1989 Dodge Dakota Reviews - Page 2 of 3

The $70 ignition pickup-coil failed, and the subsequent erroneous diagnostic performed fried the $1200 computer at 107,000 miles.

The instrument panel trim plastic began cracking at 41,000 miles, and by 65,000 miles was mostly held together by glue and tape.

The paint began flaking at 45,000 miles, and got progressively worse each passing year, with Dodge dealerships failing to repair because I was the second owner.

The AC system failed almost every summer, with defective hoses and leaking compressors compounding the problem.

The first gear bearing shelled out at 65,000 miles, a month after the original clutch was replaced because of excess slippage. Pulling the transmission TWICE was expensive.

Brakes were replaced at 65,000 miles, shock absorbers at 85,000 miles.

Radiator tanks began leaking at 85,000 miles and the unit was replaced.

Differential needing rebuilding at 121,000 miles.

Transmission output seal needing replacing every other summer.

Acceleration was anemic, but economy ranged from 23 city/27 highway. Handling and cornering were excellent, and ride was surprisingly good for a short bed.

Bench seat needing stuffing every few years to keep comfortable on long highway trips, but otherwise was decent for around town driving.

Cable winch spare tire carrier was very convenient considering how many flat tires I would get a year.

Front end; oil leak, easy repair, gasket; driver side door latch (wore out) ; water pump; brakes; upholstery wore out; roof cloth wore out; needs paint.

I still have my ole gray mare - 1989 Dodge Dakota 4 cylinder. Close to 200,000 miles. A good work truck. Hauls dirt, rocks, lumber, you name it - anything and everything. Could use a new paint job and the AC fixed, but I can live without both; not a necessity for a work truck. I don't know what I would do without my ole gray mare. She has had general maintenance over the years (I got her second hand in 1994) ; but nothing serious - thank goodness. I hope to keep her around for a very long time. She runs fine, gets good mileage, doesn't burn oil, she likes to work hard.

P.S. I also own a nice black flawless 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4WD. She just rolled over 20,000 miles.

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!

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!

I had to replace the alternator, I had one off from another similar truck which my dad had owned so I cost practically nothing to replace.

It was heating up so I had to replace the thermostat.

This truck is very nice. I bought it as a truck to take back and forth to work and I am now driving every where. It is very reliable and it has some get up and go, especially for a 4 cylinder.