Used 2003 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab Consumer Reviews

2nd Dakota

This is my second Dakota and I love it just as much as my first one which was an 04. This on is the quad cab 4x4 slt with the 4.7 automatic. Runs great with 122k. It does everything I need it to do, whether it be hauling wood, going on a long trip, or pulling Jeeps out of the mud. Speaking of mud, it's difficult to get this truck stuck in the mud or snow. It was out in Nemo, the huge snow storm on LI in early 2013. I got through the terrible road/weather conditions with no problem whatsoever. It's a comfortable ride, and is very roomy on the inside which is great on those long trips. If you need a smaller truck that can do a full size truck's job, buy a Dakota.

Wishing we could keep it!

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.

03 Dakota SLT 4x4

I have an 03 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab (full 4 doors) with the 4.7 and 5 speed auto. Man what an awesome truck, for the money there is nothing close to it. Car will giddy up and go whenever called upon. Tows my boat with no issues and will beat anything else on the road. The only vehicle out there with a REAL v8 in a midsized truck, if it's got a 4 cylinder its not a truck! Toyota can't touch it and the ranger is too small, and in my opinion the sport trac is ugly, if you're looking for a good reliable truck get the Dakota. I average 17 mpg in mine with me stomping on it quite a bit, not bad.

2003 awd 4x4 slt, 4.7 V8 quad cab

This is my Second Dakota. It is a good all around truck. I have over 200,000 miles on mine. I noticed my gas mileage has gone down since i have had the ball joints replaced. I get 14 mpg in the city and about 19 mpg on the hwy. Outside of normal wear of parts this truck has served me well. For an AWD truck it handles good in snow, rain and mud. I have only had to put into 4 wheel drive when I get stuck in mud. The size of the truck works well for our family, we are all 5'8" or less and the truck seems roomy to us.

I Love My Dodge

I love driving my Dodge Dakota! If I had to buy another truck it would be a Dodge 6 cylinder! My only complaints are thay could have a little more seat padding, bigger glove compartment, more under backseat storage and better gas mileage! Also being better able to see lighted up dash area and radio information when the headlights are turned on and more room underneath the light between the sun visors.

Favorite Vehicle of all Time

I have the 5.9L engine and do not have 4WD so I get top of the range MPG 17 Not good but over all this is a great truck. Functional and striking good looks. I have kept the scheduled maintenance and have done nothing more to it...100% reliable. Have had two instances when I wish I had 4WD while moving around new construction site on wet ground...poor traction on RWD

Only Dakotas

I have been driving Dodge Dakotas since 1993, I have had 6, 4 new 2 used. Over 400k total. these trucks are bullet proof, very reliable stylish, very roomy in the quad cab back seat. the v6 & v8 both tow my large pop up camper with no problem. the Dakota is the perfect size it is not to small & not to large. my wife drives it more than her car. well I hope this little blurb helps you out. I look forward to my next one.

Best Truck I Ever Had

Sharp Looking ( RED ) Very Comfortable, No Problems just Standard Maintenance, Decent Mileage with 4.7 V8, 16 around Town 22 on trips

Great Truck!

I have the Quad Cab 4x4 4.7 v8. It is the best truck I have ever had, I have had no problems, and I can tow anything anywhere, and fit my whole family in it comfortably! It is a wonderful truck, and I would recommend everyone to own one.

2003 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab SLT+ 2WD 3.9L

The Dodge Dakota has been a great truck for me. I originally had a '90 Dakota that was still running great at 230,000 miles. Then I joined the Marine Corps and bought the '03 Quad Cab. The only problem I've had with it was a crack in a rubber hose for the fuel EVAP emissions system - a simple inexpensive repair. After sitting in a parking lot for 7 months while I was in Iraq (twice), it ran perfectly for me when I returned (as well as after 2 one month trips to AZ.) It gets me 18 MPG (mixed) and has reached 20MPG (hwy) several times. Bottom line - I love it! I see myself driving this 1 for years to come and probably nothing but Dakotas for the rest of my life.

