Search Consumer Guide Auto and the Web
 

1990-1996 Dodge Dakota Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Dodge Dakota. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Dodge Dakota.
1990-1996 Dodge Dakota Review
Introduced for 1987, Dodge's Dakota was the first midsize pickup--larger than most compacts and smaller than full-size models. Dakotas came in two sizes: 112-inch wheelbase with a 6.5-foot cargo bed, or 124-inch wheelbase with an 8-foot bed. Each had a 3-place bench seat, but bucket seats might be installed in base or Sport models. A Club Cab pickup arrived in 1990, with a 131-inch wheelbase and 6.5-foot bed, plus storage compartments beneath hinged rear cushions. Rear antilock brakes had been added for 1989. An innovative convertible pickup truck joined the line during 1989, with standard 3.9-liter V6, but remained on sale only into 1990.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Dodge Dakota: A V8 engine become available this year--the only such installation offered in a non-full-size pickup. In addition, the 4-cylinder base engine gained 17 horsepower. All Dakotas got a freshened front end, including a new grille and bumper. Nose sheetmetal was extended about three inches. LE and Sport models gained aero headlamps, while the Sport got a body-color grille and front air dam with fog lamps (plus a chrome roof bar with off-road lights). Club Cab trucks could now have 4-wheel drive.
1992 Dodge Dakota: Both V6 and V8 engines gained a whopping power boost. Horsepower jumped from 125 to 180 on the V6 and 165 to 230 on the V8.
1993 Dodge Dakota: Four-wheel antilock braking became available (a "first" for pickups of any brand). Dakotas got a stainless steel exhaust, seat cushions were recontoured, and 4-cylinder engines lost power.
1994 Dodge Dakota: Safety got the nod this season. Dakota became the first pickup with a driver-side airbag, accompanied by a new padded knee bolster, side door guard beams, and center high-mounted stoplamp.
1995 Dodge Dakota: A shift interlock was added to manual transmissions, and a 2WD Sport Club Cab model joined the 1995 lineup.
1996 Dodge Dakota: A new "Magnum" 4-cylinder base engine went into Dakotas for their final outing in this form. Automatic transmissions gained electronic shift controls.
1990-1996 Dodge Dakota Road Test
Pros Cons
Passenger room Interior storage space
Acceleration (V6, V8) Acceleration (4-cylinder)
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Regular cabs have ample space for three adults, but neither the bench seat nor the available buckets are particularly comfortable (1993 and later buckets are better). Not much storage space is available behind the seat, unless you opt for the Club Cab. But it's hard to get into the rear seat, which isn't sufficient for three and has limited knee room. The floor-mounted 4WD lever is low and sits well forward, so you have to reach under the dash to shift from 2WD to 4WD High. Other controls are easy to reach. The base 4-cylinder engine is adequate, but not a wise choice unless you rarely carry cargo. Relaxed at highway speeds, the husky early V6 develops enough low-speed torque to haul heavy loads, but it's still no fireball when pushing hard. The "Magnum" V6 introduced for 1992 yields better acceleration (Dodge claimed a 0-60 mph time of 8.3 seconds), but engine and exhaust noise are more noticeable under hard throttle. Acceleration is more robust yet with the V8, which is the choice for towing. Dakotas handle competently and ride well considering their size, though the ride gets bouncy when the cargo box is empty. Despite ABS, rear wheels tend to lock prematurely in hard stops. We'd prefer a later model with the optional 4-wheel antilock braking.
Value for the Money
Solid and robust, a Dakota makes a good practical choice. A long-wheelbase version with the 8-foot bed might serve nearly as well as a full-size pickup.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Dodge Dakota 3.9-liter ext. cab Rating
Performance 4
Fuel Economy 3
Ride Quality 3
Steering/Handling/Braking 3
Quietness 3
Controls/Materials 3
Interior Room 5
Room/Comfort (rear) 1
Cargo Capacity 2
Value within Class 4
Total: 31
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
1990-1996 Dodge Dakota Reliability
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner: If the air conditioner gradually stops cooling and/or the airflow from the vents decreases, the computer (PCM) may not be sending a signal to the compressor clutch relay to cycle off, which causes the AC evaporator to freeze up. (1991-95)
Automatic transmission: If the transmission will not engage when first started, chances are the torque converter is draining down. Chrysler will correct the problem by installing a check valve. (1993)
Automatic transmission: If the transmission won't upshift in cool weather, it is probably due to defective cast iron seal rings in the governor drive. (1992-94)
Engine fan noise: In warm weather, the fan makes a roaring sound. Dodge will replace the fan, the fan clutch, and, on max cooling systems, the radiator cap. (All)
Exhaust backfire: Exhaust backfire and/or a popping noise in the exhaust may be caused by a defective Powertrain Control Module. (1994-95)
Oil leak: Rear main seals on 2.5- and 4.0-liter engines are prone to leakage. To prevent future failures, Chrysler has a rubber plug available that goes in a hole above the starter that protects the rear main seal. (1996)
