Used 2004 Dodge Dakota Consumer Reviews
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My Dakota
Bought trk new, no major problems, fun to drive, water pump replaced but thats it, replaced the rotors and pads at 70,000 miles, installed vented and cross drilled rotors and pads , big diff in stopping,
Love my Dakota!
I love this truck. I have the 4.7 V-8 with 110k on it and it keeps up with the big trucks with no problem. It handles better than all other trucks I have driven. It's very roomy and I was surprised with the amount of room it has in the back seat with the quad cab! 4x4 is great, I've already pulled out a jeep and an s-10 out of the mud. My only complaint is the fuel milage. I get about 14.5 mpg combined city and highway. It's better than most full size trucks though. If you want a truck that has the compactness of a mid size truck, but the power and capability of a full size truck, get the Dodge Dakota.
- Base Club CabMSRP: $4,99995 mi away
- SLT Quad CabMSRP: $8,684164 mi away
- SLT Quad CabMSRP: $5,997209 mi away
My Smooth Dakota
I've had my 2004 Dodge Dakota for 13 years haven't gave me any trouble handle against other trucks. good with towing capacity is wonderful when I move. this truck has Powerful speed for a magnum 3.7 v6 I'm not going to sale or get rid of mine it Don't burn that much gas I've Recently got it painted Back to The same Color.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Love it
Our Dakota is a great medium sized truck. The towing capacity is more then adequate for our little trailer. I know much has been said about the fuel economy of the 3.7 litre but I have to say that we get 20-21 around town ans 24-25 on the highway. We keep it at 65MPH. Do wonder about the OD on the transmission; under 50 and on hills at that speed I feel it performs better with the OD off.Comfortable and solid drive!
My Blue Beastie the 04 Dakota 4.7 5 speed 4X4.
Before the Canyon and Colorado there was only Dodge's Dakota. I bought mine used since then it has been through the ringer. Still roars when prodded,nimble when needed and a brute in torque that is able to pull the eye teeth out of a medium Dinosaur!! A very capable grocery getter and docile enough to get to church on time.
Still Goin Strong
Have now had my 2004 Dakota Quad Cab 4x4, V8 for nearly 4 years. Still loving it. It's fun, reliable, comfortable, handy to haul stuff, plenty of power etc. I don't know why others complain about the fuel - I consistently get over 20mpg on the highway. Usually 22 mpg. My 2002 Dakota w/ the V6 did the same but it was dangerously gutless! I do yearly maintenance & have had no problems. (My 2002 Dakota V6 had several recalls & other issues!) I love this truck & will not get rid of him for a long, long time!
Great Vehicle
My Dodge Dakota has been a pleasure to own. The ride and handling is excellent. I have put on over 10000 miles in the 7 months I have owned this vehicle and have no complaints other than the fuel consumption, but buying a 4WD, 4.7L V8 you have to expect not to get the best fuel economy. I live in Chesapeake, VA and drive 19 miles to work in heavy traffic and I get on average 17 miles to the gallon.
Power steering 2004 Dodge Dakota 2004
At 53,000 miles the power steering has gone out, I have been told it will cost between $450.00 and $1500. If both p/s pump and rack are shot. I feel with only 53,000 miles and all the problems I have seen on the Internet this problem should be taken care of by the factory.
Power Steering Failure
At 55,000 miles, the power steering has failed, just like TAJL's. I'm getting it inspected and I notified the dealer of the problem. I purchased the extended warranty (it has come in handy), so it should be taken care of with a $100 deductible. The cable for the power window failed last year. I shut the door, and the window fell down. Is this a common problem for these trucks?
Great truck for the money
Recommend buying this truck (SXT version) if you are on a budget and want something bigger than a true compact size truck. Great initial pick up and a fun drive. Plenty of space, great style and no mechanical problems to date. Enough space in the back seating area of the club cab version for kids. Light hauling has been great. AC kicks in the cool air without a problem when it gets hot.
