1989 Dodge Dakota Standard Cab-Long bed review from North America
"No guts, per se, but a damn good truck anyhow!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Brake master cylinder went out 3 times in as many years (due to poor (Schucks) Auto Parts)
Front CV joint went out; easy replacement though.
Sensor for Rear Wheel ABS had water get into electrical connection (right over pumpkin on differential) and needed to be dried out.
That's it!
General comments?
I would say that as far as smaller trucks go this is the best you can get, and still have the utility of a truck. The other brands lack a bed that you can fit anything into!
It has decent acceleration off the line, but after that it bogs down terribly, I feel more due to the automatic transmission being slow to shift than the engine being weak -but I think the engine is a factor as well. But at 17 MPG in town I am not complaining too much.
I ran a small handy-man business with the truck as well as remodeling my own house. It made me realize the importance of having a huge bed to get the job done.
The only reason I sold it was an addition to the family, so I am getting an extended cab, hopefully a Cummins diesel. I hear good things about them!
Recommended reviews
  | Hard working, reliable little truck |
| Great multipurpose reliable pick-up |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.9 Liter V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 114000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 127000 miles |
| Previous car | Opel Kadett |
| Date of Entry | 13th July, 2004 |