1998 Dodge Dakota SLT 4x4 Club Cab review from North America
"Pretty darn durable"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
With 212,000 miles, there are a few things that have gone wrong. The front ball joints and tie rods needed replacing. Engine rear seal leaks and has since 80,000 miles. Transmission at times gets cranky and one of the lines now leaks--but hey, that's 212,000 miles!!!
I have a 2004 model on order right now. It's a Quad Cab with 4x4.
General comments?
The 318 engine gets the same mileage as the smaller engine in the new models--so why change? While we are on the subject of mileage, why do these Dodge 4x4s get such poor mileage? This truck was broken in gently and never driven too fast, but off-road, it has been through mud, etc., and then some. Smaller than a full-sized truck yet still roomy, the Dakota can go places in the woods that would block most full-sized truck from passing. At 212,360 miles across Texas, I cannot complain about Dodge quality.
Recommended Reviews:
  | Good looks, comfortable cab for 2 adults and 2 small children |
| 1997 - Dakota SLT Club Cab 4x4 3.9L V6 Magnum Excellent Truck! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.9 V8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 5/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 4 miles |
| Most recent distance | 212360 miles |
| Previous car | Pontiac Grand Am |
| Date of Entry | 5th April, 2004 |