1997 Dodge Dakota SLT Club Cab 4x4 review from North America

Front brake pads wore down at around 130,000 miles.

Air conditioning compressor went out at 150,000 miles.

MAP sensors and fuel injectors dirty at around 170,000 miles. Truck would not idle, but could be driven if you reved it to 3,000 and were fast enough to put it in gear, step on the gas and pull out. Dealer cleaned them and runs like new.

Transmission would not shift from 3rd to 4th at about 173,000 miles. Engine would red line at 5200 and still not shift unless you let off the gas. Was two quarts low on transmission fluid. Shifts perfect now.

Lost power steering at 175,350 miles when doing a donut in the snow.

Gas mileage kind of sucks.

This truck has never let me down and runs pretty much just as good as it was new. It can haul from 0-40 and from 55 to 80 without a sweat (a bit slower from 40 to 50) and keeps steadily accelerating from 80 to 100. There has to be more power under the hood than just 175 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque stock. Sounds great at 3000 RPM.

There is some rust on the lower passenger door, but you really have to look close to see it.

The truck can handle pretty good for its size.

The interior is pretty full of plastic and all business, but who cares. It's a truck, not a Mercedes. You don't need a plush and posh interior in a truck and is very easy to clean.

Seats are nice and are pretty supportive.

The Infinity premium sound system has incredible power and clarity. If you have the stock cassette receiver with the Infinity system, get a CD receiver as the sound improves dramatically!

The Dodge can take a beating and keeps going very strong.

The trucks paint does not hint that it is 7 years old. The body and paint look brand new.

I definitely recommend a Dakota.