Used 2004 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.
Computer malfunction
suQ, 07/31/2004
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Within a week of owning the truck, I noticed the automatic was shifting "funny". Around 40-50 mph there was "missing" after shifting into the higher gear. (could put the pedal to the floor and no increased power)It went back to the dealer, in the shop for nearly two weeks. Results were Dodge had a computer problem, no idea when it could be fixed. Dealer admitted several other V-6s on the lot had the same problem. No help from the manufactuer. Went to trade it in on a V- 8, dealer tried to make us take a hit of $4,200 negative equity for truck we had less than 3 weeks.(with two weeks in the shop) They put the defective truck back on the lot and sold it!
great truck
dakota, 01/29/2004
2004 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab SLT Rwd SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is a great truck. It has ample room for 6 children or 4 large adults. It is great for carrying christmas trees, football equipment, etc. I would recommend it to anyone that asked me.
2004 Dodge Dakota for sale near you
Showing 3 of 47 listings
- SLT Regular CabMSRP: $8,490132 mi away
- SLT Quad CabMSRP: $4,999180 mi away
- SXT Club CabMSRP: $9,900272 mi away
See all 47 listings
Great long lastingvrid
Romm romm, 08/13/2017
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT Plus 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
2004 with 210,000 miles and running like day one
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
47k mile review
teejay, 05/24/2008
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Well after 47k miles I thought I needed to write another review. So far this truck has performed like a champ. I do perform my preventative maintenance without exception. I changed the transmission fluid to synthetic @ 36k miles and the rear differential fluid to royal purple synthetic at the same time. I just changed my sparks plugs and cleaned my throttle body. I also put new ceramic breaks pads on @ 40k miles. I hope to get 200k out of it. I also use Mobil one synthetic oil every since 10k miles.
Nice Truck but Concerned
ChuckM, 02/27/2004
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab Sport Plus 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought the truck brand new as a leftover. Had 23 miles on it. I use my truck for people hauling since I am in the Real Estate Business. So Far I have no complaints about the truck. I actually LOVE IT! The thing that concerns me is the Ball Joint Problem. I wish they would do a Recall on this problem now instead of waiting for more front tires to fall off causing someone to get injured or killed. They would put a lot of people's minds to rest knowing that the tires will remain where they belong, on the truck!
2nd Dakota better than 1st
ArtD, 06/12/2004
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT Plus 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I totaled my 2002 Dakota and in less than a week had a new 2004. Love the truck, love the Quad Cab, very comfortable to ride in. The Dakota just fits me like a glove. I got the 4.7 Magnum, would like to see the Hemi in the Dakota, I think the Hemi gets better gas mileage. Love the All Wheel drive. I use it like a truck ,I don't baby it at all. I can haul a full 4x8 sheet of ply wood in it with the tail gate down. I have also had over 1 ton of stone in it .
It's a truck I'll miss
2lman, 03/18/2008
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab Sport 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Just traded in our 2004 Dakota Quad Cab 4x4 w/4.7L V8. The only reason why, poor gas mileage. Other than that we love this truck, super super reliable! We bought it new, put 42k on it and only had to put on new tires and change fluids as recommended. No problems at all and would have kept it but with the kids all in school now, my wife wants to back to school and finish her degree and the school is about 45 miles away and with only getting 12 mpg cty and hwy, we did get 14 mpg once with a strong tail wind, when we tow our boat it was 10 mpg maybe 11 mpg. We are all going to miss this truck!!!!!! We bought an 08 Jeep Liberty to replace it.
Can't go wrong here...
Anchorsaweigh, 05/23/2005
2004 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab SXT 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Stepped down from a 2001 Ram 1500 4X4 to something that wouldn't cost me $100 per week in gas. Runs quiet, smooth, and handles very well. Smooth shifting and transitioning to 4WD. Dash layout and ergonomics well thought out. Excellent fuel economy, although I had expected better. But, 20MPG sure beats the heck out of 11MPG any day of the week. The 3.7L V-6 has a lot of pep and powers up when you need it. I would recommend this vehicle.
Great truck and has never let me down
Califroff, 01/24/2009
2004 Dodge Dakota 2dr Regular Cab SXT Rwd SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Owned this truck for almost 5 years, 115,000 miles. Still get 20 mpg on trips, 16 mpg in traffic. Except for tires, lube, fluid changes,and one taillight, have never had a thing that needed fixing. Still have the original battery. Parks outdoors 100% of the time and driven every other day. I over load it frequently and had it stuck so bad a front loader CAT had to lift me out. V6 and transmission just keep going. Better truck that the 1998 Dakota I owned previously. Interior has held up well and is still more comfortable than the Colorado or Rangers I've tried.
