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2003 Dodge Dakota Full Review
Date Published: 4/08/08
2003 Dodge Dakota Review
Dodge's "compact" pickup truck loses its 4-cyl engine for 2003, but gains a new transmission, available 4-wheel disc brakes, and larger standard tires. Dakota is bigger than other compact pickups but not quite a full-size. It offers a 3-passenger regular cab, a 6-passenger 2-dr extended Club Cab, and a 6-passenger 4-dr crew cab Quad Cab. Regular and Club Cab have a 6.5-ft cargo bed, the Quad Cab a 5.3-ft box. Available engines are a 3.9-liter V6, 4.7 V8, and 5.9 V8. The 3.9 comes with manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. The 4.7 is available with manual or--new for '03--a 5-speed automatic. The 5.9 comes only with a 4-speed automatic. Dakota is available with rear-wheel drive, 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement, or 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement; 4x4s include low-range gearing. Dakotas come with rear-wheel ABS; 4-wheel ABS is optional. Four-wheel disc brakes are newly standard on all models except the 2WD regular cab, on which they replace a disc/drum setup as part of selected options packages. 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.
Competition
Dodge Dakota and Ford Ranger (and clone Mazda Truck) are our Best Buys. Dakota is the only one to offer a V8 engine, full-time 4WD, and near-full-size cargo and towing capacity. Ranger is the most refined and probably the best daily use vehicle.

Toyota Tacoma is our Recommended choice. It's every bit as good as the Ranger in daily use, just a tad more expensive.
News
Dakota is being redesigned for 2005. We expect it in early '04. The related Durango SUV gets a similar makeover this fall on the same basic platform as an '04 model. Sources say Dakota will have its own look rather than sharing Durango sheetmetal. The pickup reportedly shrinks a bit in some dimensions, but should remain larger than most class rivals except maybe for GM's new Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon. A big feature of the redesign is a new frame said to be lighter but stronger than the current Dakota chassis. Interior fit-and-finish will reportedly be upgraded for higher perceived quality.

Like Dodge's full-size Ram pickups, the '05 Dakota should abandon 2-dr extended-cab models and maybe the basic 4WD that can't be used on dry pavement. Look for a 3.7-liter V6 to replace the older 3.9 as base power. V8 options should comprise a carryover 4.7 and the new 5.7-liter Hemi Magnum already available in heavy-duty Rams.

Dakota sales have been sliding lately--off 8 percent year-to-year in 2001 and another 15.4 percent in 2002. An uncertain national economy and stronger price competition haven't helped, but neither has Dakota's aging design, suggesting the clean-sheet replacements won't come a moment too soon.
2003 Dodge Dakota Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration (V8) Rear-seat comfort (Club Cab)
Fuel economy (V8)
Rear-seat entry/exit (Club Cab)
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

Reg. cab 4WD, V6 man. Club Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 4WD, 5.9 V8 Class Average
4 6 6 6 4.4

Only nonfull-size pickup to offer a V8 and 4WD that can be used on dry pavement. Teamed with the 5-speed automatic, the 4.7 is powerful enough for all but heavy towing. That's where the stronger 5.9 takes over. Peppy V6 is fine for medium-duty work. Towing capacity ranges from 1800 to 6600 lb.
Fuel Economy

Reg. cab 4WD, V6 man. Club Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 4WD, 5.9 V8 Class Average
3 4 4 2 4

No opportunity to measure with the V6. Test 2WD 4.7 V8 Club Cab with automatic transmission averaged 16.0 mpg. Test 4WD 5.9 V8 Quad Cab averaged 13.3. All engines use regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality

Reg. cab 4WD, V6 man. Club Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 4WD, 5.9 V8 Class Average
4 5 6 5 3.6

Comfortable, stable with 2WD. The stiffer 4WD versions jiggle noticeably over bumps.
Steering/Handling/Braking

Reg. cab 4WD, V6 man. Club Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 4WD, 5.9 V8 Class Average
4 4 4 4 3.4

R/T almost sporty-car agile. Other Dakotas are typical pickup: fair cornering lean, modest grip. Newly available 4-wheel disc brakes are an improvement over the disc/drum setup, providing better pedal feel and sustained performance in repeated stops. Four-wheel ABS is a worthwhile option over rear-only arrangement.
Quietness

Reg. cab 4WD, V6 man. Club Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 4WD, 5.9 V8 Class Average
4 5 5 4 3.3

