Also for 2000, Dodge introduced the Quad Cab, with four full-size, front-opening doors and a much more generous back seat; the bed retreated to just 5.3 feet in length.
The Dakota has two trouble spots to watch. First, the pre-2003 trucks eat brakes, with owners reporting warped rotors, even at low mileage. Frequent resurfacing of the rotors or replacement with aftermarket items appear to be the only cures. Dodge updated the Dakota with rear discs in 2003, which some feel help the situation.
Second, starting in 2000, the front ball joints were changed to a lifetime-sealed design (no external lubrication nipples), which has been implicated in many a creaking front end and even some failures. Check the maintenance history of any high-mileage Dakota you're considering to make certain regular brake work was performed. If you anticipate any towing or heavy load-hauling, avoid the four- and six-cylinder versions. And remember: Middle kids rock.
| 1997-2004 Dodge Dakota |
| Body type | 2- or 4-door pickup |
| Drivetrain | Front engine, RWD/4WD |
| Airbags | Driver, passenger |
| Base engine | 2.5L/125-hp OHV I-4 (through 2002); 3.9L/175-hp OHV V-6 (2002-2003, optional other years); 3.7L/210-hp SOHC V-6 (2004) |
| Optional engines | 4.7L/225-hp OHC V-8 (2000 on); 5.2L/230-hp OHV V-8 (through 1999); 5.9L/250-hp OHV V-8 (R/T only) |
| Brakes, f/r | Disc/drum, standard rear-wheel ABS, optional all-wheel ABS (rear discs starting in 2003) |
| Price range,wholesale/retail (per IntelliChoice) | $1856/$3807 (1997 regular cab 2WD) $15,031/$20,858 (2003 Quad Cab 4WD) |
| Recalls | Too many to list, see www.intellichoice.com |
| NHTSA frontal impact rating, driver/pass | 4/4 (1997-98 Club Cab) 4/4 (Quad Cab, 2001 on) 3/5 (Club Cab, 2002 on) |
What's Hot
• Great V-8 engines available in all cab styles
• Excellent variety of transmissions across the board
• Plenty of load capacity and trailer-tugging strength
What's Not
• Downmarket interiors prior to 2001
• The V-8 models don't offer terrific fuel mileage
• Fragile brakes and ball joints |