Very Pleased
I love my Dakota! Nice and powerful and throaty sounding 3.7L V6. Towing my 17' boat is a breeze. 18,000 miles and no problems. It handles great and is very comfortable ride for a pickup. Road noise and wind noise is a little more than I would have liked, and factory stereo (Non Infinity) is a joke. Worst factory stereo I've heard on a modern vehicle. I have replaced the speakers and head unit and added a small Bazooka sub. Otherwise, I'm very pleased with this truck!
Too many problems
I have just turned 40k and have had too many problems. At 8k a cam sensor went bad, at 24 k the fan heating motor went out in January. At 40k cam sensor went bad again, and the wiring harness for the fan heating motor melted. the last one cost me $500 in repairs.
i luv the dakota
I have a 04 dakota quad cab 4wd i bought it with 50000 miles now i am at 80000 and it starts like new drives like new it is great i put a boss sport duty 7ft plow and the v-8 has no prob hanging with the big trucks i have a easier time in tight spots and i would recomend this truck because as a mid size truck it is a work horse better then the chevy and ford smal truck all together i love my dakota
BUYER BEWARE!
@ 869 miles "check engine" light went on. Downstream O2 sensor replaced at dealer. Lite on again @ 1450 miles & STILL ON! Told by service manager its a 'bug' in computer software & Chrysler is aware of it & they will call when theres a fix. Good luck! Still have dead '93 Daytona I could't sell w/leaking seals on rebuilt engine that was fixed 6 times (finally gave up)after original engine blew. Now ANOTHER Dodge w/ LITTLE RESALE $. Can't file lemon law since not fixed 4 times-just NOT! Beware-check NHTSA & CBS news for early balljoint failure! So much for a warranty.If u find u have a problem, its also easy for DMC to claim "its normal" or disregaurd your complaint.
First impressions
Just bought my '04 from the orig owner with less than 22K miles on it. 4.7 V- 8, 5 speed auto, optioned out with most everything except for some reason, no power seat. It's a quad cab 2WD with 3.55 antislip rear axle. I've only put about 500 miles on it so far, but can say that I'm impressed with the ride, the engine, everything. Getting 19.5 mpg in mixed city/freeway driving (30/70), and this little 4.7 will flat get out and fly if you want it to. Of course, my reported gas mileage is obtained by using that power sparingly. Exhaust has a resonance right at 1700 rpm (60 mph in 5th) that I don't like; you can sense it in other gears as well as you pass through that rpm.
04 Dakota 4.7 V8
The quality seems to be good recomend getting limited slip rear end, goes good with sand bags in back in snow. Have optional wheel package Goodyear Eagles are to noisey. V8 very strong gas mileage not the best but will pull load well. Seats are comfy [front buckets]. Drove the V6 and it had plenty of power bought this one because of stronger motor and load capacity. Overall I have owned Rangers and S10's this is by far the best compact truck made by the big 3 automakers.
best truck
great handleing good price classy look
My used Dakato 2007 v8
I bought this truck used and it had probably bee en in a rear end wreck but it didn't impact the car so i didn't care, it has a v8 4.7 and its so far been an awesome truck, i didst expect much but right now for how cheap it was its been a total bargain and its gone tons of power and looks great. The gas mileage is criminal but i use it to haul toys rarely and sometimes to and from work 5 miles so for me its ok, the v8 power doing 80 up hill towing passing the Nissans and toyatas going 45 is awesome.
love it
I have a 2004 dakota with the 4.7 v8 it has a lot of power towing wise its great i pulled 12,000 pounds and the truck doesn't struggle at all. But i have a problem with the window when you close it it will fall and not go back up dose this happened to a lot of people with this truck? But I can tell you its the best truck so far I had it has 147,000 miles on it and it still runs like a beast. But gas wise it drinks a lot but if you drive on the highway it will do great I drove it to new jersey and I only filled up 3 times and I was pulling a trailer so I can say that its a awesome truck and I love driving it.
