Cruise control doesn't work correctly below 65 mph except on very flat roads. Below that speed (e.g., 55 mph) it will downshift all the way to second gear when a hill is encountered resulting in 4000+ rpm. Very bad on an engine. Chrysler knows about it and there is no fix. My answer: buy the V8.
Detonation. Took until sometime in 2001, but Chrysler finally came out with a new ignition mapping that pretty much fixed the problem (every new car I've driven pings some).
Plastic hub centers on the wheels pop off and get lost, and are $15/each to replace.
The V6 is kinda gutless. They didn't have a 4x4 V6 when I bought mine, so I didn't realize it, or that the estimated mileage for the V6 and V8 is almost identical with 4WD. Buy the V8.
I kind of surprised by the number of negative comments I see about the Dakota. Mine is still on the original brake pads and shoes, and original tires at 64K miles. Other than the items listed above, this car has never been back to the dealer. And I'm pretty picky about vehicles, having grown up in the auto industry. Guess I've just been lucky. My one regret is having opted for the V6.
I have a '99 dodge dakota sport with the 3.9l V6,i have already replaced the power steering pump once and am about ready to take it back again to have another put on. It also has a 5 speed transmission, and at low RPM's on the take off I get an aweful grinding or rubbing sound coming from the rear end of the truck. shifting is rough from first into second gear. At higher speeds (above 55) the shifter shakes from side to side. It also extremely struggles going up hill, possibly from bad gear ratio on dodge's part. other than that i'd say its not a bad truck.lol.
I have a 1999 Dakota Sport 4x4 with 3.9L Reg. Cab. Short Bed. With 5-speed. I have 130,000 miles on the truck. The only thing I have replaced is the starter. This truck as been great in the woods. The only thing that I do not agree with is that you cannot grease the hubs up front. I am going to replace them soon. This truck as been all over the USA and a lot of the miles have been off roading. It helps to add air intake, exhaust. Truck shifts great! Still on same clutch. Overall this truck is a keeper.
OK, now I'm confused. I want an older used dakota and I was looking at the 99's. I am confused about the reviewer saying that his 99 dakota with the v-6 didn't have 4 wheel drive, yet the 8th Jun 2006 commenter said his has 4 wheel drive...
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