Here's Why The Dodge Dakota Needs To Return! Dude I Love My Ride @Home Edition

[@swampcrawlerls1267]

I've got a 2000 4.7 liter that made it to 252k miles so far. Whatever breaks on it I've been able to fix myself. I really like my Dakota.

[@ricardotorres733]

Swampcrawler LS1 im thinking on buying a 2001 dodge dakota slt 3.9l engine . The guy wants $1700 for it but it has 200k miles on it . Truck its in perfect condition in and out . Should i do it ?

[@VaporOne1]

@@ricardotorres733 bought my 2000 dakota slt 3.9 4 years ago for $1800 canadian with a little over 100k miles. got lucky when canadian economy crapped out. love it but the 3.9 is ridiculously slow. easy to fix though and so far has been bulletproof.

[@GLJKins]

@@ricardotorres733 Hope you grabbed it up. Best truck ever made.

[@raybaker8726]

I have a 2005 Dakota SLT. Bought it brand new in 2005. Been the the best truck I have owed so far. Yes I have had the air bags recall. They are fixed. Have some mods to it. The 4.7 v-8 will wake up with just exhaust. I added a Gibsen system. I also added a airaid intake. No it wont add a huge amount of HP but sounds good and your MPG will benefit. With Superchips tuner on 87 octctane tune, I jumped to 18.8 mpg.

[@shadowwolfmandan]

I always felt the second gen had the best styling. They botched it on the 3rd gen.

[@austinreed347]

I actually really like the 3rd Gen. I don’t think people were used to that styling yet. It was ahead of its time wether you like it or not.

[@johnr.timmers2297]

Totally agree. The third gen "chin" looks terrible

[@tomm1109]

@@austinreed347 I'm writing from the future and it still looks ugly

[@dylanscott6855]

@@tomm1109 yes

[@dylanscott6855]

Love my little gen 2

[@poppyneese1811]

A friend had a early edition of the Dakota, regular cab 4wd and a bed that looked a mile long, wasn’t fast, but dang such a usable lil truck, and looked pretty good too! You could stand flat footed and reach anything in the bed, without being TFL team tall. The red Dakota looks really good, I maybe use 4wd 2% of the time, do I really need 4wd, nope, but like it being there. Oh Lord this ole boy is a full on MOPAR GUY, kind of the Pentecostals of truck guys don’t argue with them and never look em in the eyes, they flair up like Scotsman!!!

[@davidallen3158]

The Dakota's were so awesome when they came out, but so ugly towards the end of the run.

[@vr4787]

David in Barstow hahaha well my 06 isn’t much to look at but it’s got it where it counts. It’s just a good workhorse that’s easier to park and maneuver than a Ram but punches above weight moving full size loads. 👍

[@markv78]

I have to agree I was disappointed with the last generation body style too boxy gone where the smooth lines and athletic look and I think overall the interior also fell short. However still having a V8 as an option in a midsize was on heard of and Chevy was late to the game offering a V8 in it's s10 for a little while very rare trucks. Dodge was ahead of there times with the midsize starting with the first gen they normally out powered out towed and had more payload capacity then Ford or Chevy not to mention the imports . More interior space I think the Dakota was the first midsize to offer 4 doors quad cab the rest followed but they lead the pack for a long time but trends change and it was last man standing they got out of the business this time I think dodge will be last to the game maybe? . To think my truck is nearly 20 yrs old. It's an 01 I bought in October of 2000 is crazy and the midsize trucks are like what full size was back them who knew ..

[@jlang8213]

@@markv78 um, maybe I misunderstood you but Chevy never offered a v8 in the S10. The small/midsize truck v8 didn't come until the Colorado/Canyon twins.

[@markv78]

@@jlang8213 you are correct I ment the Colorado the V8 was available in 2009 5.3L was not a big take rate as fuel eco was a big hit .

[@damilolaakanni]

They were pretty expensive towards the end as well, and were on the large end of the midsized truck segment by then. Both explain why they had to discontinue the Dakota name in 2011.

[@sweetlogo]

Still have my 2002, 4.7 quad cab with 88,000 miles. Bring it back!

[@cnoyes72]

Dodge created the mid-sized segment with the first Dakota, it would be nice to see Ram bring the name back with a new mid-sized truck.

