Search Consumer Guide Auto and the Web
 

2004 Dodge Dakota Full Review
Date Published: 4/08/08
2004 Dodge Dakota Review
Dodge's entry in the compact-pickup class gains a new V6 and loses the larger of its two V8s for 2004. Dakota's 175-hp 3.9-liter V6 is replaced by a 210-hp 3.7-liter V6. And the 245-hp 5.9-liter V8 is dropped, leaving a 230-hp 4.7 V8. Also discontinued is the sporty R/T model. Dakota is larger than other compact pickups but not quite a full size. It offers a 3-passenger regular cab and a 6-passenger extended Club Cab, both with two doors. The crew-cab Quad Cab has four doors and up to 6-passenger capacity. Regular and Club Cab have a 6.5-ft cargo bed, the Quad Cab a 5.3-ft box. V6 models come with manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. The V8 is available with manual or a 5-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 standard on Quad Cab and 4WD models, optional elsewhere.
News
A new Dakota was unveiled at the 2004 Chicago Auto Show. It goes on sale in in the fall of 2004 as an '05 model.
2004 Dodge Dakota Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration (V8) Rear-seat comfort (Club Cab)
Available full-time 4WD Fuel economy (V8)
Rear-seat entry/exit (Club Cab)
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

Reg. cab 4WD, V6 man. Club Cab 2WD, V6 auto. Quad Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Class Average
4 6 6 4.6

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. V6 is fine for medium-duty work, but lacks passing punch. Towing capacity ranges from 1800 lb to 6600 lb.
Fuel Economy

Reg. cab 4WD, V6 man. Club Cab 2WD, V6 auto. Quad Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Class Average
3 4 4 4.1

No opportunity to measure with V6. Test 2WD 4.7 V8 Club Cab with automatic transmission averaged 16.0 mpg. Both engines use regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality

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

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

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

Typical for pickups: fair cornering lean, modest grip. Available 4-wheel disc brakes an improvement over disc/drum setup, providing better pedal feel and sustained performance in repeated stops. Four-wheel ABS a worthwhile option over rear-only arrangement.
Quietness

Reg. cab 4WD, V6 man. Club Cab 2WD, V6 auto. Quad Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Class Average
4 5 5 3.5

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

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

Simple, handy. Dashboard-mounted 4WD switch is preferred to floor-mounted lever common on most import compact pickups. Quality of interior materials and assembly competitive with any in class.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Reg. cab 4WD, V6 man. Club Cab 2WD, V6 auto. Quad Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Class Average
5 6 6 4.1

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

Reg. cab 4WD, V6 man. Club Cab 2WD, V6 auto. Quad Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Class Average
0 2 4 1.9

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

Reg. cab 4WD, V6 man. Club Cab 2WD, V6 auto. Quad Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Class Average
1 4 5 3.1

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, V6 auto. Quad Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Class Average
8 9 10 6

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 seal its Best Buy credentials.
Total Score

Reg. cab 4WD, V6 man. Club Cab 2WD, V6 auto. Quad Cab 2WD, 4.7 V8 auto. Class Average
39 51 56 40.2
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks

Low Score
32
Average Score
40
High Score
56
2004 Dodge Dakota Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/27/2004
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD Base regular cab $17,200 $15,813 $645
4WD Base regular cab $20,310 $18,611 $645
2WD Base Club Cab extended cab $19,870 $18,219 $645
4WD Base Club Cab extended cab $23,145 $21,164 $645
2WD Sport regular cab $18,045 $16,565 $645
2WD SLT regular cab $18,045 $16,565 $645
4WD Sport regular cab $21,335 $19,523 $645
4WD SLT regular cab $21,335 $19,523 $645
2WD Sport Club Cab extended cab $19,885 $18,233 $645
2WD SLT Club Cab extended cab $19,885 $18,233 $645
4WD Sport Club Cab extended cab $23,170 $21,186 $645
4WD SLT Club Cab extended cab $23,170 $21,186 $645
2WD Sport Quad Cab crew cab $22,070 $20,207 $645
2WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab $22,090 $20,207 $645
4WD Sport Quad Cab crew cab $24,835 $22,688 $645
4WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab $24,835 $22,688 $645
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
3.7-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
Painted front and rear bumpers.
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:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Split 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, 4-wheel disc brakes.
Sport/SLT regular cab adds to Base regular cab:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Carpeting, 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 (Quad Cab).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front bucket seats (Quad Cab), split folding rear seat , 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, 4-wheel disc brakes (Club Cab).
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
SXT Quick Order Pkg.
2WD Base regular cab
$1,685
$1,483
4WD Base regular cab
$1,870
$1,646
2WD Base Club Cab
$1,200
$1,056
4WD Base Club Cab
$1,360
$1,197
Bucket seats, AM/FM/CD player, carpeting, special axle ratio, wheel flares, bright grille, rear stabilizer bar (4WD regular cab, Club Cab), 255/65R16 white-letter tires (2WD), 265/70R16 all-terrain white-letter tires (4WD), alloy wheels.
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, wheel flares, special axle ratio, rear stabilizer bar (4WD regular cab, Club Cab, Quad Cab).
Stampede Group
2WD Sport regular/Club Cab
$1,695
$1,492
2WD Sport regular/Club Cab w/Sport Plus Pkg.
$1,385
$1,219
Body cladding, color-keyed grille and rear bumper, wheel flares, special axle ratio, 255/65R16 white-letter tires. Ordered without Sport Plus Quick Order Pkg. requires fog lights.
AJK Deluxe Convenience Group
Sport, SLT
$390
$343
Cruise control, tilt steering column.
AJP Power Convenience Group
Quad Cab
$885
$779
Sport/SLT regular cab/Club Cab
$710
$625
Power mirrors, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry.
AJL Power Overhead Convenience Group
Sport, SLT
$275
$242
Overhead console w/storage, universal garage-door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror. Requires Quick Order Pkg.
Leather Interior Group
Quad Cab
$580
$510
Leather upholstery. Requires 6-way power driver seat, Infinity sound system, Quick Order Pkg. NA w/split bench seat.
AEE Chrome Appearance Group
SLT Club Cab/Quad Cab
$1,495
$1,316
Chrome exhaust tips and fuel filler, chrome tubular side steps, wheel flares, rear stabilizer bar, 255/60R17 tires (2WD), 275/60R17 tires (4WD), chrome alloy wheels.
Tire and Handling Group
2WD regular cab
$360
$317
4WD
$400
$352
2WD Club Cab/Quad Cab
$385
$339
Wheel flares, rear stabilizer bar (4WD regular cab, Club Cab, Quad Cab), 255/65R16 white-letter tires (2WD), 265/70R16 all-terrain white-letter tires (4WD). Requires Quick Order Pkg. NA base.
5900-lb GVWR
2WD regular cab
$195
$172
4WD regular cab
$55
$48
2WD regular cab includes 4-wheel disc brakes. Requires limited-slip differential w/V6 engine. NA w/SXT Pkg.
6010-lb GVWR
2WD Club Cab
$195
$172
Special axle ratio, 4-wheel disc brakes, 22-gallon fuel tank, rear stabilizer bar. Requires limited-slip differential w/3.7-liter V6 engine. NA w/Quick Order Pkg. Std. 4WD, Quad Cab.
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
Sport, SLT
$690
$607
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.
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
Limited-slip differential
Base Club Cab, Base regular cab, Sport/SLT Club Cab/Quad Cab, Sport/SLT regular cab
$285
$251
Full-time 4WD transfer case
4WD Sport, 4WD SLT
$395
$348
Safety
Front and rear antilock brakes
4WD regular cab/Club Cab, Quad Cab
$495
$436
2WD regular cab/Club Cab
$570
$502
2WD regular cab/Club Cab include 4-wheel disc brakes.
4-wheel disc brakes
2WD regular cab/Club Cab
$75
$66
NA 2WD Base regular cab.
Comfort and Convenience Features
6-way power driver seat
Sport, SLT
$320
$282
Requires Quick Order Pkg. NA regular cab.
Split bench seat
Quad Cab
$210
$185
Bucket seats
Sport, SLT
$210
$185
Std. Quad Cab.
Floor console
Base
$75
$66
Requires SXT Quick Order Pkg.
Rear defogger
Sport, SLT
$230
$202
Includes heated mirrors. Requires Quick Order Pkg. NA regular cab.
Heated power mirrors
Sport, SLT
$20
$18
Requires Quick Order Pkg.
AM/FM/CD player
Sport, SLT
$125
$110
AM/FM/cassette/CD player
Sport, SLT
$225
$198
Sport/SLT w/Quick Order Pkg.
$100
$88
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
Base w/SXT, Sport/SLT w/Quick Order Pkg.
$300
$264
Sport, SLT
$425
$374
Infinity sound system
Sport, SLT
$475
$418
Requires optional radio.
Steering-wheel radio controls
Sport, SLT
$75
$66
Requires Quick Order Pkg., Infinity sound system, 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
Sport/SLT Club Cab/Quad Cab, Sport/SLT regular cab
$30
$26
NA Base.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system w/alarm
Sport, SLT
$225
$198
Requires Quick Order Pkg.
Bodyside moldings
SLT
$75
$66
Fog lights
Sport, SLT
$120
$106
Sliding rear window
Base Club Cab, Base regular cab, Sport/SLT Club Cab/Quad Cab, Sport/SLT regular cab
$140
$123
NA w/rear defogger.
Bedliner
Base Club Cab, Base regular cab, 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
NA w/bedliner.
Engine-block heater
Base Club Cab, Base regular cab, 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 or 5-speed automatic transmission
$120
$106
ordered w/4-speed automatic transmission
$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 or 5-speed automatic transmission
$60
$53
ordered w/4-speed automatic transmission
$120
$106
Skid plates
4WD
$130
$114
245/70R16 on/off-road white-letter tires
Sport, SLT
$100
$88
255/65R16 on/off-road white letter tires
Sport, SLT
$150
$132
Requires Quick Order Pkg.
265/70R16 all-terrain white-letter tires
4WD Sport/SLT
$205
$180
Requires Quick Order Group.
2004 Dodge Dakota Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Dodge Dakota regular cab Dodge Dakota extended cab Dodge Dakota crew cab
Wheelbase, in. 112.1 131.1 131.1
Overall Length, in. 196.0 215.0 215.1
Overall Width, in. 71.6 71.6 71.6
Overall Height, in. 68.6 68.6 69.7
Curb Weight, lbs. 3355 3626 --
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. -- -- --
Standard Payload, lbs. 2140 2180 1800
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
  sohc V6 sohc V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.7 /225 4.7 /287
Horsepower @ rpm. 210 @ 5200 230 @ 4800
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 235 @ 4000 295 @ 3200
Availability Standard Optional
EPA City / highway mpg
   
5-speed manual 16/22 15/20
4-speed automatic 17/22 --/--
5-speed automatic --/-- 14/19
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Dodge Dakota regular cab Dodge Dakota extended cab Dodge Dakota crew cab
Front Impact, Driver NA 4 3
Front Impact, Passenger NA 4 5
Side Impact, Driver NA 5 5
Side Impact, Rear Passenger NA 5 NA
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty