1997 Dodge Dakota Sport, Extended Cab SWD 3.9 V6 from North America

Summary:

Great value in a small truck

Faults:

Major front suspension rebuild at 198,000 miles due to very poor roads where we live.

Replaced an O2 sensor at about 190,000, which was very easy.

The A/C needs a can every year and the heater has always been inept.

Original MOPAR radio failed in its 17th year of operation, but everything else works - even the cruise.

General Comments:

Ever notice there are more old Dodge Dakotas on the road than S-10s, Canyons, Colorados, Rangers and even Tacomas? It's not because they outsold the competition, it's because this is one very tough truck when equipped with the V-6 and manual transmission. Have owned and/or driven other small trucks, and found them to be less than stellar where compared to the 2nd generation Dakota.

A real bargain.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th June, 2022

12th Jun 2022, 00:00

“Ever notice there are more old Dodge Dakotas on the road than S-10s, Canyons, Colorados, Rangers and even Tacomas?”

No, I seem to see roughly twenty Rangers and/or Tacomas to every Dakota. The anecdotal experiences of a single person don’t make for reliable data.

12th Jun 2022, 13:42

I've noticed a lot more people in general are holding onto their 1990's or early 2000's built cars as they know things got too complex and expensive to repair after that :)

12th Jun 2022, 17:06

No they keep them to avoid car payments and higher car insurance. And put savings towards food on the table and gas during this very high inflationary time.

12th Jun 2022, 20:39

Even when the Dakota was new and still being produced, you never saw nowhere near as many as its compact pick up competitors. Maybe more than the Tacoma in the early 90s before it became popular.

13th Jun 2022, 22:10

Who says it has to be brand new? Find a used car in good shape and decent miles for five or six grand and pay cash on the spot.

14th Jun 2022, 18:38

Well said, cheaper good condition cars in a cash purchase (no loans or debt) is almost always the best option for the private buyer.

1997 Dodge Dakota 2WD 2.5 from North America

Summary:

Reliable and dependable piece of good ol American truck

Faults:

Fuel pump went at 27000 miles while driving at 70mph in the passing lane.

Seat covers were replaced 3 times under warranty; the problem was there is no padding over the hinge. Now I use a thin cushion and I am fine.

Replaced clutch at 150000 miles just because I did long distance hauling.

Water pump went at 185000 miles, and then again after just 49000 with the aftermarket pump.

Starter went at 265000 miles.

Radiator fins started rotting off at around 190000 miles.

Front wheel bearings finally giving out at 284000 miles.

Original muffler replaced at 104000 miles, and have had 4 more since.

Replaced all the brake lines, as they rotted out.

Very little rust, with hardly ever washing or waxing it.

Still have the original alternator, and only on the 3rd battery.

Changed the oil every 3-4000 miles, and now add oil additives.

I get around 23 MPG highway and 19-20 MPG city.

Distributor went, causing an exhaust manifold crack. Found out you don't need to put a gasket on the manifold, and have had no problem since.

General Comments:

My truck may not be fast, but it gets me where I need to go. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles like power anything, except steering; just normal maintenance and less than $1500 to maintain.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th June, 2014

1997 Dodge Dakota from North America

Summary:

Great work truck

Faults:

Normal wear and tear.

General Comments:

This has been the best truck I have had yet.

The only thing I changed is that I put an access panel in the bed of the truck so I would not have to drop the fuel tank to change the fuel pump. Change the pump every 100k or you'll get stuck on the side of the road. On a long road trip, I carry my spare from the last one I took out.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th March, 2014