off-road and on! Would buy another in a heartbeat!
Full size truck, compact price
sandman4x4fun, 08/31/2003
2003 Dodge Dakota 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This truck can work, ive pulled trailers hundreds of miles, whit 4,00 to 5,000 lbs. no problem. Plenty of power fo a 6 cyl 5speed 4x4. Gas milage respectable.When playing, driving on the beach mud hikks anything it just flat out goes, and ride great also.
Love It
shellfish, 09/06/2003
2003 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I Love My Dakota. Never Any Problems. No Snow Was Too Much For The Truck To Handle. Roomy And Comfortable. And Affordable
good bang for the buck
The Dinger, 09/07/2003
2003 Dodge Dakota 2dr Regular Cab Sport Rwd SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I would encourage anyone thinking of buying what amounts to a midsize entry to the compact class pick up truck. It's chief competor is the Toyota Tacoma; 'nough said. The choice was pretty easy for me too. With a 3.9L V6 engine, responsive handling, and a high-up snug feeling suspension, you'll find this truck a pleasure to drive, on road or off. My only complaint is that there is not enough room to rest my arm on the seatbacks, old school country style. My uncle used to say, "comparisons are odious." And I never knew quite what he meant by that. But if it comes down to a Toyota Tacoma or a Dodge Dakota...well, go out and buy one.
4.7 ltr Dak Sport
ARpapa, 09/13/2003
2003 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab Sport 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Plenty power for hwy or Ozark hill/mtns pulling bass boat. Rides like a car on the highway, handles dirt/gravel like a truck.
Todays Dodge
Turkey, 08/06/2003
2003 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My last truck was a 1999 Extended Cab Z-71 5.3 V-8. I have also owned Fords and they are not worth talking about. My Dodge Dakota is the best truck that I have ever owned. The only truck to come close is the 1999 Z-71.
Did my homework...
summerst, 10/03/2003
2003 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab SLT 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I went for the 4.7l V8, with the 5 speed automatic upgrade. I have logged a lot of miles in a lot of different vehicles and this is one of the most responsive power trains I've ever driven. This truck was broken in demandingly on and off road and has handled both effortlessly. When I decided I was in the market for a truck I did my homework and came up with the Dakota as the best of all aspects I needed and wanted. Better yet the critics supported my findings. I've changed my motor oil over to a leading synthetic and expect this truck to last a long time.
Great truck
skeerdude, 10/28/2003
2003 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab Sport 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall an excellent truck.I actually have a 4.7 liter V8 Dakota
Good truck
Chewie88, 12/11/2003
2003 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have enjoyed this truck so far. It has benn on one long trip already and was comfortable for the ride. I do think that it could have better gas mileage.
Dodge has a winner!
DeGrooter, 12/26/2003
2003 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab Sport 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My previous truck was a '95 1500 Ram 4x4. Loved it to pieces. Probably should have never have gotten rid of it. But this Quad cab with the 4.7 V8 and optional 5 speed trans is quite the ticket. Most of the time I'm the only driver, but when it comes to hauling people and equipment, this is the truck. Nice size bed for a Quad cab medium sized truck. It sure shouldn't be compared to the small trucks, because it isn't. It's roominess should be compared to the Ford F150. Power from the engine does everything I want and need. Chrysler got the drivetrain perfect. Gas mileage isn't a problem. I consistantly get 16 MPG with the 3.55:1 gears.
Unbelievable
Looking63146, 01/05/2004
2003 Dodge Dakota 2dr Regular Cab Rwd SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After 3 long years driving a boring 1997 Ford Thunderbird I am finally enjoying driving again. This truck goes exactly where you piont it.
