1997-2004 Dodge Dakota: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1997-2004 Dodge Dakota and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (V8)
- Ride (2WD)
- Quietness
Cons
- Fuel economy (V8)
- Acceleration (4-cylinder)
- Rear-seat room/comfort (ext. cab)
Vehicle Highlights
Fully redesigned for 1997, Dodge's pickup again measured between compact and full-size. Powertrains and suspensions were essentially carryovers. Dual airbags were now standard. Regular-cab Dakotas came in two sizes: 111.0-inch wheelbase with a 6.5-foot cargo bed, or 123.9-inch with an 8-foot bed. The Club Cab, which added a 3-place bench seat and 19 inches to the back of the cab, rode a 131-inch wheelbase and came only with the shorter bed. All body styles were available with rear-wheel drive or on-demand 4-wheel drive that is not for use on dry pavement. Rear antilock brakes were standard; 4-wheel ABS optional. Three engines were available: a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 120 horsepower; a 3.9-liter V6 that produced 175 horsepower; and a 5.2-liter V8 with 230 horsepower. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard; 4-speed automatic optional only with the V6 or V8.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Dodge Dakota Club Cab 2WD, V6 auto Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 46 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1997-2004 Dodge Dakota. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1997-2004 Dodge Dakota.
Year to Year Changes
1998 Dodge Dakota:
A deactivation switch for the passenger-side airbag was added for '98, and, at mid-season, a high-performance Dakota R/T arrived, packing a 250-horsepower 5.9-liter V8 with automatic transmission and riding a sport suspension with 17-inch tires, became available.
1999 Dodge Dakota:
Dakotas got a one-touch-down power driver's window and a redesigned overhead console for '99. A rotary headlight switch replaced the prior pull-turn knob.
2000 Dodge Dakota:
Dakotas could now be equipped with a 235-horsepower, 4.7-liter V8 engine, borrowed from the Jeep Grand Cherokee. It replaced the previous 5.2-liter V8. A "crew cab" (Quad Cab) model with four front-hinged side doors debuted in midseason. Quad Cabs seated six. Regular-cab models abandoned the previously available 8-foot cargo bed, coming only with the 6.5-foot bed used by the Club Cab.
2001 Dodge Dakota:
New linewide features for 2001 included a standard universal garage door opener, redesigned alloy wheels for Sport and SLT models, and 16-inch wheels instead of 15s with the optional tire and handling packages. Dashboards and center consoles were also redesigned and, on 4x4s, the transfer case was now controlled by a dashboard switch rather than a floor lever.
2002 Dodge Dakota:
New for 2002 was an SXT version that included popular equipment such as 16-inch wheels and bucket seats.
2003 Dodge Dakota:
The 4-cylinder engine is dropped, while 4.7-liter V8s could get a 5-speed automatic. Also for '03, 16-inch wheels are standard in place of 15s on all models except the R/T, which uses 17s. Rear seats gain LATCH system child-seat anchors, and added midyear was a Stampede package that includes the Tire and Handling Group plus body-color bumpers and lower-body trim.
2004 Dodge Dakota:
Dodge dropped the 245-hp 5.9-liter V8 for '04, and replaced the 175-hp 3.9-liter V6 with a 210-hp 3.7-liter V6. Also dropped this year was the sporty R/T model.
Our road test for the 1997-2004 Dodge Dakota includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1997-2004 Dodge Dakota and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1997-2004 Dodge Dakota is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
The stiffer frame on this generation of Dakota evidently made a noticeable difference, as a 2WD Club Cab model proved to be impressively solid on rough roads. Ride quality was also pleasing. The suspension provided a comfortable and stable ride, with only a little bouncing on wavy surfaces. A 4-wheel-drive model, on the other hand, does not feel as stable or comfortable, jiggling more over bumps. The 5.2-liter V8 is smoother and quieter than before, delivering strong acceleration and passing power. Gas mileage is another story. We averaged only 13.3 mpg with the V8, though that included mainly urban commuting. The overhead-cam 4.7-liter V8 that replaced the 5.2 in 2000 also furnishes strong acceleration. The base 4-cylinder engine is simply too weak for a vehicle of this size and weight. The V6 makes a sensible compromise. The Dakota R/T delivers impressive acceleration, but is hampered by a rough ride and lack of 4-wheel drive. Although the Dakota is roomier than rival compact pickups, the rear bench seat in Club Cab models lacks sufficient leg room for adults. Getting into the rear seat is a squeeze, too. As a bonus, the rear-seat cushion folds up to reveal a couple of handy, flat-topped storage compartments. Rear doors on the Quad Cab are not technically full-size, but they open independently of the front doors and make entry/exit a lot more convenient. The Quad Cab also has more rear leg room than any rival's extended cab, though long-legged adults still will find their knees pressed into the front seatback. This Dakota's dashboard looks more modern, but it's covered with flimsy plastic. Inside door panels are made of cheap-looking molded plastic that does not look or feel durable. In general, though, materials are comparable to those in most rival trucks. Visibility is good all around. Radio and climate controls are easy to reach. Two cupholders are molded into the center console.