[@Shadow_Wolf_190]

cnoyes72 did you know they just filed trademark for Dakota?

[@GLJKins]

Sadly they build them to fail at 70,000 miles now. All vehicles today are sad money grabs.

[@chrisshaw2769]

My dad has a 2008 four door with the V8 with over 200k miles. No problems whatsoever!

[@kirkbrinkley6990]

I have a 1st gen 94 model Dakota Sport. Regular cab, swb, 2wd, 5.2 V8, automatic transmission, and flame red. It's almost broken in with a paltry 379,000 miles! I love it!

[@mobius-1503]

Daamn..i dont even have that on my corolla yet. My 2001 4.7 quad cab is at 240,000.. but had a replaced motor in 2012 with previous owner..so i assume..mid 100s

[@Aqua350Lt1]

Kirk Brinkley that’s awesome! I have a 1st get Durango rt with the 5.9 how’s the engine running? I’m hoping to be able to keep mine for a longgg time

[@jackiepapers138]

They basically created the market for the midsized truck, beed to be brought back. I had a 96 4x4 V6. Best truck I've ever had in the snow. Always felt secure behind the wheel.

[@Ulfstigandr]

jackiepapers138 never mind the toyota datsun luv or currier all available long before the dakota.

[@paulallison6689]

@@Ulfstigandr Those were all *compact* trucks though.....not even close to the mid-sized Dakota! & the lil Ford compact truck was Courier not "Currier"...🙄😒

[@Ulfstigandr]

Paul Allison alright smartass, the chevy s10 released in 82, the ford ranger was introduced in 83 the dakota fallowed suite in 86 sounds like a third place at best to me. Either way IH introduced the Scout Terra in 76 as a compact 1/2ton pickup. There was nothin new about the market when dodge released the dakota.

[@andrewneilsen1516]

My 2001 Dakota has the 4.7 with the 4spd auto. 2wd Quad cab Manuel windows and locks. But 28k miles. The original paint is perfect! I love it!!

[@bosse641]

So nice the early versions of it. Wish I could go back and live in those times.

[@GLJKins]

You and me both, my friend.

[@trailrunnah8886]

These are great little trucks! I think the second gen like the one pictured here are the best-looking. And there a great size compared to the other smaller trucks of the day. To me, the Ranger, Tacoma, and S10 we just too small at that time. This was a great in-between size, and having the V8 available was awesome. My dad has an 08 Dakota, it's the quad cab with the 4.7 h o. I have to say, I'm impressed whenever I drive it, that thing scoots! He also put a MagnaFlow exhaust on it, and it sounds mean! It actually drives pretty nice too. The things I don't like about it are the interior feels very cheap, the seats are uncomfortable, and it's not been reliable. There hasn't been anything major that's gone wrong with it, it still has the original drivetrain, but every time I talk to him it seems like it's in the shop for something or another. O2 sensors, TPS, steering rack, random misfire, or some other various electrical problem. I know this is fantasy world, but if Dodge came out with a new Dakota, and made it sort of a Power Wagon Junior ( Gladiator-based for solid axles, front and rear lockers, extra low transfer case ratio) they might have the new poster boy for overlanding. Well, minus the reliability, lol. End of the day it's still going to be an FCA product.

[@SucceedStrategically]

As a proud owner of a '99 4x4 318 Dakota, I agree. I love my truck and there's no way I would trade it for a modern crapwagon.

[@CameronJamesRose]

Moved over to the USA around 6 months ago from Scotland. Purchased a 4wd '98 Dakota with the 5.2 & 5 speed when I arrived and couldn't be happier. Has minimal rust and runs buttery smooth. It's a joy to wrench on and drive something so simple. Far cooler than similar age Rangers & S10's, that said if they made a new one I doubt I'd be interested. The gen 1 & gen 2 have classic styling, they're simple vehicles compared to today and they get the job done without excess frills.

[@tommybomber]

I've got a 99 dakota 4x4 sport. It's got the 5.2. Going the "tactical" route. Bed lined, lift, tires, rifle mount, lights etc. Over 332k miles and still drives like new

[@ridge9066]

Love my 99 Dakota CC. Swapped in a 5.9L V8 5 speed with 4x4 and LSD. Its a jack of all trades. Great for towing and I can keep up with my friends.