Keep on Truckin'

This truck has been a steady performer. It is functional enough for light construction duty and family recreation. Our family of 3 + 1 large dog has found there is plenty of int. room and adequate cargo capacity for our road trips and camping outings. The ride is truck like, but without much road noise. There have been no major problems, but the broken emergency brake release lever and the poor seal around the gas intake pipe are annoying. The V6 provides pep and the transmission shifts smoothly. The gear shift on the steering column is a little tempermental and requires perfect placement before finding the right gear. Traction on wet pavement and snow is weak when the bed is empty.

8Cyl Auto, Great Truck

I love my Dakota slt 8cyl, auto quad cab. Interior has lots of room, have hauled 4 adults and a car seat. Fuel milage was a concern especially with a Magnum V8, but is better than I expected and as I put miles on it (2800 now) it's getting better. Average 19MPG. I came close to buying a Tacoma but am glad I got the dakota instead. I have pulled a trailer a couple of times with about 1500# cargo. Didn't even notice the difference in driving with the extra weight.

my red dodge

i own a 2003 dodge dakota quad cab sport with a magnum v8 engine, i found it necessary to purchase this vehicle because it offers the convience of a car and the capability of a truck. I currently owned a vw jetta, a great car but when you have a small child which in turn requires a stroller once you put that thing in the trunk there is no room for anything else. the only thing that is hard for me to get used to is spending more money on gas, i'm used to $20 per week not $60 therefore its gonna require me to update my budget. other than the low gas mileage the only thing i have to say is I LOVE MY TRUCK!!!!!!!!!

QUAD CAB PLEASURE

MY DAKOTA SLT QUAD CAB IS LOADED WITH ALL ANYONE WOULD WANT IN A SUV, LET ALONE A TRUCK. IT RIDES LIKE A CAR WITH THE GREAT VIEW AND COMFORT OF THE DRIVER'S 6 WAY POWER SEAT. I HAVE THE 5.9 LITER ENGINE AND I AM GETTING MUCH BETTER MILEAGE THAN THE REPORTS SAY, 16 CITY AND 20 HIGHWAY. I FIND NO FAULT AT ALL WITH THOSE NUMBERS FOR THE ABILITY TO TOW LIKE I CAN. IT IS ROOMY AND THE LEATHER BUCKET SEATS MAKE IT EVEN MORE A PLEASURE TO RIDE IN DURING A LONG TRIP. DODGE HAS A GEM IN THE DAKOTA AND IT SHOWS. I AM EXTREMELY HAPPY WITH MY DODGE QUAD CAB AND IT IS ALL I EXPECTED AND MORE.

the truck that still looks like a truck

nothing but fun to drive.

Avoid 4.7 V8 engine!!!

I've had my truck for almost 6 years and have loved it until now. Over the past 6 months I've had to replace thermostat (not a huge deal) then the radiator and now I'm told the 4.7 V8 engine has a possible blown head gasket with only 88,000 miles. After finding this out I've read NUMEROUS accounts of the same problem with this engine.

My 4.7 MAGNUM V-8 QUAD CAB 2000

Have had my quad cab for almost 3 years now, Have had no problems with my as of now. Only thing to mention is a slight ruff idle when cold weather sets in, lasts only about 3 seconds. now have 25,000 mi on it, The 4.7 V-8 has been a very good motor, the performance of this truck is awesome. Reminds me of driving my 69 Superbee back in High School. When I first test drove the 4.7 quad,from a dead stop it put down 15 feet of rubber. WOW I did not expect that, the smile on my face was enough to sell me. Only thing that bugs me is the poor gas milage, 13 mpg average city and highway. But this is more then likely due to my heavy foot. Can't help it. It's too fun.

red truck

I've had a blast with this truck and without any mechanical problems so far. It's fun to drive and I can get my family of 6 in the quad cab without a problem. Adults might be a little tight in the back seat. The AWD handles great but is always thirsty for gas. The 4.7 L V-8 is a great sized engine for this truck.

