2003 Dodge Dakota SXT Club Cab review from North America
"Everything I ever wanted in a truck, and more!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Nothing has gone wrong with this truck.
General comments?
This is the first truck I've ever bought on my own. I've had others since I was 16 (1997 Ford F150 (4.2 V6) and 1994 Chevy Caprice (4.3 V8) and I have to say that I think the Dakota out classes both vehicles hands down.
Comparing to the 1997 Ford F150 4.2L
* Areas where the Dakota is better
- Power
- Handling
- Comfort
- Audio System
- Cab Noise is MUCH less than the ford
- easier access to engine components
- Aesthetics (Appearance)
- Better Horn (still weak, but the ford is really dinky and wouldn't work on cold days)
- Better Value IMHO
* Areas where the F150 is better
- More Cab room
- Sat higher
- Bigger Mirrors.
Now for the comparison with the
94' Chevy Caprice 4.3L V8
* Areas where the Dakota is better
- Handling
- better acceleration/low end power
- Engine components are easier to get to
- Better suspension
- Sits Higher
- MUCH better looking
- Smaller Steering wheel easier to control
- Overall better Ride
* Areas where the Caprice is better
- More top end power
- Overall room (duh, 4 door car)
- slightly more comfortable
- sounded better (V8 and had Flow masters on it)
- Takes hard bumps better, but floats even with new shocks.
The Dakota beats the F150 hands down, but there isn't really much to compare between the caprice. But this should give some of you a better idea of what it's looking at.
My Favorite points about the Dakota:
- MUCH roomier than other similar trucks
- Great power without much compromise on fuel efficiency
- Handles GREAT and rides better than many cars
- Not a better looking truck on the market
- PLENTY of different packages to choose from to suite anyone's needs.
Recommended reviews
| 2004 - Dakota SLT 4.7 V8 Magnum Raw V-8 power, good looks, 4X4 capability... I love this truck! |
| Great vehicle! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 2003 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.9L V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 27025 miles |
| Most recent distance | 28257 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet Caprice |
| Date of Entry | 22nd January, 2004 |