I drive a 2002 Dakota 4X4 Quadcab with the new 4.7 V-8 and really, really like it. I also had a 2001 last year and pulled a 12 ft. trailer with two 4-wheelers to Colorado on an Elk hunt. I also had a 6 ft. meat box and all the gear for a week hunt in the high country. It pulled the load out there and back with two Bull Elk in addition to the load taken out and accomplished the task with ease. I had a trailer with trailer brakes, I would not reccomend pulling that much load without the trailer brakes. I drove the big 4 Wheel drive trucks for years, now I like this size much better. With the V-8 engine it has plenty of pep, in fact it has more git up than the larger trucks and is much easier to park. I can highly reccomend the truck.

 

I recommend a the dakota also. I have a 93 sport with the V8 and i love it. If you want some help full and useful information go on www.dakotatrucks.com . Its 1000x's better than dodgedakota.com. I hope this helps you out.

 

Dakotas are junk, I just turned mine in off lease.

The 3.9 has pretty good power and actually the stock exhaust sounds pretty cool but other than that it was total crap.

On the highway it could get 12mpg if I f'n coasted (in a 2wheel drive, extended cab!).. what a joke. My buddies v8 dakota gets 14mpg and it has 4 doors and is 4x4..

Get a ford

 

dont spend more then 8500 , here in Vegas they go across the auction block between 5 and 6500 . So keep that in mind if your buying from a dealer , dont let them put you through the ringer

 

98 5.2,V-8, Extended cab, 4x4, 143,000 miles. Get the V-8. Get the biggest tire kit they offer. If you want to install 33's you'll need the PA 3" body lift. Change the fluid and tighten the bands on your trans on a regular basis (a Chilton manual will walk you through that). On the 5.2's the best mod is a 180 degree thermostat, otherwise the underhood heat melts the top left a-arm bushings. I've surprised a lot of people. They can move, and they can go through a lot, if outfitted with the right tires.

 

FOR SALE IF INTERESTRED!!!!! I have a 97 dodge dakota 4x4 white in color with the v-8 has 72000 miles on it and has never missed an oil change or service and is a non-smoker. This truck runs great and the 4 wheel drive is awesome. Extras include a reflexxions cowl hood, apc taillights, clear corners, white face gauges that change color, white painted dash, apc mesh grill, tinted windows and a sony explode cd player.$10,000 obo e-mail if interested

 

Curlytop,I have a 2000 DOdge dakota a 2 wheel drive v6 5speed manual.I was gonna buy a Firebird but I saw this an got it for a good price waaay cheaper then a new FIrechicken.Its got ***** idles smoothes,gets15-19 mpg city,I just put 18 in RIms an went up to 19mpg.I dont feel I needed 4 wheel drive,even w the sno we had this past winter whn the back end got squiirely I just threw my quad in there fixed that problem.If I had lived 40 miles from work I would have it but the price an 4 wd makes the truck heavier worse handling slower,more expensive an 1 more thing to worry bout breaking.I dont go offraod in my truck I have my quad for that an I have driven a 4.3 an its not that ,much more what 2 seconds faster to 60.My Dak w a loaded bed will still do 90 on the interstate.i HOPE THIS HELPS YA.

 

I have a 1992 Dakota with the V6 and it has decent power, I get 15-16mpg around town and I've gotten 19 on the highway with a trailer, so I don't know what it is without, I'm guessing a little better. I have the 5-speed and so far the only problems I've had with it are with the windshield wiper bushings, they've busted a few times. I have 30" tires on it right now, and so far, everything has held up on it, although it only has 55,000 miles on it (previous owner didn't drive it much).

 

V6 is a dog I have one and the tranny's suck! But my quad fits in the back and that is the most important thing!


Nocando

 

Before you buy used, check new. The dealers have been having some real blow outs.