Faults:

* I had to replace the calipers and rotors three times. With the OEM calipers, sticking pistons seems to be a problem. Last had them completely overhauled at NTB at 130,000 miles and have had no problems since.

* The radiator failed at 155,000 miles, but since the system had only been purged once in 10 years, I cannot really complain.

* A minor oil leak allowed oil to short out the starter at 150,000 miles.

* The overdrive selector quit working at 135,000 miles, but the transmission itself works fine.

* I had to have the cylinder head pulled when a spark plug that had been overtightened at the factory and had not been coated with anti-seize compound cracked. It let the electrode drop into the cylinder. That happened at about 30,000 miles.

General Comments:

Overall, I have been quite pleased with this truck. I had originally wanted a Ranger, but the asking price was too much. However, the Dakota has been an outstanding purchase and frankly outperforms the 2002 Ranger that is its replacement.

The engine has never failed to start except when the starter itself failed (as noted previously). Acceleration is still strong at 173,000 miles. Transmission operation has been excellent. Fuel economy still beats my new Ranger with a 3.0 V6!

The truck handles very well if its stock tire size is maintained. Ride is generally smooth and emergency handling is predictable and safe.

Faults:

One of the upper coolant hoses needed to be replaced around 50,000 miles.

Water pump and radiator were replaced at around 80,000 miles.

Other than that there has been only regular maintenance done on the vehicle.

General Comments:

This truck has been very good to me. The few problems I did have with it I consider to be minor and should be expected of any car that one puts so many miles on.

The six cylinder engine is plenty powerful for my needs. I've towed a 2000 lbs. trailer 700 miles with no problems at all. For a truck not designed for hi speeds it cruises at 95 m.p.h. a lot easier than I would expect.

The Dakota Sport has been a good truck for me and I would recommend one to anyone.

Faults:

The transmission broke around 9,000 miles, but it and the towing were covered by the warranty Dodge provides.

I have had the brakes replaced; normal wear.

I have replaced the water pump (myself) with no major problems.

The fuel pump quit working recently which was found to be a bare wire against the frame.

Fuel gage quit working some time ago and I just recently had the sending unit replaced.

My controller module (computer) went out, but my dealer had a used one that I got at a good price.

General Comments:

Overall an excellent truck. The truck rides great, shifts very smooth, and has a very quiet interior. The V6 offers enough power to haul a dirt bike all over the Midwest, your wood for that "honey-do" project, or any other thing you might fit in the bed. The extended cab back seat will handle two kid seats. I would recommend this truck to anyone, I refuse to trade it in or sell it.

Faults:

I replaced the u-joints while still under warranty, and the radiator leaked bad around the plastic top, at about 60,000. The starter went at about the same time. Water pump went at about 150,000 miles. The fuel pump went at 192,000. The exhaust needs work now at 220,000 miles.

General Comments:

This truck has been unbelievably dependable. It has always performed perfectly.

This truck is a very comfortable truck for long trips, either pulling our trailer or not.

It handles very well in adverse conditions as well as dry ones.

I Like the open cab.

Faults:

Fuel pump went out way before a fuel pump should ever go out.

General Comments:

It is a very nice truck and can pull anything I ever wanted to pull.