FUN AND POWERFULL TRUCK
STEVE d, 06/02/2004
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT Plus 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
GREAT TRUCK PULLS STRONG, IS FAST WITH THE 4.7 V8 ,18 MPG LOOKS REAL COOL AND IS THE BEST TRUCK i'VE EVER OWNED....FORD SUCKS
owned olded models + this 2004
pedersen, 12/23/2003
2004 Dodge Dakota 2dr Regular Cab SXT Rwd SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
this truck has a good all around use, has power and fun to drive. This truck is not for long drives if your tall.
I love this truck!
Neddis, 07/04/2004
2004 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab SLT Plus 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is the best truck I have ever driven. I picked it up real cheap too. I love the power of the V8. The payload and towing specs are great. The only problem is the gas mileage. I can't complain though since it's a beefy V8. You can really feel the 295 lb/ft. of torque when you hit the gas. I really like that this truck fills the gap between the "mini" trucks and fullsize. All of the features are great. I got the SLT Plus with all the bells and whistles. I coulnd't have asked for a better truck.
fun truck
fst4dr, 01/10/2004
2004 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab Sport Plus 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck because it was bigger than the S-10s and rangers ect. but not too big. The 4.7 V8 is a great engine and has plenty of power. Opting for the 5 spd manual and 3.92 gears like I did makes it really fun to drive.
Great Truck!!!
Duckman, 01/22/2004
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SXT 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my truck right before the big snow storm hit my city. Most of the city was snowed in for a few days, but not me in my new Dodge. I have the quad cab, so I loaded up the family and we went all over just for the fun of it. It really is a great truck!
Best Truck on the Market
M , 07/31/2004
2004 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab SLT Plus 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have a 4.7 V8 4WD 2002 Dakota. It is the best truck I have ever driven, it has a cab on it and rides and feels like an SUV, but does the work of a truck. I had a Tacoma before this and thought I had the best truck on the market, but the Dakota has the feel of a full size truck for the price of a small size. The interior has an excellent design. I do volunteer EMS and Fire and the truck is perfectly outfitted for this type of work and the V8 has plenty of power to take you wherever you need to go. I added a Tornado Air and have seen a slight improvement in gas mileage.
Excellent truck!!
terry jenkins, 01/01/2006
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
20k miles now and havent had to take back to dealer one time! Rides like a car and has adequate power for commuting. It pulls my 17ft bass boat with ease. Gas mileage not too bad with v-6, I improved it to 23 overall by adding k&n filter and using synthetic oil. I hope to keep this truck along time so reliability is extremely important and time will tell if it can go the distance that I expect from my vehicles??? Good value for the money. A Toyota Tacoma with similar options would have been 5k more!!
My dream truck
BCDodger, 12/27/2003
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT Plus Rwd SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've onlt had it for a month, but I love everything about it! There is plenty of room, for my family of six. The ride is great! The looks are AAA! Overall the truck was very much worth the price!
Love this truck! I still have it!
JD, 09/24/2018
updated 03/25/2020
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT Plus Rwd SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
More comfort and dependability than my cars!Purchased in 06!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
My Truck
dafenderman, 09/04/2004
2004 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab SXT Rwd SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Grat vehicle. Has helped out immeasureably in the hurricane season
LUV MY DAKOTA
ORANGE1, 02/16/2004
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SXT 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
MY DAKOTA HAS ROOM FOR 4 BIG ADULTS EAZY. W/FOLD UP SEATS IT HAS ROOM TO SPARE. RIDE IS SMOOTH AND QUICK PLUS I GET 16.5 TO 17 MPG. NICE PLUS
Gas Mileage
Pep, 08/25/2008
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This has been one great truck. Never been in the shop except for tires and rotation.
great
Craig N. Roberts, 09/18/2004
2004 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab Rwd SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Best truck i have Ever Bought
American Made
squidward20, 09/20/2004
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SXT 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I looked to purchase this vehicle after I realized the Toyota Tacoma was too rich for my blood. I am very happy with the engine power and build quality. Plenty of storage in this vehicle. I feel that the ride of the Dakota is very carlike as opposed to the Tacoma which drives like a truck. Would recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants a great value for the money.