[@guidobrunellijr.3]

Had a custom 94 Dakota I loved until some kid pulled out in front of me and that was the end of that one , now I have a 98 Dakota 240,000 miles w/ a new fuel pump and cat runs great love it.

[@kenjett2434]

Hey seen this couldn't resist I have a 03 2nd generation Dodge Dakota Crew Cab 4.7 magnum eng. 4x4 with 4 speed automatic. It's got 234,000 miles on it and runs perfectly. I keep it very well maintained mechanicly but it does have some dings and rust. But it's my work truck daily driver so it gets used. I love it it's a great old truck and I expect I will have it till the point it falls completely apart. I just don't understand why some don't like the Dakota's. I picked mine up about 8 years ago for $10 grand and I have never regretted buying it. I will say though the one thing they could have done better is heavier from ball joints. They ate too light for the weight and wear out pretty fast. Most I get on ball joint replacement is a couple years.

[@mobius-1503]

Good to know..i just got a 2001 4x4 quad as well..patchin up all the leaks at the moment..then the solenoid kit for trans

[@mikemccabe7124]

I've had many trucks from all brands from gas and diesel and yet these days I drive a 94 dakota cub cab and a next gen reg cab R/T and I daily drive them and love em more than any of my trucks

[@k.r.v.4219]

Mike Mccabe Oh I agree Mike! Of all the mid-sized trucks I’ve owned new, from the 78 Scout II TERRA, 85 GMC S10 Ext Cab 4x4, 2003 Dakota Reg Cab, 2016 Colorado Ext Cab 4x4, V6, I only traded because of retirement and the need of only one vehicle, that a Crew Cab would fit, so now we are in a 2019 Colorado Crew Cab 4x4, V6. Of all the previous trucks, half ton or mid -sized, that little Dakota Reg Cab 4x4, V8/5 speed, was the most fun! Quicker off the line than the new Colorado, but looses after the first 1/8th mile! A cousin of mine is the original owner of a 2003 Dakota Reg Cab R/T, with the 360 Magnum, that he’s done some work to, like MOPAR Engine Heads an intake manifold and exhaust headers, with dual cats and true dual exhausts, added stiffer and longer front springs to raise about an inch, along with add a leaf in back to level it out, then added Bilstein 9100 shocks all around. With a 4:10 Locker. MOPAR tranny kit with finally a Tuner. On a dyno he ended up with 300 rwhp and 390 rwtorq! On a 1/4 mile he gets in the low 13’s @ just over 100 mph! The raise took away a little of the road hugging, but even like my 4x4, his Dakota drives and handles very well, his just soaks up the bumps very well now! I would love to see Ram bring a Dakota back, but only if built on a scaled down Ram platform. By from what I’ve read in Truck Trend, the next Dakota is gonna be built off of course a Fiat Platform that the Cherokee is on! That’s not bad for an SUV, but a truck? Oh well if Honda can.......

[@austinrobbins536]

My first truck was a 2006 Dakota quad cab v6 2wd. It was a good running truck that was almost at 300k when I traded it in

[@nickfenlon8879]

Had a2000 v6 reg cab long bed. She finally gave it up at 297k the week before I took Her round trip from nJ to Pittsburgh pa and back with the cruise set to 85 the whole way. Best $1000 used truck I ever bought. Paint peeling everywhere and she was very crusty

[@tonytee.1864]

Bought my 00 Dakota 4x4 x-cab sport as a leftover in 01 and still runs great @270k miles 4.7 engine and trans. Have never been apart. Keep the oil changed and leave it stock, and it will run forever! Is what my old mechanic told me.

[@markv78]

Man wish I knew u where doing this segment . Own since new 01 Dakota quad cab 4x2i I factory ordered and has been my daily driver 4.7 l 3.55 lsd diff rt wheels buckets seats . 138k miles we been through alot together still runs great strong trucks weak areas has been front suspension 2 rebuilds and replaced the rear diff.gonna paint her and keep her going

[@mobius-1503]

What about leaks. Right now i just got a 2001 4x4 4.7. Ima do the rear main..oil pan, rack&pinion.. Trans pan and the solenoids. Do they start leaking as soon as you patch them up again?

[@dantheman5831]

I’m surprised that it had no rust especially because here in Salt Lake we get some pretty rough winters.

[@Blue-moon12]

I own a 1988 Dakota LE V6 2wd 5 speed fully restored. I love it.