Excellent Exciting Truck
D. m., 12/14/2005
2003 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love the 4wd option for heavy snow days and off the main road 2-tracks, as well as pulling trailers through muddy roads. With the 4.7 v8, we have plenty of power to pass on 2 lane highways and for towing my large tandem trailer. We have not had any bad mechanical surprises, only simple recalls for trivial stuff, nothing serious. My garden tractor fits in the box, if I take off the mower deck and stick it in by itself after putting the tractor in. So much to say and so little space. The ride is like a car and the view and trip computer contribute to the excellent driving experience.
Good Truck!
chrispyrook, 01/31/2004
2003 Dodge Dakota 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had no problems with this vehicle and I would highly recommend buying one. The only drawback is that it is only a two-seater which can work to your advantage and save you gas when traveling with more than one person! The interior has a lot of space for storing small items, although there is not much room behind the seat to store anything or add an after-market woofer or amp. Overall, I am very pleased with my purchase!
NICE LITTLE TRUCK
SMOKEY-2, 02/16/2004
2003 Dodge Dakota 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I ALWAYS HAD DODGE TRUCKS, THIS 2003 DAKOTA WITH THE V6 AUTOMATIC IS A GOOD LITTLE TRUCK. GOOD POWER, EASY TO PARK AND I REALLY LIKE THE 4 WHEEL DISC BRAKES. THE BASE MODEL HAS A NICE SIZE INTERIOR WITH CLOTH BENCH SEAT.
Dakota Quad/SLT+/4.7 with 5-45FRE Tranny
Deselfitter, 03/02/2004
2003 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Well behaved truck with good size ~not too large and not too small. This Dakota is a pleasure to drive around town and short trips. I am looking forward to longer trips when warm weather arrives. Fuel economy is close to EPA estimates, about 14 in towm and 19 highway. I expect further improvement with more miles.
'03 Dakota
tommy, 08/05/2006
2003 Dodge Dakota 2dr Regular Cab Rwd SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We purchased our '03 Dakota Reg. Cab SXT RWD for $13K. It was a nice "beater" car for my dad for work. But we have clocked on average of 12-15 mpg city and probably 19 highway. We had to replace the tires at 20k and then again and 45k. We were in a minor car accident with it where we tapped the back of another car on a freeway ramp, and it caused $400 damage. The plastic hood-release lever, broke off and had to get it replaced. The A/C conked out when he had 100-degree plus weather, which we took the repair shop and he found out that not only the cooling pump was shot but there was a cylinder- 6 miss-fire which could've been dangerous if it died on the highway.
03' 4x4 V8 Extended Cab
x98evens, 05/07/2004
2003 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab Sport 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very fast for a truck this size, great size/price combination for a truck. Enjoyable to drive the 5 speed w/ limited slip rear end. Hard to find a good service shop for the tougher jobs (required frequent axle flushes), but you can't blaim that on the truck.
I love this little son of a gun
sharkraider552, 05/06/2004
2003 Dodge Dakota 2dr Regular Cab Sport Rwd SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
love this truck. drives like a dream, mine has the stampede package and i love it, can't say how meany comments people has said they loved the way the truck looks the inside is right on center console is really big if uhad o could hide a body in there dodge stole this ford lover and turned him into a dodge guy for now on
Best "Compact" truck around
Godzirrah, 07/02/2004
2003 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've Had it for three weeks now and besides being my everyday commuting vehicle (with kids in car seats) it tows my 20' boat famously. I own the V8 4.7L 2wd. I call my truch the baby bear truck as it fits all my everyday needs "just right"...I test drove all others on the market and the Dodge blows away the Tacoma, Frontier and Colorado. The closest was the Tundra but tons more cabin room with the Dodge at a lot less price.
2003 Dakota Quad Cab 4x4
rembrandt121, 07/31/2004
2003 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had a 1992 Dakota le Extended cab before this 2003 and the improvements are very noticable. The handeling is dramatically improved. The rack and pinion steering coupled with the improved suspension makes this truck handle like a sports car among trucks. The 4.7 V8 has more than enough power to handle most jobs. It doesn't get the best fuel mileage in the industry but it doesn't get the worst either. This truck is fun to drive and can burn up the roads if needed.
