Anyone with a Dodge Dakota....Need input

[SeaSerpent]

In the next couple of months I want to buy a truck. Im kind of leaning towards a 2001 or 2002 Dakota. I would like to know how good of a truck you think this is, or how bad. How it is holding up for you, and any problems I should be aware of. Thanks, Chris

 

[iamwiz82]

My brother has had 3, a 1994, a 2000, and a 2001.

the 1994 lasted a long time, and 2 round trips from arizona to michigan. The 2000 was great until it was stolen out of his garage. The 2001 has something like 25000 miles on it.

 

[IGBT]

Have a 92 4x4 5.2L Dakota. It's used in 4wd on the ranch and off road as well. Never had a mechanical failure. Routine maintance only. Except for heavy duty shocks and mud tires it's stock. Gas milage is't that great but it's not a concern. It replaced a Ford 4x4 because of maintance headaches and mechanical failures...couldn't hack the ranch work. Wet hay is heavy...

 

[SeaSerpent]

Bump

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

I've got a 99 V8 Club Cab 4x4, and I like it alot, except it guzzles gas.

But for a v8 4x4 I've got to accept that.

Other than that, I like it. A buddy has a 2001 Dakota, and I don't like the interior styling near as much as mine, but I haven't seen a 2002...

 

[NikPreviousAcct]

For a few days this week, I drove our friend's late 90's Dodge Dakota while our car was in the shop. Not only does it handle well, it's dependable and has more than enough power for playing around -I mean hauling things.. yeah, that's right, hauling things. But, anyway, It's quite mechanically sound, but that could be because the friend we borrowed it from is a tow-trucker and she's genius working on autos of all kinds so she does her own work.

Anyway, I would highly recommend one to you if that's what you are looking for.

nik

 

[SeaSerpent]

MikeyIs4Dcats, what kind of gas mileage do you get? My car gets about 20mpg, so if its around that Im used to it.

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

I have a heavy foot, and do about 75% in town driving. I get about 14 mpg. I think the sticker said 16, and like I said...heavy foot eats that up quick.

You would get better without the V8 and/or 4x4.

 

[Parrotheader]

My dad's got a '01 Quad Cab Dakota. I LOVE that thing. In fact, it got me SORELY tempted to get a quad cab pickup for myself. They're so much more useful than SUVs in my opinion. But I think I'm going to end up getting a car after all since my parents only live about 15 minutes away anyway. It's always there to borrow if I need it Power to spare, roomy without being a megasized beast. You can't beat it.

 

[LAUST]

make sure you get a posi or a locker in it..

 

[SeaSerpent]

Well I test drove a 2002 today, man was it nice. I also test drove a WRX. I wasnt impressed with that at all. It seemed really cheap inside. Plus, there was a lot of road noise. My 3000gt would take it any day. But as for the Dakota...IM HOOKED. Ill probably look around for a nice used one, like a 2001. Less then 20,000 miles to.....hmm...I better start looking

 

[tm37]

I have a 97 v-6 4X4 I get about 14-16 MPG, My dad has a 2002 v-8 and gets about 17-18 MPG although his is 2wd.

The only big problem is the trannys on them can have problems.

DO NOT ADD DEXTRON ATF TO YOUR TRANNY!

Mine has almost 60K and it need to have the tranny cooler lines replaced and it has a leaking seal.

Overall though I love my truck!