1988 Dodge Dakota 4x4 Longbed review from North America
"Great multipurpose reliable pick-up"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Ignition coil failed almost immediately when I bought it. Easy and cheap repair.
AC leaked out all of its gas. Had converted to R134a. Expensive, but works good now.
Dash lights don't work, short somewhere, keeps blowing fuses. I just live with it.
4x4 wouldn't engage. Repaired by cleaning out actuator, replacing vacuum switch, and replacing a hose. Only cost $25.00 for me to do it myself.
Currently the distributor is making a "dry bearing" noise. I figure I'll just take it off and oil it.
General comments?
Best truck I've ever owned, as far as reliability and comfort.
The 3.9L V6 is an amazingly reliable engine... with 300K on it, its oil stays clean within 3K miles, and it only "burns" about a cup in that time. Never seen a puff of smoke come out of this one.
Due to throttle body injection as opposed to multi-port, it takes a bit of cranking to start, but as soon as it does, I put it right in gear and go, because it gets HORRIBLE gas mileage... for a V6, I'm talking only 12 to 15mpg.
I suppose it's because it's a 4x4, but still, that's bad.
It only has a 15gal. gas tank. Would be nice if it got better mileage.
Kinda gutless on the highway, shifts back from overdrive if a gust of wind comes up against me, or a little hill.
Recommended Reviews:
  | Hard working, reliable little truck |
| This was an economical and reliable first truck that kept me out of trouble |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1989 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.9 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 3/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 302000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 311000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Bronco II |
| Date of Entry | 12th November, 2005 |