Don't buy one
It is in the shop every other month for something different. Loose wires, catalytic converter, ignition, name it and it goes wrong. I won't buy another one and as soon as I can I will trade this one in. I can't trust it to get me anywhere.
A fair truck, but not great.
I bought my truck new July 2004 and loved it. Loved my truck until it reached 104k miles. After that my transmission went bad. I was told by a mechanic who specializes in transmissions that the Dakota has the same engine as the Dodge Caravan. It's not made for towing anything more than a couple thousand pounds. As a matter of fact I am on my third transmission and it's untrustworthy. There is a noticeable "clunk" when it shifts from 1st to 2nd gear. Also had to replace both front hubs as the both froze up and wouldn't turn. Up until 100k miles this was a good truck. After that everything is breaking down. I do regular maintenance on the truck; oil changes and all that. Gas mileage SUCKS, less than 15 MPG.
I REGRET
Has a rattles from under the dash that the dealer can't seem to locate. Very poor fit and finish. Front brakes squeel no matter what the dealer does.
Get crome rt rims if you can.
The 4.7 is a beast almost to 180k and only needed a water pump (easy job) and upper and lower hoses. I would recommend to anyone. Even a late model.
- Safety
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Better than my Silverado
Former Nissan Frontier driver for 10yrs then decided I wanted a bigger truck. Went shopping and ended up with an 03 Silverado. Was a little bigger than I wanted,so went shopping for trucks again and ended up with the 04 Dakota SLT with the 4.7 V8 and LOVE it..Performance is awesome, comfort is fantastic, and overall driving is great. It does like gas stations but no more than most V6's in general and got 17.5mpg on my 1st 400mile trip so not complaining. Test drive them all, find a good dealer and you'll fall in love with the Dakota. Not as many "gadgets" as the Silverado but just as comfy and just like the looks better. Hope this helps ya.
2004 Dodge Dakota Sport Quad Cab V-8
This is my first new dodge. So far i am nothing but impressed. I have only put 550 miles on it, had it 3 days. I bought the V-8,had trucks with v-6 didn't like the power. Let me tell you i love the V-8 power, four full size doors and it looks awesome. Rides great on the highway, not much wind noise.The only thing i can see as a drawback to this truck is the gas mileage. First tank 12mpg. If this gets better i will be truly happy with my first dodge.
Couldn't be happier
I bought this truck 4 years ago and haven't had one single problem in 25,000 miles. Not a hiccup! This truck has great power and excellent interior size. I get compliments all the time on the power and overall build quality of this truck. It does ride like a truck, duh, but it's a solid ride that inspires confidence. This truck also handles corners with ease, it's even a 4 wheel drive! I would love to try out a R/T version!! My dad has an Avalanche and I would take this truck over his any day...so would he! The Dakota also does great offroad, I've been wheelin a lot in this truck. The only bad thing is gas mileage, but it's a V8 and I have a little lower gearing. It's a truck!
Does its job
Wanted a Toyota Tacoma crew cab, but settled for the Dakota, and glad I did. The Tacoma does not have the room the Dakota has nor does it have the power. Happy with the Dakota, bought it used and wish I would have looked for one with more features.
Perfect Compromise between a Truck & SUV
I have only had my Dakota for a few months, but I can definitely say that I am impressed. The 4.7 v8 has plenty of power and gets better gas mileage than the 5.2 v8 that I had traded in. The short bed is perfect for hauling most items, and the interior is well thought out and comfortable.
Great
Have not had it long but ride and handling are great for this size pickup.
Great for trailer towing & fun
My wife and I have a 26-ft travel trailer we pull 4-5,000 miles per year. This truck is great. Also, driving around town is fun. No mechanichal problems or warranty issues. This truck is our 4th Dakota and we plan to have many more.