[@mobius-1503]

Crazy how you just made this. I just picked up a 2001 4x4 quad cab 2 days ago...i likes it alot 😁. She needs some work tho..gonna get a new solenoid kit to remove the tcc codes. New rack. Shocks. Locker. Then some exhaust. Im very happy. Torquey too

[@dirtyduck1947]

I have a 1997 dodge dakota sport 5.2 v8 5 speed stick 355 shure grip rear, no air, tilt wheel, power 6x9 mirrors, hd suspension, trailer tow package, reg cab, short box, best of all its magenta color, I ordered it oct 96, got it easter weekend 1997, 7 months why ?because of the color! dodge wouldn't build it till they had 7 sold orders to run them through the paint shop together! 2300 rpm in 3rd gear 95 mph! love my barney truck!

[@keithshergold9257]

I agree with this. My 2000 Dakota has been a wonderful vehicle for 23 years. I am starting a systematic rebuild while parts are still available. It has required little maintenance. It is a well-designed truck.

[@P.A.C.E.automotive]

On my 3rd 2nd gen Dakota. Would consider. While I love plenty of cars, it's the only vehicle I desire. They're getting harder to find in good condition.

[@GLJKins]

Yeah, they are the best Truck made. I have 2nd gen 2003 Dodge Dekota. No rust runs like new. 152,252 miles.

[@mikesimmons9930]

They definitely need to bring the Dakota back. I have owned all 3 generations and have a generation 3 now. I love the truck!

[@darrenclark9647]

Look up the ,as you call them 2nd gen Dakota's , concept truck. It was called sidewinder if I remember correctly. Viper v10 the start of the Dakota RT

[@calebmiller6825]

I have a 1999 5.2L dakota, and it is amazing, it pulls a trailer great and I wish they’d bring it back with maybe a hemi 🤔🤔 I love mine and hope they bring it back

[@Shadow_Wolf_190]

Caleb Miller6873 they just filed trademark for Dakota

[@davekana8388]

I had an 1989 standard cab 4 cylinder 5 speed, put at least 120K miles, had to sell, needed a Cummins 2500!

[@erickisel8668]

My first vehicle was a 1987 Dodge Dakota LE 4x2 regular cab with 8 foot bed. White/Red two tone. Had 3.9 V6 with a carburetor! Some fancy hubcaps too.

[@zackde8795]

Would be cool if FCA stuck the 2.8l Cummins in the new ones coming out.

[@deathunit1]

Yeah but an $80,000 dakota???

[@zackde8795]

TheOnlyDINGUS! It probably be more around $45,000-$50,000

[@mmmontague9048]

I wish but highly doubt it they would likely put the eco diesel in it

[@jakey20022]

If they do they will stuff the ecodiesel 3.0 in it .

[@shondee7864]

info was fantastic. Dad had a 87 with the 3.9 as a teen I remember abusing it . I got a 08 with the 4.7 just picked it up for the farm. Same v8 as their full size pickups of the year cant wait to try it out. Gen #1 87 to 90 Gen look #2 revamp 91-93 Gen 3 revamp 94-2004 Revamp look 05+

[@TurtleStranger]

I had an 88 4x4 standard cab short bed in black with the automatic on 29 swampers. That truck was solid. i wish the frame didn't die on me

[@korn111685]

I had a sweet single cab short bed 4x4 318 truck. Put a 5 speed in it. It was awesome.

[@silentbuccaneer4569]

My 1994 Dakota Sport was amazing. I only had to change out the water pump and ac/heater blower fan. It had almost 200k on it when I sold. I had the 3.9l V6 and the 5 speed manual. I had a huge stereo in it with a ported bed and 4 - 12 inch subs in the bed with 5 Rockford Fosgate amps with a fiber glass tonneau cover painted to match.

[@brettward5816]

Maybe its just nostalgia, but my grandpa has an '06 1500 that I used to ride in all the time, so the 3rd gen Dakota actually looks pretty good to me! Maybe I'm just a mopar freak because the WK also looks amazing to me

[@Steven-it4iu]

I loved my 2002 rear wheel drive extended cab sport! It only had the V6 3.9L option with an auto but that truck was so much fun especially in the winter! In Canada it got salt abused but I miss it everyday. Hopefully Ram will be bringing it back soon! Only mid size I'm really interested in!

