2005-2008 Dodge Dakota: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Trailer-towing capability
Cons
- Acceleration (V6)
- Rear-seat room (Club Cab)
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
Dodge completely redesigned its compact pickup for 2005. With the redesign came a Dakota that approached near-full-size proportions. The '05 Dakota shared the 1997-2004 model's wheelbase, but was four inches longer overall and up to 600 lb heavier. It was available in Club Cab and Quad Cab body styles; regular-cab models were no longer available. Club Cabs had a 6.5-foot cargo bed and rear-hinged back doors that do not open independently of the fronts. Quad Cabs had a 5.3-foot bed and four side conventional doors. Dakota Quad Cab seat up to six passengers, Club Cab seat up to five. A 210-hp V6 was standard. A 230-hp V8 or High Output 260-hp V8 were optional. A 6-speed manual transmission was standard with the V6 and 230-hp V8. A 4-speed automatic was available with the V6; a 5-speed automatic was available for the 230-hp V8, standard with the 260-hp High Output V8. Dakota was available with 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Both had low-range gearing. The 4WD setup should not be left engaged on dry pavement. Traction control was not available. Dakotas came with standard rear-wheel ABS; 4-wheel ABS was optional. Curtain side airbags that cover both rows of occupants were optional. Also available were satellite radio and Chrysler's UConnect, which uses the audio system as a hands-free link to cell phones.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Dadge Dakota 4WD Quad Cab V8, automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 5 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 52 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota.
Year to Year Changes
2006 Dodge Dakota:
For 2006, Dodge added two new trim packages, TRX (2WD) and TRX4 (4WD). Both included off-road tires and a limited-slip differential. Also added was an optional sunroof on Quad Cab models. Midyear, all four-door models got rear doors that opened wider and Mitsubishi began selling a retrimmed version of the Dakota called the Raider.
2007 Dodge Dakota:
Remote engine start was newly available on 2007 versions of Dodge's compact pickup truck.
2008 Dodge Dakota:
The 2008 Dodge Dakota gained more available power and freshened interior and exterior styling. New for '08 was a 302-hp 4.7-liter V8. It replaced V8s of 230 and 260 hp. The V8 came only with automatic transmission.
Our road test for the 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
No opportunity to test acceleration with 260-hp V8. Dakotas, Raiders with 230-hp V8 have good power with either transmission, but lack the expected passing reserves. V6 versions seem underpowered for anything but daily commuting and light loads. Dakota towing capacity ranges from 3150 to 7150 lb. Test Dakota 4WD Quad Cabs with 230-hp V8 and automatic transmission averaged 11.6-13.4 mpg. V6 and 230-hp V8 use regular-grade fuel. Dodge recommends premium for 260-hp V8. For a pickup, the ride is smooth and composed in any configuration with little of the bounding and jiggle typical of the class. Sport and 4WD models add some choppiness over broken surfaces. Steering has direct feel, lacks typical truck sloppiness. Body lean evident in turns, but well-controlled for a pickup. Four-wheel ABS a worthwhile investment over standard rear-only arrangement. Road noise impressively hushed. Some wind rush at highway speeds. Well-muted engines sound refined in rapid acceleration, though V8s are quieter overall. Large gauges easy to read. Most controls logically placed, readily accessible. Sadly, interior materials look and feel low grade. Hard shiny plastic covers most surfaces, and some controls lack quality feel. Spacious cabin has plenty of head and leg room. Available crew cab front bench seat will accommodate three passengers in a pinch. Crew cabs offer three-abreast rear seating, but only two adults will fit comfortably. Head and leg room adequate for adults under 6 ft, but taller riders will want more leg room. Extended cab's available forward-facing jump seats best suit those under 5-ft-3, as there's little leg room. Ample center-console and door-pocket storage. Folding rear seats add to extended cab utility.
Value for the Money
Dakota impresses with refinement, available all-wheel drive, and curtain side airbags. They're a bit too big for easy daily commuting, but a V8 model is a terrific choice if you tow or do heavy hauling and don't want the bulk of a true large pickup truck. That earns Dakota a Recommended nod.
Dakota impresses with refinement, available all-wheel drive, and curtain side airbags. They're a bit too big for easy daily commuting, but a V8 model is a terrific choice if you tow or do heavy hauling and don't want the bulk of a true large pickup truck. That earns Dakota a Recommended nod.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Dadge Dakota 4WD Quad Cab V8, automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 5 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 52 |
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.
