1995 Dodge Dakota SLT review from North America
"Great truck and almost a race car!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Warping of rotors at 4000KM.
Dashboard warped around cup holder 5000KM.
Air-conditioner failed at 9000KM.
Rear Brake Shoe De-laminated at 20000KM.
Replace stock Heavy Duty front shocks
at around 30000KM due to excessive pressure being applied to control arm stop bushing.
Emergency Brake Cable Seized at 40000KM.
Stock tires wore out at 48000KM.
Radiator Tank separated at 65000KM.
Differential carrier bearings, inner axle bearings, and clutch pack failed (Limited Slip) failed at 138000KM.
Starter motor would not always work, and sometimes would not disengage, replaced at 140000KM.
Fuel Pump failed at 148000KM.
Failed headlight connector at 150000KM, and seat (Driver) started to rip.
Power lock switch would not work on passenger door at 160000KM.
General comments?
After trading in my Ford Explorer after 48000KM of nightmare repairs, (none covered under warranty) tires failing (Gosh, really you say) I wanted a mid sized pickup with power.
After searching the dealers around the lower mainland, my Ford Salesman sent me to a dealer in Vancouver (What a nice guy, I think he felt sorry for me) I ended up with what I thought was the best looking of an ugly line of truck. A 1995 Dodge Dakota Extended cab, 5.2Liter truck, with highway gears, but with all the other options to make it a towing vehicle.
I tow a 26 foot flat deck car trailer, loaded with a lifted Suzuki Samurai, and a load of camping gear. Although she strains at times, she always pulls through. However, when the trailer is dropped, she starts to act like a sports car, a little body roll in high speed tight cornering, and front brake fade rectified with vented rotors, I love her.
Apart from the Starter and fuel pump failing fairly early (Only the fuel pump left me high and dry, luckily only 15K from home) and stock front shocks which seemed to be more meant for an SUV, and a
poorly designed rear differential, she is
the most dependable, comfortable, fast powerful Mid sized vehicle I have ever come across. (Also, fairly decent gas mileage)
Recommended Reviews:
  | An extremely durable truck with a great ride and comfortable interior |
| 1995 - Dakota SLT 3.9 Magnum V6 Proven Performer, everyone should have one |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1995 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.2Liter V8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 48 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 162000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Ford Explorer |
| Date of Entry | 5th January, 2003 |