Value for the Money
Dakota offers a bit more interior space and towing capacity than compact pickup rivals, and a significant advantage in payload capacity. If you like the styling, the rest of the truck probably won't be disappointing.
Dakota offers a bit more interior space and towing capacity than compact pickup rivals, and a significant advantage in payload capacity. If you like the styling, the rest of the truck probably won't be disappointing.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Dodge Dakota Club Cab 2WD, V6 auto Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 46 |
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.
Our reliability study for this generation Dodge Dakota includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Dodge Dakota .
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.
Dashboard lights:
The gauges and overhead console quit working because of a blown fuse. (1997)
Engine misfire:
Engine bucking at about 5300 rpm may occur when many electrical devices are in use. Noise from the generator affects the transmission-governor pressure sensor delaying upshifts. (1997-98)
Engine noise:
The timing chain makes a rattling noise, which requires a replacement chain, sprockets, and tensioner. (1997)
Exhaust system:
The exhaust manifold studs on the 2.5-liter engine tend to break. (1997-98)
Keyless entry:
If the remote keyless entry transmitter batteries die in less than two months, there is a problem with the transmitter and it will be replaced under warranty. (1997-98)
Manual transmission:
High shift effort on 5-speed manual transmission may be remedied with a replacement shift shaft lever and shift detent plunger. (1999-2000)
Paint/body:
"Radiant Red Metallic" paint suffers chipping problems because antichip primer was not applied during production. (1997)
Rough idle:
Poor driveability may be caused by a rub between the camshaft position sensor and the tone wheel. (2000)
Steering noise:
Snapping or clicking noise in steering caused by defective upper bearing retainer for which there is a fix kit. (2005)
Suspension noise:
A rhythmic squeaking noise from the front of 2-wheel-drive trucks is likely due to a warped front hub, not the rotor, usually after a brake job. (1997-99)
Suspension noise:
Front ball joints wear prematurely forcing relacement of lower control arm as well. Replacement joint with grease fitting is now available. (1997-03)
Vehicle noise:
A popping noise can come from the rear of the cab because the sleeves in the cab isolators are too long and must be ground down. (1997-98)
Water leak:
Power locks may lock/unlock spontaneously because water leaks into the lock cylinder. (2000-03)
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 | $525 |
| Alternator | $355 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $990 |
| Brakes | $305 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $610 |
| Exhaust System | $510 |
| Radiator | $400 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $330 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $205 |
| Universal Joints | $180 |
Our price chart for this generation Dodge Dakota details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
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| 2004 | |||
| Dakota 2WD | $5,700-10,000 | $4,900-8,600 | $2,300-4,100 |
| Dakota 4WD | $8,200-12,500 | $7,400-11,300 | $4,200-6,400 |
| 2003 | |||
| Dakota 2WD | $4,800-9,300 | $4,000-7,800 | $1,800-3,500 |
| Dakota 4WD | $7,000-11,200 | $6,200-10,000 | $3,300-5,300 |
| Dakota R/T | $7,600-9,200 | $6,800-8,300 | $3,800-4,600 |
| 2002 | |||
| Dakota 2WD | $4,000-8,200 | $3,300-6,700 | $1,300-2,600 |
| Dakota 4WD | $6,000-10,000 | $5,200-8,700 | $2,500-4,200 |
| Dakota R/T | $6,500-8,000 | $5,700-7,000 | $2,900-3,600 |
| 2001 | |||
| Dakota 2WD | $3,500-7,200 | $2,800-5,800 | $900-1,900 |
| Dakota 4WD | $5,200-9,000 | $4,400-7,700 | $2,100-3,600 |
| Dakota R/T | $5,500-6,700 | $4,700-5,800 | $2,300-2,700 |
| 2000 | |||
| Dakota 2WD | $3,100-5,500 | $2,400-4,300 | $700-1,300 |
| Dakota 4WD | $4,500-7,000 | $3,700-5,800 | $1,600-2,500 |
| Dakota R/T | $4,800-5,900 | $4,000-5,000 | $1,800-2,200 |
| 1999 | |||
| Dakota 2WD | $2,800-4,500 | $2,100-3,400 | $600-1,000 |
| Dakota 4WD | $4,000-5,700 | $3,300-4,700 | $1,300-1,800 |
| Dakota R/T | $4,300-5,300 | $3,600-4,400 | $1,500-1,800 |
| 1998 | |||
| Dakota 2WD | $2,500-4,000 | $1,800-2,900 | $500-800 |
| Dakota 4WD | $3,500-5,000 | $2,800-4,000 | $900-1,400 |
| Dakota R/T | $3,700-4,600 | $3,000-3,700 | $1,100-1,300 |
| 1997 | |||
| Dakota 2WD | $2,200-3,500 | $1,600-2,500 | $400-700 |
| Dakota 4WD | $3,200-4,500 | $2,500-3,500 | $800-1,100 |
|
|
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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.