Dodge Dakota

First pickup I've owned and very satisfied, has great pickup for getting on interstates and gas mileage isn't bad, can compare to Chevy S-10 Blazer I had traded in. It has the 4.7 230 hp engine, has the short bed but really didn't need more than that for my needs. GREAT TRUCK !!

!st big trip

1st off I have the 4.7 5/auto- Just finished a 2950 mile trip towing a 4000lb travel trailer.No problems what so ever with the Dakota.Gas milage @ 11mpg and didn't burn 1 drop of oil. What else can I say other that I'm pleased with it.Solo mix is 18mpg.

2003 Dakota QC 2WD 4.7L 5-45RFE

Excellent truck after 4,500 miles. Other than for minor paint imperfections in the a few areas, there has been no problems. This unit has an automatic transmission with 3.92 drive ratio; hence, harder on gas than with a 3.55 ratio. IMHO, wish the option of the Power Tech 4.7L HO engine was available. Price of added options are a little high.

my truck

it is the best truck i've owned.the power is unbeliveable,i drive the one with the 4.7 liter V-8.i tow my 7x14 trailer with no problem and also my two kids and wife aslo can enjoy the (TRUCK) as we call it do to it's comfort all i have left to say is i love my truck!

Nice lookin' truck

Bought after Toyota dealership got stupid dealing for a Tacoma. Love the rugged look of the quad. While the interior isn't 100% as nice as others, it's still a comfortable place to do business. Like the wide-open rear doors! CD player didn't work upon arrival, but was taken care of under warranty.

So far so good

At this point and with limited miles, I have only one complaint. The mileage has not imporved since the day I drove it off the lot. 12/13 mpg local and 14/15 highway. I do have the 5.9 V-8 in a 4X4 but I feel this is still quite low.

Fun Truck

I bought the truck from a private owner with 63,000 miles on it. Starts and rides like a new vehicle. Only problem I found was a warped front brake disk. Since grinding it no more clicks. Use it every day and sometimes overloaded, full or empty runs all the same. Fuel efficency is lousy (14 mpg) and A/C only cools to 48 F, which is within specs but in summery Florida we need all the cooling you can get. Overall highly satisfied

Should have bought a Tacoma

I was so close to getting a Tacoma and now I wish I had. Gas guzzling and noisy truck with bad fit.

Can't wait to trade

Bought it as a 2001 in late 2000. 4 months later, 3 trips to dlr to correct bad suspension bushings. Gas economy horrible. Brake discs failed 2X in first 12K miles.Transfer case failed in woods at inopportune time,1000 to repair @49K miles. Rear end now clunks and noticable vibration at highway since repair, dealer says it's ok. Still has loud graunch over modest bumps, now has loud rattles in suspension over small bumps. Can't wait to get rid of it.

Great truck

Dakota Quad 4x4 with 4.7l V8

After looking at the Ford Explorer Sport-Trac and other quad cabs, this is definately the BEST (even better than the Toyota!). Plenty of power with the 4.7l V8 (but gas milage is only acceptable). Fun to drive, very comfortable for family of 4. Great quality control (due to Mercedes Benz) and I got it $10,000 cheaper than a F- 150 SuperCrew! Great dealer (Fitzgerald Auto Mall) and I am very happy with Dodge's customer relations! Highly Recommended if this is the type of vehicle you need!

im very happy so far

quad cab, 4.7 ,5 speed auto ,limited slip diff ,towing package ,16 tires and 11 inch rotors front and back, anti lock breaks,lower gear ratio,e upgrade stero w 6CD player,

Dakota Quad Cab 4x4 with 4.7 V8

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.

4.7 ltr Dak Sport

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

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.

Great truck

Overall an excellent truck.I actually have a 4.7 liter V8 Dakota

Good truck

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!

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.

Excellent Exciting Truck

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.

Dakota Quad/SLT+/4.7 with 5-45FRE Tranny

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.

Best "Compact" truck around

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

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

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.

Dakota drives and tows just fine

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.

Kickin Butt Truck

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

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).

Happy so far

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.

Wishing we could keep it!

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

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.

This truck makes me smile 😃

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.

What a dog!!

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.