1991 Dodge Dakota LE 4x4 review from North America
"After nine years I still look back at my truck when I leave it, it still gets the looks"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
My Dakota is used hard because I am in a wheelchair. I like to hunt and fish in the Alberta outdoors. My major compaint is that from day one of owning my 5.2 litre automatic 4x4, I have had problems with my transmission. If I back my truck into the driveway I always have to put the truck into reverse when I go to leave in a forward direction again. That is, if after backing my truck up, when I want to use the truck again I cannot do so without either giving a lot of gas whereby a loud clank is heard followed by a lunge forward, or quickly putting the gear shift in reverse. The problem was never existed during the warranty coverage and I have since replaced the transfer case as well as numerous U-joints.
Other than replacing seven different outer and inner drive axles in the front end and replacing both the front and rear differentials, I have not experienced any engine problems. I fully expect the 5.2 liter to outlast the whole truck as it is my opinion that the engine is way too heavy for the rest of the truck.
General comments?
I first bought a 1990 Dakota Sport and wanted the 318 when it came out. The major downfall despite going well below the speed limit is the fuel economy.
The truck is well maintained but has been equipped with custom bumpers, winch and also has a headache rack.
Recommended reviews
  | A great truck on the highway, on the streets, or off road, but not when handling more than 1500 lbs |
| Big power and comfort in a mid-size truck |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1991 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2000 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.2 Gas Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 5/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 25 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 256000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Dodge Dakota |
| Date of Entry | 7th July, 2000 |