The best mid-sized truck
High off the ground with bulging tires, powerful V-6, smooth riding, great handling it feels like a 25K$-30K$ truck. SHHHH! I only payed 20,300$ (this includes tax tags and tite) and I was out the door for this truck. You couldn't beat that with a bat! I'm happy
Great Truck
This truck performed beyond expectations and is comfortable to drive. Great truck except for the poor fuel efficiency
Winter Mustang
After researching, just bought this off-lease from Mopar dealer. 2004's were built during Daimler "marriage," so let's hope for decent quality/reliability. Apparently, 4.7 L Magnum is only 5% thirstier than sluggish V6. I bought this 4x4, as I store my '06 Mustang (from harsh salt, Canadian winters). Box will come in handy for Reno projects, too. May add cat-back exhaust for better sound & fuel economy. Recent combined, stop 'n go Toronto traffic + 120 km/hr (70 mph) highway yielded 17.6 imperial mpg. Really didn't want/need full size p/u. Rangers/S10/etc, is too small in rear (ok for small kids), Dakota just right size. 1/2 price of Nissan/Toyota V6 Quad. Local driving, so $1.00 a liter, is ok
A lot of truck for the money.
The truck rides very smooth and comfortable, for a truck. It also handles really well in the snow, in 4 wheel drive, and does not suck up the gas. I had a 2001 Dakota with the smaller tires and rims which created spinning wheels all the time, my new Dakota has the bigger rims and tires and was definitely a worth while investment. Over all the truck is fun to drive, costs about the same price as a decent car but is a lot safer.
I love it!!!!!!!!11
WOW what can i say that has not aready been said.. it is fun to drive all kinds of power lots of room and good on gas all you could ever what to have in a pick up i looked at a lot of pickup's before buying this one like the chevy colarodo it can not hold a candel next to my dakota i would recamend it to everone
Very happy
This is our second Dakota, and very happy. 1st was a 2002 and am even happier with the 2004. Has needed no work other than normal maintenance and has always given me all the power I could need or want. There is tons of room in quad cab. We have two car seats in there with no problems and the back (with a cap) is great for towing strollers and such. Have fit three car seats, but wouldn't for everyday use. Truck still has lots of power for when we need to use it as a truck though. Have towed many things includling 15ft boats and even small exacvators with no problem. Nice to have a mid size for when you need the power sometimes but not everyday to justify a full-size.
Great Price, Great Truck, Thanks Dodge
Sold my F250 Crew Diesel. Just too big. Looked for a long time at Colorado and Dakota. The 5 cylinder and small sieze put me off of Chevy. I have the 4.7 with the 5 speed Auto, 4x4 Crew. What a great truck, a welcome change from the big ford. MSRP was 29,595. I got it at dealer cost 27,200, then Dodge gave me 4500 cash back. Solid feel, great engine, big cab and bed. Fun to drive, easy to park, good on the highway. If you drive easy gas milage is good. Good luck on your search.
My 2004 Dakota
This is a great automotive marriage of the 2004 Dodge Dakota 4x4 Quad-cab that we just purchased on Saturday 4/24/2004. There is plenty of room [like a full-size car] that seat 6 yet the versitility of the truck. We have the Magumn V8 in ours and I am glad for the power, for towing our boat to the lake. The entire truck is all power equipment inside. The ride is superior to any automobile and you don't know that it is a 4x4 pickup.
Dodge.....trucks for real men
This truck begins with outstanding street looks and a size that will fool the unschooled into thinking it is a full-size truck. Pull up to a chevy full size regular cab and you even have him thinking that his truck has shrunk. Open the door, sit in the driver's bucket seat and turn the key. The 4.7 V-Eight begins to talk to you and rumble...ahhhhh how I love the sound. You put it in gear and its like a big dog pulling you faster than you want to go. All 230 horses are just waiting impatiently to be let loose. Forget Toyota.........this is really OH WHAT A FEELING...................