[@tyemaddog]

I drive a 97 dodge dakota, 5.2L v8 4x4. Love it. Im in Canada, bought it around 2007 for 5g. Put over 100,000km on it myself. The truck i almost at 300,000km now. Paint issues for sure, but a bit of sanding and repainting (just use rust paint), looks way better.

[@daytona3927]

I had a 1999 red regular cab R/T, a few mods ran mid 14's. I'd like to see a new R/T with a 392 in it, now that would be a hoot.

[@franklinthompson8629]

Another great job by Case. I never owned a Dakota, but always thought the Sport was the coolest truck ever. Thanks for the reviews.

[@garretlewis4103]

I owned a gen 1 and gen 2 Dakota. I purchased my gen 2 when they first came out and everyone had questions about it because the gen 2 looked like a baby Ram. They were decent trucks. The gen 1 I had was a V6 and I traded it for the gen 2 with a V8.

[@slmjake]

How did you like the v8?

[@garretlewis4103]

@@slmjake I had the 5.2 Magnum V8 (AKA 318). It was a good engine with decent power. It did like fuel/gas though. The only issue I had with the engine was a CEL for a cylinder misfire. Took a little time to work out because it was intermittent and some trial and error. After replacement plugs and wires, the problem was eventually resolved with the replacement of the distributor cap and rotor "button". I did a couple of performance modifications. Of course the plug wires and distributor parts were an upgrade from OEM. I also put a "hotter" coil and cold air intake (built the first one) on the truck. Not related specifically to the engine, I installed a B&M transmission cooler and I did a couple different exhaust modifications/upgrades throughout my ownership of the truck. Like I said, overall it was a decent motor.

[@k.r.v.4219]

All my life I’ve owned pickups, but never a small one like an old Toyota or Nissan. But full size were always to ungainly an big. The first mid sized truck I bought new that was actually a gas guzzling monster was a 78 International Scout II TERRA, I ordered with a 345 V8, HD 727 automatic, 4:10 Detroit Locker. That was a beast that was amazing on hard packed dirt, drag race! Then after a number of Chevy C an K half tons, I ended up with a fantastic 2003 Dakota Reg Cab 4x4, V8/5speed with 3:92 limited slip that ran great and in 11 years no rust at all after a full life on an island surrounded by salt water an driving one the beach daily! Also towed very well! Now I’m on my second Colorado, the first was an Ext Cab Z71,4x4, V6, that was great, so good in fact when we needed a Crew Cab we did not hesitate to buy another. A WT this time with 4x4, V6, I use to commute and tow. I’ll say this, the Colorado, with a relatively small V6, has it all over all the others I’ve had, especially with fuel mileage! Like TWICE the Scout II and Dakota V8 was not twice as bad, but bad.

[@cdeN1ne]

Just picked up a 2006 4.7 V8 4x4 6 Speed Manual Quad cab! Coolest combo ever imo.

[@armyvet4081]

I have a 1992 dakota, 327,000 miles runs like a clock.

[@scottjrichter]

Still have my 02 Dakota that I have had since 04. Sexiest truck out there still. If Dodge brought it back they would just screw it up. Just like the 05 and above.

[@crystalclearwindowcleaning3458]

I just bought a 97 red extended cab with the big 6cyl. Looking forward to many years of utility and fun.

[@KDMarine]

my 03 4.7l v8 dakota has 340000 km on it now, still kicks ass, ive been able to do all the service on it myself, it tows my boat effortlessly. i want a new Ram mid size SOOOO bad

[@mattm1953]

Love my 03 4x4 4.7. There is some rust just like he talks about, because Canada, but it's all hidden. Great trucks with (For me) a bunch of small issues along the way. Hope they release a new one and don't butcher it

[@ricksrandomrepairsandrevie9611]

My first truck was a 94, Ext. cab and loved it. Then later I bought an 87 reg cab with the 8 fot bed. Both had v6 engines and after having a full size 1/2 ton I would love to have a Dakota with the V8. I hope they bring it back

[@Styrkur13]

You took over a 4,000 mile trip to buy a Dakota?! You’re nuts lol

[@davekana8388]

Not nuts, sometimes we have to work to get what we want! It’s so simple to keep clear coat on and keep them rust free as well!