Engine noise:
The serpentine accessory drive belt may make a chirping noise and show wear at the outer edge because the alternator pulley is not in alignment with the other pulleys, requiring the pulley to be shimmed out. (2005-06)
Poor drivability:
The vehicle may have difficulty backing up on a steep hill requiring reprogramming the powertrain control module. (2005-06)
Starter:
The remote starter may not work because of a failed hood switch. (2005)
Transmission leak:
The transmission solenoid/pressure switch leaks fluid causing a check engine light, requiring replacement of the solenoid and electrical connector. (2004-05)
Transmission problems:
Transmission may suffer delayed engagement after sitting overnight due to split in the filter in fluid cooler return line. (2005-06)
Vehicle noise:
Snapping or clicking noise from steering column may be due to defective upper bearing retainer. (2005)
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 | $600 |
| Alternator | $380 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,960 |
| Brakes | $340 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $890 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,450 |
| Exhaust System | $650 |
| Radiator | $735 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $540 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $840 |
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 |
|
|
|||
| 2008 | |||
| Dakota ST, SXT | $12,000-18,000 | $10,800-16,200 | $6,700-10,100 |
| SLT, TRX | $14,800-20,000 | $13,500-18,200 | $9,300-12,600 |
| Sport, Laramie | $15,200-21,000 | $13,800-19,100 | $9,600-13,200 |
| 2007 | |||
| Dakota ST | $10,300-16,000 | $9,300-14,400 | $5,500-8,500 |
| SLT, Laramie | $12,200-19,000 | $11,000-17,100 | $6,800-10,600 |
| 2006 | |||
| Dakota ST | $8,800-13,000 | $7,900-11,700 | $4,600-6,800 |
| SLT, Laramie | $10,500-16,000 | $9,500-14,400 | $5,600-8,500 |
| 2005 | |||
| Dakota ST | $7,500-12,000 | $6,800-10,800 | $3,800-6,000 |
| SLT, Laramie | $9,000-15,000 | $8,100-13,500 | $4,700-7,800 |
|
|
|||
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.
Specs for this generation Dodge Dakota include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | crew cab | ext. cab |
| Wheelbase, in. | 131.3 | 131.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 218.8 | 218.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.7 | 71.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 68.7 | 68.6 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4376 | 4261 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | -- | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 1640 | 1750 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 22.0 | 22.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.9 | 39.6 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.9 | 41.9 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.4 | 36.5 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.4 | 32.1 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Initially, a 210-hp V6 was standard. A 230-hp V8 or High Output 260-hp V8 were optional. A 6-speed manual transmission was standard with the V6 and 230-hp V8. A 4-speed automatic was available with the V6; a 5-speed automatic was available for the 230-hp V8, standard with the 260-hp High Output V8. Dakota was available with 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Both had low-range gearing. The 4WD setup should not be left engaged on dry pavement. New for '08 was a 302-hp 4.7-liter V8. It replaced V8s of 230 and 260 hp. The V8 came only with automatic transmission this year.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V8 | 4.7 / 287 | 230-302 | 295-329 | 6-speed manual: 15/20 5-speed automatic: 15/20 |
6-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: 15.6 |
| ohc V6 | 3.7 / 226 | 210 | 235 | 6-speed manual: 16/22 4-speed automatic: 16/22 |
6-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc V8 | 4.7 / 287 | 260 | 310 | 5-speed automatic: 14/18 | 5-speed automatic: -- |
|
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 | 2005 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%. 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 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2005 Dakota w/ side curtain airbags:
Improperly tightened side-curtain airbag could result in improper side-curtain airbag deployment in an accident. Dealers will inspect and tighten affected fasteners.
2006 Dakota:
Improperly installed cup plug on 42RLE automatic transmission could prevent transmission from shifting into Park. Dealers will install a bracket on affected vehicles.
2006 Dakota:
Static electricity can cause the turn signal, headlamps or wipers to malfunction. Dealers will flash the instrument-cluster computer to correct the problem.
2006 Dakota:
The ABS electronic control unit (ECU) may cause the rear the rear brakes to lock up prematurely during certain braking conditions, resulting in a crash. Dealers will replace the ABS ECU.
2007 Dakota w/automatic:
The powertrain control software can cause a momentary lock up of the drive wheels if the vehicle is traveling over 40 mph and the operator shifts from drive to neutral and back to drive. If the drive wheels locked up, loss of vehicle control could occur. Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module free of charge.
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