Specs for this generation Dodge Dakota include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | ext. cab | reg. cab long bed | reg. cab short bed |
| Wheelbase, in. | 131.0 | 123.9 | 111.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 214.8 | 215.1 | 195.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.5 | 71.5 | 71.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 65.6 | 65.3 | 65.6 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3733 | 3556 | 3481 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | -- | -- | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 3557 | 3396 | 3335 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.0 | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.0 | 40.0 | 40.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.9 | 41.9 | 41.9 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.0 | -- | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 22.1 | -- | -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Dakotas originally came with a choice of four engines: a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, a 3.9-liter V6, and 5.2- or 5.9-liter V8. Five-speed manual shift was standard; 4-speed automatic transmission optional (standard in high-performance R/T). A new overhead-cam 4.7-liter V8 replaced the 5.2-liter in 2000 and the 4-cylinder was dropped in 2003. Also in '03, a 5-speed automatic replaced the optional 4-speed on the 4.7. Dropped in 2004 is the 5.9-liter V8, and the 175-hp 3.9-liter V6 was replaced by a 3.7-liter V6 making 210-hp.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V6 | / 3.7 | 210 | 235 | 5-speed automatic: -- | 5-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V8 | 5.2 / 318 | 230 | 300 | 5-speed manual: 14/19 4-speed automatic: 14/18 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 13.3 |
| ohc V8 | 4.7 / 287 | 230-235 | 295 | 5-speed manual: 14/18 4-speed automatic: 14/17 5-speed automatic: 15/20 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- 5-speed automatic: 16 |
| ohv I4 | 2.5 / 150 | 120 | 145 | 5-speed manual: 20/25 | 5-speed manual: -- |
| ohv V6 | 3.9 / 239 | 175 | 225 | 5-speed manual: 16/22 4-speed automatic: 16/21 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 16.5 |
| ohv V8 | 5.9 / 360 | 245-250 | 335-345 | 4-speed automatic: 12/16 | 4-speed automatic: 13.3 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Dodge Dakota include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Dakota |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| 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%. Sideimpact 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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1997-2004 Dodge Dakota directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1997 w/131-inch wheelbase:
Some vehicles may have inadequate clearance between fuel line and cab underbody.
1997:
Airbag could deploy inadvertently when ignition is shut off.
1997-00 w/2.5-liter engine:
Some vehicles may have inadequate clearance between left front brake tube and power-steering hose.
1997-00:
Some vehicles may have inadequate clearance between rear-axle vent hose and brake hose.
1997-00:
Sound-deadening material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing causing the driver-airbag system to become disabled. The airbag-warning lamp will illuminate on the instrument panel.
1998 2WD:
Front-brake hoses or antilock brake-system sensor wire may be abraded at front wheels by contact with wheelhouse splash shield; prolonged contact with hose can cause partial braking loss.
1998:
Bolts used to attach cab and core support to frame may have been improperly hardened; can allow cab to separate from frame.
1999:
The front-seatbelt retractor does not comply with the requirements of the standard. If the retractor does not work properly, it will not adequately protect occupants in the event of a crash.
2000 w/4.7-liter engine and automatic:
Automatic transmission may expel fluid from fill tube during normal temperature operation.
2000-01:
Some of the owner's manuals for these vehicles are missing instructions for properly attaching a child-restraint system's tether strap to the tether anchorage.
2000-03 w/4WD:
If moisture leaks into front suspension upper ball joint, evacuation of the lubricant and corrosion may cause the joint to wear over an extended time period; could cause clunking noise and possible separation that may result in loss of control.
2001 Quad Cab:
Front-outboard lower-seatbelt anchor bolts may not be tightened correctly. An improperly tightened seatbelt anchor may not provide the anticipated level of occupant restraint in a crash.
2001 w/4WD:
Electric shift-transfer case may not fully engage into gear, causing the transfer case to end up in the neutral position.
2001-02:
Certain vehicles are missing certification labels about maximum tire load capacity. Dealers will distribute labels.
2001-03 w/manual transmission:
The clutch may chafe headlamp and dash wiring harnesses, causing the horn, lights wipers and signals to be inoperative. Dealer will inspect and replace al affected parts.
2001-2002 Dakota with automatic transmission:
The transmission lever may potentially be shifted out of park with the key removed and without depressing the brake pedal, or the key may be removed when the shifter is not in park, which fails to comply with Federal regulations. Dealers will replace the gearshift blocker and bracket assembly.
2002-04:
Windshield wiper motor may be susceptible to water intrusion that could cause internal corrosion, resulting in partial or total loss of wiping capability.
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