[@thought1212]

@@davekana8388 how do you maintain the clear coat? moved to central b.c. and the salt and stones just destroyed my paint.

[@robertsitch1415]

@@thought1212 waxing is the best way to preserve the clearcoat besides parking in the shade when possible. Promptly cleaning bird crap and other acidic stuff off it helps preserve it too.

[@robertsitch1415]

@@thought1212 you will want to clean up the rust and get some automotive paint in the right colour to repair existing body rust.

[@davekana8388]

At least every season change put a coat of wax on, that will help to keep the clear coat from drying out! On a truck they all rust in the same places, I use cans of Fluid Film to spray up inside the drain holes of the doors, rocker panels than use an undercoating gun to spray the underside at least once a year, no rust here!

[@gabesnyder5747]

When hasn’t Chrysler been in a bad financial position

[@austinreed347]

Yeah exactly

[@Cars.or.Cardioversion]

I have been waiting for one to come out. I had hoped that it would be announced at the Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS) this year but that is cancelled thanks to Covid. Fingers crossed we hear something soon.

[@Ghosty-wm4xy]

i got a 1998 SLT crew cab 5.2 l V8 automatic and i agree they need to bring the Dakota back !!

[@AntonioHernandez-bw9bt]

Got a 1998 3.9l, 52k miles, and the rust on it makes it look like a 200k mile ranch truck, slow as a turtle but i love my truck

[@jacobbenns6090]

My 2002 dakota has the 3.9 and I'm planning on swapping a manual into it, part time 4wd makes it a fun first car

[@kingstonsean]

Victor's Dakota is worth way more than a "6". That 6'6" bed on a mid-size is worth points on it's own!

[@vr4787]

kingstonsean thank you! The 6’6 ft. bed with 1610 lb payload is a plus for me, I can have the tool chest and have useable bed space while being more maneuverable than a full size Ram. Still longer than any bed on current midsize trucks. 🙂

[@JasonBoydston]

I had a 1996 Dakota v6 2wd work truck. the interior reminded me of a K-Car but it was very reliable except the bolt holding the seat back on broke while I was driving. Other than that it took a lot of abuse.

[@imrezll9071]

I’m glad I was able to find mine. It’s a 2000 Dakota rt with the 5.9L 360 magnum.

[@northstarbos]

I got the 5.9 in the quad cab. If they bring them back I hope they use the Magnums not the hemi like EVERYTHING else dodge makes.

[@leandromasolo6809]

I wish I had my grandpas truck on here and showed you my grandpa has a 2011 Dodge Dakota Big Horn 2011 was the last year of them

[@ItsJustDerek-99]

I have a 06 dodge Dakota quad cab 4x4 that has 195k on the 4.7 v8

[@edwinjimenez7609]

6ft Gemini Nice, I’m looking into buying the same with the V8 but so hard to find one that is actually in good working condition. Most come with very high miles.

[@jamesahoffman]

Used to have a 1992 Dodge Dakota Sport 4x2, V6, 5sp. Which was 1st year for multi-point fuel injection. Std cab, with rear ABS brakes only which made it real fun in college with burnouts! It died on me in 2010 with 197,000 miles due to a bad wiring harness to the fuel pump. Rust was a problem but otherwise we're solid performance!

[@leifpedersen3464]

I've got a great little 2005 dakota with the 3.7 V6 and the automatic. I've never had any problems with the engine

[@Chris-qy6cs]

We had 2 99s with the v6. First we bought for $125 for slipping gears with 150k. Changed fluid filter and pan and was bullet proof till 425k when the trans went and rotted away. Second we bought was abused and neglacted but ran till the frame cracked so we scrapped it. The rust was a comon issue but the 99 was bullet proof.

[@jarrittmartens]

I'm 15 and I bought a 01 quad cab Dakota with the 4.7 and the auto trans. I put cherry bombs and a bumper guard on it... It sounds and looks amazing for a 20 year old truck... Only regret is it's 2wd

[@RacersRUS69]

So I’m glad this posted has anyone ever seen another dodge Dakota like the one in the thumbnail with the factory roll bars

[@johnr.timmers2297]

Just finished a front suspension replacement on my 1999. It looks like junk because of the crappy factory clear coat peel, but in reality it's a rebuilt engine, with lots of new parts, a strong frame, and only 130k miles on it. Fresh paint and it will be awesome

[@conneraskin2536]

I have a 04 extended cab for only 3k even. it has 136,000 miles on it. It’s been amazing so far (he wasn’t wrong abt the rust)

[@jefffreestone8476]

I purchased a 1987 Dakota & 1997. I loved them both. I drove the 87 to the wrecking yard after 296 K (Reg. long 2wd). I sold the 97 it needed front end work at 160 K (club short 2wd v8 auto). Might consider new purchase?

