The V6 provides plenty of power, 4x4 is positive and there when you need it, and Dodge put together a nice interior for these trucks.

could have a little more room in the interior, it likes the gas pump

I love the little truck. The V6 has plenty of power to pull my boat, let me pass other vehicles, and haul my trailer full of equipment. There were some problems with the vehicle but I couldn't pass it up because I got a really good deal. I did have to replace the front rotors, repaint the front bumper, and replace the front shocks. However, I did the work myself and the parts were only about $150.
I have read a lot of good reviews about Dodge and some bad reviews. Hoever, in light of the bad reviews, I wouldn’t trust most dealerships to do any work on one of my vehicles and any work I couldn't do myself I would take to a reputable mechanic. As in any other buying scenario, you need to be well informed before you make a decision, so do you homework.

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Subaru Wagon and a Chevy Pickup. I would recommend the Dodge or the Subaru.

OVER ALL TRUCK LOOKS COOL AND MEAN

SMALL PROMBLEM SO FAR

FIRST DAY GOOD BUT DOES ANY BODY KNOW A ANSWER TO MY QUESTION MY TRUCK HAS A SKIP OR MISS IN FIRST GEAR (AUTO) KINDA LIKE A DIRTY FUEL FILTER ,LOSES POWER THAN COMES BACK DODGE CANT FIND ANY CODES (WOULDNT YOU GUESS) TRUCK HAS 300 MILES YES 300 MILES PLEASE HELP ME OR SEND ME WHERE I CAN GET HELP THANK YOU ALL

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NONE FIRST TRUCK

It looks nice - that's it

It seems that everything outside the main engine block is junk

Chrysler strikes again! In the last year I have put over $2000.00 in mechanical repairs to a truck that is less than 3 years old. Now, after 50,000 miles the differential is going out. I can not wait till the time when I drop this piece of junk off at the dealership and toss THEM the keys!!

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It doesn't compare

styling, power in the V8 engine, room (compaired to other compact trucks). druability and build quality.

gas miledge (in the V8) not a lot of aftermarket parts available.

I bought my 98 dakota new and I am verry happy with it. I have had no problems with it in the three years that i have owned it, and constently get complements on the truck. I have the 5.2L, and it has way more power than my friends 2000 ford ranger (4.0L) and 99 s10 (4.3L).
Over all the only thing i would trade in my club cab dakota in for, is a 02 quad cab dakota.

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99 s10. the dodge blows the s10 away in every catigory.

styling, power in the V8 engine, room (compaired to other compact trucks). druability and build quality.

gas miledge (in the V8) not a lot of aftermarket parts available.

I bought my 98 dakota new and I am verry happy with it. I have had no problems with it in the three years that i have owned it, and constently get complements on the truck. I have the 5.2L, and it has way more power than my friends 2000 ford ranger (4.0L) and 99 s10 (4.3L).
Over all the only thing i would trade in my club cab dakota in for, is a 02 quad cab dakota.

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99 s10. the dodge blows the s10 away in every catigory.

Incredibly reliable. 8 foot bed, Super cool Air Cond, Towing Capacity

None

11.5 years of ownership over 340k miles, the reliabilty of this truck is unbeleavable, we have bets to see how far she (Betsy) will go. Now you have to understand this truck was used for towing hauling and any thing a full size truck could do and then some. yes she leaks a little oil after all this years but the air cond is still like a meat locker, yes here in Florida. maybe in a few years I might trade. And for all those wondering yes I had to replace the trans at 302k miles.

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Traded 86 Ford F150 V-8 EFI and never regreted it!

Very dependable Truck better than S10's and other midsize trucks that year

not enough power . And can't find much after market parts for it either

Better all around besides power and room

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2000 Chevy s10 Xtreme

Exterior looks...can't beat it. Very solid feel on highway and city driving. More interior room than in a MidSize car. The sound system is very adequate, sounds great. Plenty of power in this V6 and the auto tran is very smooth.

I thought I would get better than 21 m/g
Engine fan seems to race when engine is cold.
That's it.

I love to drive it but I don't want to put out all that money on gas.
Just a bit worried about the long term reliability but time will tell.
This is my first north american vehicle and I know that the stats on reliability is far better with the Japanese imports.
Love the Auto transmission, it is very smooth.
I will try to post an update at 6 months and see how it compares to this one.

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I traded a 2000 tacoma Xtra cab 2x4 2.4L 5 speed because of family need. I was a Toyota lover until I drove my Dakota. I loved my Toy but need the room. The ride is far superior than that of my Tacoma.

Overall body and interior design to include forward facing rear seat.

Two weeks into ownership the brake booster failed. Then the ring and pinion went. After 2 trips to the dealership they finally said the "howling" noise was not within specs. Next the cruise control failed twice. Its still gives me problems from time to time(will not activate). Paint peeled and rusted on front bumper. Dodge repainted it but 1 year later I'm back to square one. At approximately 39k the timing chain went! Believe me this truck is my first new vehicle and it's been well cared for! A service rep convinced them to pay the parts even tho it was slightly out of warranty. (I'd rather they'd paid the labor!!) Next the O2 sensor in the exhaust needed replaced to the tune of $258. Within the first year, the front shocks were replaced due to a rattle in my right front suspension area. Guess what? The low speed rattle is still there.

$18,200. I love the looks of this truck and the interior layout. I'm still paying for it or I'd have gotten rid of it. My son will begin driving it soon so rather start payments over again, I'll hang on to it. Besides what more could go wrong Ha!

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1995 Ford Ranger 5 sp w/2.3. This truck was sold w/113k. I changed the timing belt and replaced an trans. Other than being grossly underpowered it was a great little truck.

Driveability, easy to manoever, nice comfortable ride, dependability

Service. Chrysler Dodge has the worst reputation (well-deserved) for customer service (check out this lemon message board for examples & product complaints: http://watsonville.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum&f=1). I've had a few problems with my truck, all of which I have found are apparently inherent Dakota problems: Ball joints went at 60,000 kms - the Chrysler ones suck - try after market parts with grease nipples, catalytic converter went at 50,000 kms., timing chain at 48,000 kms. The front bumper is also peeling and rusting - a common problem.

I really like this truck. It handles beautifully, lots of power and a very comfortable on long trips. The design is beautiful, I get quite a few compliments on its looks.

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1997 Toyota Tacoma - Dakota handled better
2000 Silverado - apples & oranges really, but the steering felt looser and the brakes were mushy
2001 Nissan Xterra - really zippy, but nowhere near the balls of the dakota