Oil leak: Oil leak at the filter on 3.9-, 5.2-, and 5.9-liter engines is likely due to a warped adapter plate. (1995)
Oil pump: Oil pump gear wear results in bucking and surging when the engine is warm and lack of lubrication when the engine is cold. (1992-93)
Rough idle: Because of a problem with the idle air control motor, the engine idles rough, stalls at low speeds or when decelerating, especially in warm weather. (1992-94)
Suspension noise: Front ball joints wear prematurely forcing relacement of lower control arm as well. Replacement joint with grease fitting is now available. (1990-96)
Transaxle leak: Automatic transmission fluid leaks from the speed sensor in the transmission. (1994)
Water leak: The roof seams leak water that seeps down behind the dashboard onto the floor. (1993-95)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $415
Alternator $295
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $790
Brakes $315
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $525
Exhaust System $310
Radiator $405
Shocks and/or Struts $190
Timing Chain or Belt $190
Universal Joints $130
NHTSA Recall History
1990 light-duty 4x2 and club-cab w/V8: Frame can crack at steering-gear attachment and/or mounting bolts can fracture, allowing steering gear to separate.
1990: Valve cover gasket may allow oil leakage.
1991 2WD: Right front-brake hose may rub against tire during full-left turn.
1991 w/4-speed automatic: Fuel hose may contact wiring harness, resulting in leakage.
1991: Premium steering wheel could crack and separate from hub.
1991-92 w/A500 automatic transmission: Inadvertent placement of shift lever in "Reverse" can occur when driver believes it has been placed in "Park."
1993: ABS could become inoperative when hard pedal effort is applied.
1994: Control-arm attaching bolts were not properly heat treated. If they break, steering control could be lost.
1994: Dealers will install a redesigned steering-wheel back cover to keep extra keys from getting caught behind the wheel when the key is in the ignition.
1994: Fuel-tank support straps could separate resulting in fuel leak and increased risk of fire.
1996 w/2.5-liter engine: Power-brake-vacuum hose in some trucks could be improperly installed; disconnected hose can cause increase in idle speed and loss of power assist.
1990-1996 Dodge Dakota Prices
Prices Good Average Poor
1990
Dakota 2WD $1,000-1,500 $600-900 $100-200
Dakota 4WD $1,300-1,800 $800-1,100 $200
1991
Dakota 2WD $1,100-1,600 $700-1,000 $100-200
Dakota 4WD $1,500-2,000 $1,000-1,300 $200-300
1992
Dakota 2WD $1,200-1,800 $700-1,100 $100-200
Dakota 4WD $1,700-2,200 $1,100-1,500 $300
1993
Dakota 2WD $1,300-1,900 $800-1,200 $200
Dakota 4WD $1,800-2,500 $1,200-1,700 $300-400
1994
Dakota 2WD $1,400-2,100 $900-1,300 $200-300
Dakota 4WD $2,000-2,800 $1,400-2,000 $300-500
1995
Dakota 2WD $1,500-2,700 $1,000-1,800 $200-400
Dakota 4WD $2,200-3,400 $1,600-2,400 $400-600
1996
Dakota 2WD $1,700-3,000 $1,100-2,000 $300-500
Dakota 4WD $2,400-4,000 $1,700-2,900 $500-800
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
1990-1996 Dodge Dakota Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification ext. cab reg. cab long bed reg. cab short bed
Wheelbase, in. 130.9 123.9 111.9
Overall Length, in. 208.0 207.5 189.0
Overall Width, in. 69.4 69.4 69.4
Overall Height, in. 65.6 65.0 65.0
Curb Weight, lbs. 3528 3124 3042
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. -- -- --
Standard Payload, lbs. 2000 2600 2600
Fuel Capacity, gals. 15.0 15.0 15.0
Seating Capacity 6 3 3
Front Head Room, in. 39.5 39.5 39.5
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.8 41.8 41.8
Rear Head Room, in. 37.9 -- --
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 24.8 -- --
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Powertrain Options and Availability
Two- and 4-wheel-drive Dakotas had a 100-horsepower, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, or a 3.9-liter V6 that made 125 horsepower. The V6 was standard in 4x4 and Sport models, optional in 2WDs, except for the price-leader Dakota S. A 5-speed manual gearbox was standard and 4-speed automatic optional. Dakota's 4WD setup is a part-time, on-demand system, not intended for use on dry pavement. It used automatic-locking front hubs and a floor-mounted transfer-case lever.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in
Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy
Consumer Guide Observed
ohc I4 2.5 / 153 99-120 132-145 5-speed manual: 21/25 5-speed manual: 20.2
ohc V6 3.9 / 239 125-180 195-225 5-speed manual: 16/22
4-speed automatic: 16/20
5-speed manual: --
4-speed automatic: --
ohv V8 5.2 / 318 165-230 250-295 5-speed manual: 14/20
4-speed automatic: 14/18
5-speed manual: 15.4
4-speed automatic: 13.9
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test 1996 Dakota
Front Impact, Driver 5
Front Impact, Passenger 4
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Car Buying Resources

Trade-In Calculator

Research how much your car is truly worth

Trade-In Calculator



Used Cars

Search online classifieds and find a local dealer
Search Local Listings

Vehicle History Report

Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.



What's Under the Hood?

Learn about how cars work.

Learn things



Insurance

We're dedicated to making insurance easier.

Get Insurance



Sell Your Car

Reach over 8 million buyers
Sell Your Car
    Find a Used Car
Price Range:
to
 Radius:
    Vehicle History Report

FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before you buy.