[@MultiPurposeReviewer]

Closest thing we've had to a Dodge sport truck since the Dakota is the Ram R/T. Only ever seen one of those, out on Long Island.

[@christinamoneyhan5688]

The problem with trucks is that people forgot what trucks are for. They are not luxury vehicles never were intended to be . That is why they are so expensive. Just so you know I could buy most any truck that they make but, All I wanted was a plane working truck. I bought a used leased Ram 1500 that was 3 years old with 10,000 miles for less than 18,000 dollars. Great deal in this age. I have the truck for 3 years since and only have 18,000 miles on it. Like it a lot. 5.7 Hemi 6 speed auto/ manual, two wheel drive 21 mpg at 75mph. 16 mpg around town. Never owned anything but Ford and Jeep Trucks but worked out of Chevrolet trucks. I have no preferences. Point A to point B and back . That's a reliable vehicle.

[@dancarrescia7325]

I searched for “the right” Dakota for months. Finally found a very rare 2004 AWD , absolutely loaded SLT 4x4 club cab with 75,000 miles. Power drivers’ seat, factory bed liner, hands free phone, rear window, and factory navigation, and It was garage kept and rust free. The were garage door opener indentations on the driver side visor and the previous owner had a baby seat attached to the rear bench seat. I will never part with this truck.

[@grantthompson5670]

i got a 97 5.2 liter for my first truck and i love it

[@quinitohuertas9708]

Case is very lively and spontaneous. 😂

[@BigMateo24]

I used to use one as a small parts runner truck. I always thought it was fun to drive.

[@godgirlsguitars]

I have a 2002 dodge Dakota sxt regular cab 5 speed manual 3.9 magnum v6. It was my first vehicle and after 18 years I still have it. I love it, I have been trying to have some body work and have it repainted but every time I save up money something comes up. I use it as a weekend toy now because of it's age and just over 100,000 miles on it and use my Camry as a daily driver. The second generation Dakota was the best gen because I still see a lot of 2nd gens on the road but not many 1st gens because they're all worn out and the 3rd gens too because they were rolling piles of junk. Sorry to say that to 3rd gen owners, but Chrysler went down hill after 2004 in reliability which was something they were never good at but they keep getting worse and worse. But the 2nd generation was the better choice of Dakotas. Especially now I would never even think about buying a fca Dakota because fiat is a money pit. I had a 2017 jeep renegade 1.4 liter and after it got 25,000 miles on it it started falling apart before my very eyes. Daimler was a lot more reliable than Fiat. Thats something that my 18 year old dodge was more reliable than my 2 year old Jeep. I would not have their fiat 4 cylinder engines and the horrible 6 cylinder pentastar engines. They don't hold up like the magnum Pushrod 2 valve engines. I'm a manual guy but I wouldn't even have their manuals because they felt clunky and made a lot of noise during gear changes. I could roll down my Windows and hear every time I shifted in that fiat renegade. So I hope fca does not come out with a Dakota, no need to keep destroying the legacy of it , they did it enough already with the 3rd gen. And Dodge Dakota sounds a lot better than Ram Dakota.

[@powderriver2424]

I owned a 1993 Dakota extended cab I loved that truck the 3.9 V6 was a great motor it was really a well built truck I had a 6.5 foot Meyer snow plow on it that truck never let me down. If RAM brought a Dakota to market and put the same 3.6 Pentastar V6 that the 1500 gets then I think that could be a good truck.

[@turbojoe2]

So strange. A rust free Dakota from SALT LAKE CITY. So hard to find a rust free Dak today. Lovem.

[@LukeEdward]

I always loved Dakotas. I’ve had 3...so far. My first was a 1996 regular cab, short-bed, manual transmission,V6 I bought brand new when I was 16. It was PR4 red, the last of the old body style. And even was the only year to have the polished wheels. I still have the dealer info books. It certainly was a “potent” combination, as I had to buy new tires at 11,000 miles. The next one, the 1994 one with the 318 (5.2L) V8, was a beast, though...