Considerable wind noise at highway speeds and tire thrum on coarse surfaces. But test 2WD models were quieter overall than some Dodge cars and rival small trucks.
Controls

Reg. cab 4WD, V6 man. Club Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 4WD, 5.9 V8 Class Average
6 6 6 6 5.7

Simple and handy. Dakota's dashboard-mounted 4WD switch is preferred to the floor-mounted lever common on most import compact pickups. Assembly and quality of materials is good.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Reg. cab 4WD, V6 man. Club Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 4WD, 5.9 V8 Class Average
5 6 6 6 4

Tight for three adults even with bench seat. But comfortable for two, and roomier than any compact rival.
Room/Comfort (rear)

Reg. cab 4WD, V6 man. Club Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 4WD, 5.9 V8 Class Average
0 2 4 4 1.5

Club Cab has child-size bench seat, and lack of 3rd door hinders entry/exit. Quad Cab beats any compact pickup for rear-seat room; even the center position has good comfort. Entry/exit is easy, with doors that open almost 90 degrees and reasonable 4x4 step-in height. Tall passengers will find their knees against the front seatbacks, and some testers say the cushion is too low for best comfort.
Cargo Room

Reg. cab 4WD, V6 man. Club Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 4WD, 5.9 V8 Class Average
1 4 5 5 2.7

Being larger overall than compact trucks pays off in a bit more behind-the-seat storage space in all cab styles.
Value within Class

Reg. cab 4WD, V6 man. Club Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 4WD, 5.9 V8 Class Average
8 9 10 8 6.5

Dakota is a good choice if you don't need a big pickup but want more power, space, and towing capacity than a compact. Available V8 power, all-surface 4WD, and Quad Cab versatility cement its Best Buy credentials.
Total Score

Reg. cab 4WD, V6 man. Club Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Quad Cab 4WD, 5.9 V8 Class Average
39 51 56 50 39.1
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks

Low Score
29
Average Score
39
High Score
56
2003 Dodge Dakota Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/02/2003
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD Base regular cab $16,845 $15,497 $620
4WD Base regular cab $19,955 $18,295 $620
2WD Base Club Cab extended cab $19,515 $17,903 $620
4WD Base Club Cab extended cab $22,790 $20,848 $620
2WD Sport regular cab $17,690 $16,249 $620
2WD SLT regular cab $17,690 $16,249 $620
4WD Sport regular cab $20,980 $19,207 $620
4WD SLT regular cab $20,980 $19,207 $620
2WD Sport Club Cab extended cab $19,530 $17,917 $620
2WD SLT Club Cab extended cab $19,530 $17,917 $620
4WD Sport Club Cab extended cab $22,815 $20,870 $620
4WD SLT Club Cab extended cab $22,815 $20,870 $620
2WD Sport Quad Cab crew cab $21,715 $19,891 $620
2WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab $21,715 $19,891 $620
4WD Sport Quad Cab crew cab $24,480 $22,372 $620
4WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab $24,480 $22,372 $620
2WD R/T regular cab $24,150 $21,999 $620
2WD R/T Club Cab extended cab $26,450 $24,076 $620
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base regular cab
Powertrain
3.9-liter V6 engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, rear antilock brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, cloth upholstery, split bench seat, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, passenger-side visor mirror, black vinyl floor covering.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Bright front and argent rear bumper.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, 245/70R16 on/off-road tires, 4WD models add: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 4-wheel disc brakes.
Base Club Cab adds to Base regular cab:
Safety
4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Folding rear seat, carpeting.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD models add: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Sport/SLT regular cab adds to Base regular cab:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Carpeting, overhead console, map lights, cargo-box light.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Body-colored rear bumper (Sport), bright front and rear bumpers (SLT).
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels, 4WD models add: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 4-wheel disc brakes.
Sport/SLT Club Cab/Quad Cab adds to Sport/SLT regular cab:
Safety
4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Folding rear seat (Club Cab), split folding rear seat (Quad Cab), front-hinged rear doors (Quad Cab).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
R/T adds to Sport/SLT regular cab:
Powertrain
5.9-liter V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, limited-slip differential.
Safety
4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, front bucket seats, center console, folding rear seat (Club Cab).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass (Club Cab), fog lights, tonneau cover, body-colored front and rear bumpers.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Lowered sport suspension, 255/55R17 tires, chrome alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
SXT Quick Order Pkg.
2WD Sport Quad Cab
$900
$792
4WD Sport Quad Cab
$915
$805
Tilt steering wheel, cruise control, front bucket seats, AM/FM/CD player, black/gray rear bumper, 255/65R16 white-letter tires (2WD), 265/70R16 all-terrain white-letter tires (4WD), alloy wheels. NA w/4.7-liter V8 engine, 5.9-liter V8 engine, rear defogger, full-time transfer case, Leather Interior Group.
Sport Plus/SLT Plus Quick Order Pkg.
2WD Sport/SLT regular cab
$1,730
$1,522
4WD Sport/SLT regular cab
$1,735
$1,527
2WD Sport/SLT Club Cab
$1,730
$1,522
4WD Sport/SLT Club Cab
$1,765
$1,553
2WD Sport/SLT Quad Cab
$1,975
$1,738
4WD Sport/SLT Quad Cab
$1,955
$1,720
Cruise control, tilt steering wheel, power mirrors, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, front floormats, fog lights, rear stabilizer bar.
Stampede Group
Sport
$1,695
$1,492
Sport w/Sport Plus Pkg.
$1,385
$1,219
Color-keyed bumpers, ground effects pkg., wheel flares, rear stabilizer bar, 255/65R16 white-letter tires (2WD), 265/70R16 all-terrain white-letter tires (4WD). Requires fog lights. NA Quad Cab.
AJK Deluxe Convenience Group
Sport, SLT
$390
$343
Cruise control, tilt steering column.
AJP Power Convenience Group
Quad Cab
$885
$779
R/T
$710
$625
Power mirrors, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry.
AJL Power Overhead Convenience Group
R/T
$985
$867
AJL Power Overhead Convenience Group plus power mirrors, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry.
Leather Interior Group
Club Cab
$480
$422
Quad Cab
$580
$510
Leather upholstery, front bucket seats or split bench seat. Requires 6-way power driver seat, Infinity sound system. Sport, SLT require Quick Order Pkg. R/T requires Power Convenience Group or Overhead Power Convenience Group. NA Base.
Tire and Handling Group
2WD Sport/SLT regular/Club Cab
$360
$317
4WD Sport/SLT regular/Quad Cab
$400
$158
2WD Quad Cab
$385
$339
4WD Sport/SLT Club Cab
$375
$330