Good till the last drop
spookctr, 10/21/2004
2003 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab Sport 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought in October and loved it from the start. Good room inside and out. First week I had it I took it to New Jersey with 3 passengers and not a hitch. In december wen from maryland to minnesota it more comfortable than my car was. Coming back brought home a few thousand dollars worth of baby furniture no noticable performance drops and it handled the worse weather that mother nature could throw at it. Good all around even with the base engine and 4 speed auto-transmission. Oh yeah, fit both a infant carrier and a toddler seat in the back seat. Let me see you do that with even some fullsize trucks let alone any other compact trucks.
Not a Snow Queen
wayne bahlieda, 01/21/2005
2003 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab Sport Rwd SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Owned for a year and one half and found vehicle to be impractical. It basically is a two seater. Selected the 2 wheel drive option with traction control. Compared to a front wheel drive vehicle, the vehicle had poor traction in fresh snow or on ice. The icing on the cake was the poor gas mileage. Traded the vehicle for a PT Crusier.
2003 Dakota SXT
GT, 07/20/2006
2003 Dodge Dakota 2dr Regular Cab Rwd SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great truck. Had over three years with no problems in 28,900 miles. Original brakes and tires. Decent gas mileage for a 2WD, approximately 19-21 MPG on the highway.
Dakota drives and tows just fine
gretjns, 08/14/2006
2003 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 2003 Dakota new and have used it to tow a pop-up camper (3500-4000lbs) all over the midwest and points N&S. Minimal & routine service until 60k miles when f&r main seals had to be replaced along with AC head, thermostat, and a front wheel bearing which was loose. Otherwise it's been a dream. Drives great, lots of interior room and cargo capacity. Handles well and looks great. Extended warranty is a lifesaver. I'll buy another when I wear this one out.
2003 Dakota SXT Regular Cab
consultfirst, 10/04/2006
2003 Dodge Dakota 2dr Regular Cab Rwd SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun truck to drive with the 5-speed manual transmission. Truck is perfect size between compact and full size. Too bad they stopped making the regular cab version.
Kickin Butt Truck
Whatup, 04/09/2003
2003 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this truck in April 2001, I got the 5.9L Automatic with the rest of the bells and whistles and I love it. I tow a sandrail and a 21' ski boat and fly down the freeway. For a midsize truck it delivers a full size punch. Great power and great to drive!
V8 Madness
BNASTEE, 04/10/2003
2003 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I recently bought the SLT Plus Quad Cab 4.7 V8 4x4. Love almost everything about it except the fuel mileage, a whistling noise on the highway, and dirt seems to be able to enter the front door panels and sits above the rubber molding strip at the bottom of the door (same problem on the Durango and other Dakota models).
First time truck owner
Kelly Jones, 04/17/2003
2003 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab Rwd SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This truck handles really well. The ride initially is not great, you feel all of the bumps and grooves in the roadway. Over time, this seems to have smoothed out a bit. Interior is very comfortable and roomy in my model (bucket seats, club cab). Gas mileage is around 17-18 city, 19-21 hwy.
4X4 SXT 3.9L 4spd auto
brupac, 02/20/2003
2003 Dodge Dakota 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Would never of thought of buying a Dodge before but this truck really impressed me. Great looks,quality feel inside and out plus plenty of power from the 3.9L not to mention a $3000.00 rebate how can you go wrong.
Great Truck
uncle buck, 05/22/2003
2003 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab SLT Rwd SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a fun truck to drive. It gives you a sense of power driving around town. The styling is distinctive, the patriot blue color is different and the handling off and on highways is superb. It is without a doubt the best truck that I've ever had, including full size trucks. The reliability gives not doubt that this truck will last me a very long time without any problems.