[@tomc8157]

Still got my 1996 Regular cab, short bed, manual 5 speed, 4x4 5.2. Looks and runs new. Just hit 160k miles. Added a meyers plow setup, the older style for that year. Plows like a tank. No rust!! Staying that way too. Gonna last me till I die. And I got another 50 years to go. Whenever the engine gets tired, its getting a 5.9 with a bit more omph, 320ish HP. Just because. I love the 97's and up body style but I hate the engine disappears under the cowling. First gen SO much easier to work on. Couple hours and had shorty headers, the Hughes airgap intake plus a flow master 40. Rev's fast, sounds great and gets 20mpg, and still fairly quick.

[@nathanieljohnston8594]

Bought my first truck a little over 1 year ago it is a 1997 dodge dakota it needed work still needs some work bought it for 400$ and it's still running has over 200k miles

[@Forlornguild]

Had the 02 with 3.9 and 5 speed... super reliable, but slow. Traded it at 167,000 miles for an 02 4.7 automatic. I was screwed on that deal, that one had a head gasket leak.. and later blew completely driving over a mountain pass. Now have an 03 with the 4.7 automatic, 4x4 in near perfect condition. I've always liked the styling. Yeah, front ends are weak. The 2003 has better brakes; twin piston front discs + disc rears.

[@danoverkamp8109]

Had a 2003 Dakota. Best body style of any Dakota.

[@CactusJack252]

I had an 03 Dakota extended cab. It was red with the stampede package. It also had the 4.7 V8. I should have never sold that truck

[@short-shorts1325]

Love my two Dakotas 1993 &1995 very reliable.

[@ivanguillen3678]

I have a 01 4x4 quad cab Dakota with the 5.9 they are kind of rare, the transmission is shitty but every thing else is great

[@mobius-1503]

Do you have the 45FE? Im already gonna be doin solenoid kit on it. Do they blow easily? Thnks

[@dylano7242]

There are now kits from holley to put in 5.7 hemi to replace a worn out dead 2.5l 4cl, 3.6l v6, 4.7l v8, 5.2l v8, 5.9l v8. The kits include everything to do a direct swap and use older transmissions or mount a newer transmission too. I was given by my grandfather a 2003 dakota quad cab v8 4.7l 4x4 110k miles . I plan on keeping it forever. If and when the notoriously bad 4.7l dies i will put in a hemi 5.7 swap.

[@GuardWatcher12]

Loved all 3 of my gen II Dakota’s!

[@arctictruck10]

Quit giving Dodge Dakota owners hope

[@daveswinfield]

Have you done a second generation Ram profile yet? I have a 94 2500 that's pretty cool.

[@karlosgarcia6811]

I love the 3rd gen

[@thatdeepdoge8511]

I've got 1997 Dodge Dakota Sport 4x4 V6

[@Truckerdaddy]

I've got a 2008 dakota SXT 2wd with the 3.7 V-6. My cousin who owned it before me is a terrible driver and still has a drinking problem in my opinion. Its got alot of whiskey dents in it but it runs decent. I need to replace the O2 sensors because it throwing codes for them.

[@jamieshields9521]

This is one mid size truck that us Australians miss out on having. Two very nice examples, wouldn’t mind either generation of Dakota with V8 or V6. Hoping for new generation of Dakota will come soon especially to Australia.

[@enjoythesho1992]

They only rust up north not down here in the south they are solid and everywhere! I own a 00 sport with zero rust

[@gcproductions7246]

My grandpa has a like new 98 Dakota with 60,000 miles

[@houseonpleasantstreet9774]

Great video and great reviews. Those are the cleanest Dakotas i have seen in a long time. I cant see bringing this vehicle back. It would cut in to Gladiator territory. When they rolled out the Dakota. They eventually killed off the Commanche. They were just competing against each other... Then again. Its Fiat now so who knows

[@nickfenlon8879]

House on Pleasant Street if they don’t go all adventure vehicle like the gladiator and keep it a regular mid size truck it will do well a lot of people don’t like the gladiator

[@houseonpleasantstreet9774]

@@nickfenlon8879 true. Its not exactly cheap either