Wheel flares, rear stabilizer bar, 255/65R16 white-letter tires (2WD), 265/70R16 all-terrain white-letter tires (4WD). Requires Quick Order Pkg.
5900-lb GVWR
2WD Sport/SLT Club Cab
$120
$106
2WD regular cab
$195
$172
4WD regular cab
$55
$48
4WD Club Cab
$0
$0
2WD regular cab includes 4-wheel disc brakes. Requires limited-slip differential w/V6 engine. NA w/SXT Pkg.
Trailer Tow Group
4WD regular cab, Club Cab, Quad Cab
$275
$242
Class IV trailer-hitch receiver, 7-wire trailer harness, 4-wire adapter. Requires Heavy-Duty Service Group.
Powertrain
4.7-liter V8 engine
Base Club Cab, Base regular cab, Sport/SLT Club Cab/Quad Cab, Sport/SLT regular cab
$590
$519
NA Base, R/T.
5.9-liter V8 engine
Quad Cab
$1,125
$990
Requires 4-speed automatic transmission.
4-speed automatic transmission
Base Club Cab, Base regular cab, Sport/SLT Club Cab/Quad Cab, Sport/SLT regular cab
$1,095
$964
NA 4.7-liter engine. Std. R/T.
5-speed automatic transmission
Sport/SLT Club Cab/Quad Cab, Sport/SLT regular cab
$1,170
$1,030
Requires 4.7-liter engine.
Optional axle ratio
Base Club Cab, Base regular cab, Sport/SLT Club Cab/Quad Cab, Sport/SLT Club Cab/Quad Cab, Sport/SLT regular cab
$40
$35
Std. R/T.
Limited-slip differential
Base, Sport, SLT
$285
$251
Full-time transfer case
4WD Sport, 4WD SLT
$395
$348
Safety
Front and rear antilock brakes
4WD regular cab, Club Cab, Quad Cab, R/T
$495
$436
2WD Base/Sport/SLT regular cab
$570
$502
2WD Base/Sport/SLT regular cab include 4-wheel disc brakes.
4-wheel disc brakes
2WD regular cab
$75
$66
Std. R/T.
Comfort and Convenience Features
6-way power driver seat
Sport, SLT, R/T
$320
$282
Sport, SLT require Quick Order Pkg.
Split bench seat
R/T
$0
$0
Bucket seats
Sport, SLT
$210
$185
Rear defogger
Sport, SLT, R/T
$230
$202
Includes heated mirrors. Sport, SLT require Quick Order Pkg. R/T requires Power Convenience Group or Overhead Power Convenience Group. NA regular cab.
Heated power mirrors
Sport, SLT, R/T
$20
$18
Sport, SLT require Quick Order Pkg. R/T requires Power Convenience Group or Overhead Power Convenience Group.
AM/FM/CD player
Sport, SLT, R/T
$125
$110
AM/FM/cassette/CD player
Sport, SLT, R/T
$225
$198
Sport/SLT w/Quick Order Pkg.
$100
$88
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
Sport, SLT, R/T
$325
$286
Infinity sound system
Sport, SLT, R/T
$475
$418
Requires optional radio.
Steering-wheel radio controls
Sport, SLT, R/T
$75
$66
Requires Infinity sound system. Sport, SLT require Quick Order Pkg., leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Tilt steering wheel
Base
$140
$123
Requires SXT Pkg.
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Sport, SLT
$50
$44
Requires Quick Order Pkg.
Front floormats
R/T, Sport/SLT Club Cab/Quad Cab, Sport/SLT regular cab
$30
$26
NA Base.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system w/alarm
Sport, SLT, R/T
$225
$198
Sport, SLT require Quick Order Pkg.
Bodyside moldings
SLT
$75
$66
Fog lights
Sport, SLT
$120
$106
Sliding rear window
Base Club Cab, Base regular cab, R/T, Sport/SLT Club Cab/Quad Cab, Sport/SLT regular cab
$115
$101
NA w/rear defogger.
Bedliner
Base Club Cab, Base regular cab, R/T, Sport/SLT Club Cab/Quad Cab, Sport/SLT regular cab
$245
$165
Tonneau cover
Base Club Cab, Base regular cab, Sport/SLT Club Cab/Quad Cab, Sport/SLT regular cab
$290
$212
Std. R/T.
2-tone paint
SLT
$195
$172
Engine-block heater
Base Club Cab, Base regular cab, R/T, Sport/SLT Club Cab/Quad Cab, Sport/SLT regular cab
$35
$31
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Heavy-Duty Service Group
ordered w/manual transmission
$120
$106
ordered w/automatic transmission, w/5.9-liter, 4WD Quad Cab, R/T
$180
$158
Includes heavy-duty engine cooling, transmission-oil cooling, power-steering-fluid cooling, heavy-duty battery and alternator.
Heavy-duty engine cooling
ordered w/manual transmission
$60
$53
ordered w/automatic transmission
$120
$106
Skid plates
4WD
$130
$114
255/65R16 on/off-road white letter tires
Sport, SLT
$50
$44
Requires Quick Order Pkg.
265/70R16 all-terrain white-letter tires
4WD Sport/SLT
$105
$92
Requires Quick Order Group.
2003 Dodge Dakota Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Dodge Dakota regular cab Dodge Dakota extended cab Dodge Dakota crew cab
Wheelbase, in. 112.0 131.0 131.0
Overall Length, in. 196.0 215.1 215.1
Overall Width, in. 71.6 71.6 71.6
Overall Height, in. 66.0 66.1 66.9
Curb Weight, lbs. 3641 3871 4244
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. -- -- --
Standard Payload, lbs. 1360 1480 1770
Fuel Capacity, gals. 22.0 22.0 24.0
Seating Capacity 3 6 6
Front Head Room, in. 40.0 40.0 39.6
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.9 41.9 41.9
Rear Head Room, in. -- 36.8 38.2
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. -- 32.1 36.0
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  ohv V6 sohc V8 ohv V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.9 /239 4.7 /287 5.9 /360
Horsepower @ rpm. 175 @ 4800 235 @ 4800 245 @ 4000
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 225 @ 3200 295 @ 3200 335 @ 3200
Availability Standard Optional Optional
EPA City / highway mpg
     
5-speed manual 15/21 15/20 --/--
4-speed automatic 18/19 --/-- 13/18