51k mile review
Well here I am again. After over 4 years of ownership and 51k miles I have to say I still am happy. With the economy in the tank like it is I am most likely going to run this truck till the wheels fall off. I plan on getting 200k maybe even 300k out of it. Skeptical you say? Well I have a car right now with 283k on it and I drive it most everyday. I am a maintenance engineering supervisor for the federal government. So you know that I take care of my stuff and so should you! So far only had to go back to the dealership once, and that was to replace a bad speaker on the passenger side. So not bad so far!
gas mileage stinks!
Love the truck except for the gas mileage. I average 11 mpg in town, and 15mpg on the road. This is with the 4.7 v8 and automatic trans. I really like the way the rear doors open to almost 90 degrees, makes access very easy. The truck drives and rides very well and is easily parked, even for my wife who is only 5 ft. 3 in. All in all, a great truck except for the gas mileage.
One Ram Tough Midsize
One of the most dependable Amercican trucks for the past 10 years. Plenty of horse power. Great looks. Great potential for looks dressup and performance upgrades if the owner so chooses.
4.7 L V8 Not listed
Buy the 4.7L. The 6 is just not powerful enough. That said, I had ONE issue over 100,000 miles. I had to repair the parking brake. At 105K I replaced the waterpump. As an aside, there is a ton of room under the hood if you do your own repairs. I didn't even have to remove the radiator to get the water pump out! I drive off road and tow a trailer. Both are no problem for the Dak (W/4.7L) At 128K there is rust starting under the paint on the front lower drivers door and the classic 3rd brake light hole rust, also not through the paint, yet. Get the 60/40 bench seat. My brother has the buckets and the console lid has no padding and sucks to drive for any length of time. The bench also allows you to haul 3 adults if you need to. The rear "seat" is a package shelf for your subwoofer and jacket. THe 4wd works very well in the mud as well as rain on the highway. The drivers seat left bolster is going to collapse after 80K. If you live in the south, you're going to have to repaint the black trim on the cab after 2014. So far, this truck has been excellent so, of course, in 2005
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Is a recall on the horizon?
I have had an '04 4wd club cab for a week.Immediately, I noticed an issue with the shifting, which was spotty.For those of us who have driven stick shifts, it felt like when one should have been in a lower gear.At lower rpms, there was a significant 'missing'...after the automatic trans shifted into a higher gear.It was most noticable at 42-50 mph.Hopefully, this makes sense.I was told that 4 other vehicles had similar problems and that Dodge had to 'flash' the computer and was working on the problem.Any idea when this will take place OR does anyone have any additional information??
Great Truck!
My dakota is the perfect sized truck. Not only is it easy to park, but I average 18 MPG, and 22+ when I'm easy on the gas, and I've got the 4.7L V8 in a club cab. The pricing is amazing, too, given what you get. I'm eye-to-eye with F150s so I don't really feel like its a "small truck".
Dakota
Overall, the vehicle is about what I expected. When traveling over bumps or potholes the vehicle jumps off the front tires. it feels really dangerous so I'm not happy with the way it handles.The passenger seat does not recline to a comfortable position on long trips, not even half way to 180 degrees, it can be quite uncomfortable. The brakes started squeaking at about 16,000 miles and I have not had them checked, hoping that the dust works itself out without the dealer arming and legging me to take care of it. BTW, I bought a oil change coupon book from the dealer and they are always wanting to do unnecessary work, so beware. Other than oil changes I have done no other maintenance.
Can't go wrong here...
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.
my dodge
this is an awesome truck. it is great for towing a 4-wheeler or taking the family on a trip. i have a 6 month old baby and this truck is more convienent than our car.
Lemon
This truck has given me trouble from day one, literally! It is a beautiful truck, but has had extensive computer, power steering, transmission, and recently, parking brake issues. Chrysler is not standing behind this truck, and the computer problem cannot be completely fixed, as I am still experiencing the same problems and 13- 14mpg all around...sounds good for a little 3.7L engine, huh? Needless to say, I will never buy another Chrysler product again. Neither will my Dodge-owning family, in which there has been a total of 11 new Dodge products owned. Thanks Chrysler!!
great truck
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.