Love My Truck?
madmadwizard, 09/20/2004
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I considered many trucks of many makes, styles and sizes. The Dakota met my family/hobby/work needs best so I found the right one and bought it. I've owned it for nearly a year now and I have no regrets. The 4.7L Magnum mill pushes just the right amount of power while the 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes unfailingly reel that power back. My family of five can comfortably make longish journeys in it while the HWY mileage doesn't kill our finances. The 4X4 grabs the ground nicely!
Great Truck
EmersonC, 11/30/2004
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab Sport Plus 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
With the exception of the trans/engine "stutter" between 45 and 58 in OD, the truck handles and drives great. So fun to drive, and everytime i see an open field or a big mud hole, i cant help but want to drive in it. Have never gotten stuck once. Interior is not overly done, but not plain. Very reliable, only problem i had was with the O2 sensors when i first got it. None sense.
Love This Truck!
Mark, 10/05/2005
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab Sport 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I was skeptical when I let my wife talk me into this - I was looking for a high gas mileage import. She knew I'd always liked the looks. Once I drove it I was hooked. I have the 4.7 V8 & 5sp. I average 17/gal for my commute and 19+ on the road (my best is 19.85). Great for this truck. I have had nothing but great experience from my dealer. I had a heater hose leak (there was a service bulletin on it) and they offered to replace the carpet if I wanted! I am now getting into a carpool because of the gas prices, but I NEED the truck. It is a great vehicle. Easy & fun to drive and comfortable on the road. The family likes it better than anything else we've owned.
none
mikey2222, 03/17/2004
2004 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab SXT Rwd SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Amazing truck very smooth ride, more than enough than needed power, great features, great all around truck
Engine Replacement
roguedogg420, 03/26/2008
2004 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab SXT 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I can't believe that no one else mentioned this. After 16,000 the check engine light came on...brought the truck back to the dealership who told me the head was cracked. Ordered a new head (took a month) and it was replaced. 2 days later check engine light is back on and vehicle has no compression. Engine had to be replaced (took a month because they were on backorder due to several similar cases). New engine has a constant ticking sound. Saw another Dakota owner who told me the SAME THING HAPPENED TO HIS!!! 2 Dakotas in the same area!!!
proud owner
kflack, 03/20/2004
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
the best truck for the money
Versitile truck
Wilgey, 11/29/2006
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab Sport Plus 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This truck is all around value. It's great for weekend projects or that all important camping trip. Plenty of cargo room and with optional roof racks hauling longer items is a simple task.
Can't beat a Dodge
Gatorman, 01/17/2009
2004 Dodge Dakota 2dr Regular Cab SXT Rwd SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've own this little truck for 4 years now and been from Ga to Tx many times. Me being in the military and all. Only problem I have had is tires and that because I run them off going back and forth to Texas. Won't trade my truck for a Ford, Chevy or GMC.
Fun Truck
vols, 09/25/2003
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We use it like and USV which is what we had, but this rides so much better.
Dakota Quad cab 4x4 slt plus W/4.7 mag 8
Scarecrow, 11/15/2003
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT Plus 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love this truck! I opted for the 4.7 magnum V8. It has plenty of power. But I whish it got a little better gas mileage. Maybe if it didn't have all wheele drive it would do a little better. Although I haven't had it for a winter yet. I think I will be glad I got the all Wheel drive.
2004 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4WD SLT
William Ryan, 07/12/2006
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
If I could get 10 more MPG out of this truck I would be happy. I love everything about it. If you live in a cold climate and you buy a Dakota Quad I would suggest getting the rear window defogger instead of the sliding rear window - you probably won't use the slider that much anyway.
What a truck!
bmurphy, 04/19/2004
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I considered the Chevy Clorado and the Ford Ranger. I even considered an extended cab Tundra. The Dodge Dakota is the perfect mid-size truck. It fits in my limited garage space and fills the highway. I loaded my truck up with leather and all the amenities but located such a truck with the five- speed manual transmission instead of an automatic. Part of the fun of driving a truck is shifting. Try a Dakota. You won't be disappointed.
Favorite Dodge So Far
marki, 05/03/2005
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab Sport Plus 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my third Dodge. First had a 96 Ram 1500, then a 02 Dakota. Now have the 04 Dakota. Love everything about it. It's got the V8 with a 5 speed manual transmission. Way more power than the V6, and almost identical gas mileage. Spacious but not too big. Perfect for city or highway driving.
Best in show and best in Class
Ron7405, 11/16/2003
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab Sport Plus 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We bought the 4x4 4 door 5.9 dakota since we have owned it we have only had one problem with the truck ( Starter ) failed after 22.000 miles but other than that the truck keeps getting up and up it is a true sport when it comes to the bad weather and snow I guess that is why it is called a sport.