Happy so far
A12BEE, 05/27/2003
2003 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just picked up my new quad cab SLT plus. 4.7L,5 speed,buckets,leather wrap wheel and bed liner. Very pleased so far, ride is excellent and engine performance is very good. As with everyone else I have noticed the gas gauge is very responsive in the downward direction. Love the color,Patriot Blue. Did add some Huskey mud flaps this weekend as I could see they are pretty much required if you plan on keeping the paint looking good.
like my truck
dorothy koprowski, 06/02/2003
2003 Dodge Dakota 2dr Regular Cab SLT 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I needed a truck to haul stuff without asking to loan one in the family all the time. I traded in my beloved new yorker but I love the dakota. Its a good truck for a woman
Wishing we could keep it!
Brett, 10/07/2002
2003 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle has been such a joy. With the available 5.9L we had it matches even with the 1500 series with torque and BHP and it cost on average $8,000 less. I'm 6'4" and I feel comfortable in the rear seats. The back doors have a full 90 degree opening which make getting in and out a breeze. The ride and comfort is so car like it's unreal. The only down fall that you must live with is the fuel economy or there lack of. But with all that engine it something I can live with.
Dakato V6 Quad
Denjmar, 06/14/2003
2003 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This it was time to get into a truck instead of a car. Full bells & whistles. Love the truck but when I bought it I had concerns about fuel MPG so I went with V-6 and 2WD. So far it has performed well but V6 works hard on long hills. I don't think MPG is much different between V6 and V8. Next time will go with V8. Don't do any off road but got limited slip diff instead of 4WD. Will see what winter brings. Very happy with Dakato and would do it again.
fuel economy
shaun l, 04/09/2008
2003 Dodge Dakota 2dr Regular Cab Sport 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I noticed right away I wasn't getting the proper fuel economy I thought I should get which was 12 city 15 hwy. I made some timing adjustments and a basic tune up, in 4 years the best hwy mpg I've gotten was 18 mpg. Don't expect any more than that. Another problem I've encountered is severe wheel hop at hwy speeds, it almost jumps off the road when you hit a bump. Very very unsafe. FYI... don't forget the change your ball joints, if they haven't already gone out, they will!
Northeast Driving
YanksSck, 05/26/2008
2003 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab Rwd SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I inherited an 03 Dakota 2 years ago. I live in the Northeast and not having 4WD pretty much just doesn't work out. It gets stuck every time there is more than 3 inches of snow on the ground, and slides all over the place in any snow or ice (which is pretty much 3 full months a year). Piling weight in the back just doesn't seem to help. The fuel economy is terrible for a 2wd vehicle, my count is about 18 mph highway at best but i have got as little as 8 city. The Truck would be fine in a snow less region, but if you live in a cold climate look elsewhere. You can get much more traction power without sacrificing too much in MPG.
This truck makes me smile 😃
Rudi K, 02/01/2023
2003 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My husband and I bought this 2003 quad cab Dakota about seven years ago. She's 8 cylinder, 4.7 liter engine. Cosmetically, she isn't pretty. The roof and hood have lost most of the clear coat and some of the paint. But I love this truck! I'm a petite lady but this truck makes me feel big without feeling like it's too much vehicle. She's had some mechanical issues with valve cover gaskets and recently camshaft and crankshaft sensors but all in all at 130,000 miles nothing terrible. Hopefully she'll be healthy and running well for a lot more years.
Great truck
P, 05/15/2023
2003 Dodge Dakota 2dr Regular Cab R/T Rwd SB (5.9L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It’s a great truck I’ve had it for close to twenty years its more fun to drive than my viper or hellcat it’s the best money I’ve ever spent most fun 44 thousand miles ever.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
What a dog!!
stuart brown, 09/06/2003
2003 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab Sport 4WD SB (3.9L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I rectently purchased a 6 cylinder quad cab. Do not ever buy that engine. It has no power when going into a 20 mph wind on the interstate. I heard a big sucking sound. It was my gas leaving my tank. I would never again buy this vehicle.