Perfect Size and performance
aggiedude, 05/14/2004
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Been a Nissan driver for over 10yrs then decided I wanted something bigger. Bought a 2003 Silverado and just felt like I was in a tank so decided to give a Dodge Dakota (never owned a Dodge before) a shot. Drove it, loved it, bought it, and could NOT be happier with it.Best truck I ever bought and service from the dealer is beyond 100%. Plenty of room for 4 full size adults and could fit 5 w/o too much hassle. Also love the "regular" rear doors versus the Chevy's extended cab doors. I highly recommend this truck but go with the V8 for better performance and resale value in the future.
Pretty neat
ordinaryguy, 03/02/2009
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab Sport Plus Rwd SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've got 48k on mine. Other than a recall for an O2 sensor an a plugged AC filter- no prob. Orig Goodyears still solid. Brakes solid. Fun solid. This thing will haul just about everything and in style. Ride and handling is a lot better than my last GMC. I agree with the quirky tranny shifting. Keep it out of OD in city driving and it will behave better. I get 18 city no problemo after I applied this method. Love the truck!
Dream Truck
SSN719, 06/25/2004
2004 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab SLT 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Everything I've Always Wanted
Dodge Quad Cab 5.7 8cyl
Bryan Orange Park , 01/24/2004
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT Plus Rwd SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have enjoy'd the truck as a hole , but worried about the upper ball joint problem, I have taken it to the deal and of course they find nothing wrong , but there is a popping sound when i turn the wheel, I see future problems in that area for Dodge. I only drive about 9,000 miles a year.
Great truck, buy the extra warranty
Mike Jewett, 02/07/2006
2004 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab SLT 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Everything about the truck, performance-wise, is top-notch. Power, handling, towing, cargo capacity, etc. MPG is 12-15, but it's a truck, not a Camry. Easier to park than a full-size, but hauls just as much. 4x4 works great, even if the ground clearance is minimal. The only things to consider before buying are cost issues, namely gas and maintenance. It weighs 4500LBS, so you'll replace brake pads every 25K. Fill up the tank every 200 -250mi. Also, find a nice 5-star dealer. I've seen a lot of reviews knocking Dodge dealers, and, just like any business, some will be good, some will be lame. Also, it's really worth it to roll an 85K warranty into your finance plan.
Nice Truck
jbgrandslammer, 10/01/2004
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT Plus Rwd SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Nice Truck fun to drive. Would like to see better gas milage. Also would like to see lower prices. I,ve owned fords and chevys so far this one is the best.
6 cylinder misfire
Maurice Thomas, 03/31/2008
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab Sport Rwd SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
The check engine light comes on about the #6 cylinder misfires. Engine is losing pressure. I found 2 others with the same problem in their 04 Dakota.
Great Mid/Full Size Truck
Christopher, 05/15/2007
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab Sport 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is my first pickup and I couldn't be happier! The power, reliablity, comfort, style, rugged build is everything I wanted out of a truck. I test drove and researched a year before this purchase and I chose correctly! I like this truck far more than the new design! If you're a bigger person the Dakota is the way to go. Not quite full size but definitely bigger than the competition. I love it!
Love this truck!
Christopher, 05/31/2005
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab Sport Plus 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've driven it in all weather conditions, on and off road, and it has taken it in stride. I moved to Florida and packed the biggest U-haul trailer to the gills and put my motorcycle in the bed. I think I could have added on another trailer full! The convenience of the four doors makes it even better. It's too bad Dodge made the new one so ugly!
04 Dakota Quad Sport Auto
DakotaBoy, 05/15/2004
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab Sport Rwd SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Nice overall truck if you dont mind it sitting at the dealership while it gets fixed. Great size, somewhat comfortable. 1200 miles total AC not working rear factory tint bubbling/peeling Ball Joints are bad
My Dak 97
My 97 Dak, 05/31/2004
2004 Dodge Dakota 2dr Club Cab SLT Plus Rwd SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Exciting to drive, my favorae toy, realy enjoyed this vehickle. Another party came left of center and totaled this 97 Dakota, party went to sleep.
Great Truck
tjbh, 08/15/2004
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT Plus Rwd SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great truck, I should have bought one a long time ago!
So far so good!
horn1, 08/22/2004
2004 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT Plus Rwd SB (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good experience with buying....Sticker Price was $25,600, but I got them down to $16,500 after negotiation and rebates. Awesome deal! I love the look of the truck and it has good power for a V6. Lots of Room inside. Hope it is reliable!