2002 Dodge Dakota Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
12 -15 City / 16 -19 HWY
Source FuelEconomy.gov
Horsepower
175 -245
Seats
6
Front angle view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Paula T
Still running with 197,100 miles on it.
Hard working & dependable. Great little truck to haul items. Decent gas mileage. 4 door Crew cab with lots of leg space in the back seat. Has 197100 miles
accountCircle Jim J
2002 Dodge Dakota, comfortable, reliable, long lasting.
It is old but runs great and lasts long. It has not given me any problems so far. It is comfortable and perfect if you need a simple truck to get the job done. It's got a backseat too, it can fit about 5 to 6 people comfortably. It is spacious, it is comfortable and it is reliable.
accountCircle Judy P
Very comfy and informative.
Love everything except low gas mileage love the way it tells you what direction you are going and the temp outside. Very comfy.
accountCircle Kyah J
2002 Dodge Dakota Review.
My Dakota is the most trustworthy and reliable car I have ever had. I have never had any issues other than wear and tear. Not to mention it's small frame is perfect for my height. The bed is just the right size to haul stuff to the dump or help a friend move some furniture.
accountCircle Sarah Y
I love my vehicle. Everyone should have a vehicle like mine
I like my car. It runs very well. I don't have any complaints about my vehicle. My vehicle is a safe and secure. My vehicle drives very well in all weather conditions even the snow and ice. I have not had any major problems with my vehicle besides normal wear and tear
accountCircle Cadie B
It is a low cut top and you have to jump through hoops to lay down back seats.
This truck has been a great vehicle for our little family. Very dependable. But does take a lot of gas.
accountCircle Bill C
Dodge Dakota praise report.
Very reliable. Still performs great, approaching 200,000 miles. Body and interior still immaculate. 4 wheel drive, tow package. Tan in color. Lives up to expectations. Never broke down. Only 4 wheel drive in our family. Great vehicle for Tennessee. Best I've ever had.
accountCircle Alex S
Its reliable and get you where you need to go.
Its old but reliable. Gets good gas mileage and has a big tank. It's a tough vehicle that doesn't often break down.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Paten B
Problems with my truck: it is to depend on it.
Since I have bought the Dodge truck from a previous owner I have had multiple problems. I have had to replace the motor of the vehicle. Also, the starter has gone bad. It is a light truck so it is easy to get stuck if you are on any off-roads. Sometimes when you are stopped at a light it will stall out.
accountCircle Thomas B
The Dakota Lives On and Exceeds expectations.
The Dodge Durango has held up over time that's for sure. It has been put through all weather conditions and rough terrain yet the Dakota still keeps trucking along. I would definitely recommend the Dodge Dakota to anyone looking to buy a midsize truck!
accountCircle Carrera H
It take a second to switch gears so I cannot speed up as fast as it should.
My vehicle is very old and it is only a little bit reliable. It also does not have four wheel drive which is not good when I have to drive in the snow all the time.
accountCircle Patrick F
Retiring truck. Repair can be costly
Gas mileage is poor. Getting old. Need brake work. Body rusting. Drive very nice. Still has lots of power for age and mileage.
accountCircle Sarah B
It can haul large items than a car can.
Dislike rigidness and the way it hits bumps. The seat belt chokes me. Windows don't always work. Poor gas mileage.
accountCircle Jessica L
My vehicle is a silver dodge truck with a cap. It has a manual transmission.
It is a very good truck. So far it has been reliable. It's not too big so easier for some people to drive. It has two bucket seats and a center console. My fiance uses it for work, he works in construction and uses it to haul tools and supplies. The bed is kind of short but so it's not suitable for hauling bigger items.
accountCircle Amelia B
02 Dodge Dakota not a bad car at all
Replacement parts are rather expensive. Home repairs, to cut down on cost are difficult due to parts and labor being expensive. Also having a lot of parts hard to reach. And once one thing breaks, it just keeps going like a domino effect. These are all fixable problems.
accountCircle Drew R
It is secretly a time travel machine.
It is old and rusty, but is paid for and trusty. It needs some repairs but don't seem to care. It runs but it's loud and it makes lots of sound.

Dodge Dakota Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
Base
175 HP 16-17 MPG 6 Seats
car
Sport
175-245 HP 14-14 MPG 6 Seats
car
SLT
175-245 HP 14-14 MPG 6 Seats
Photos may not match model

2002 Dodge Dakota Owner Reviews

4.22
81 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 49%
4 stars 32%
3 stars 12%
2 stars 4%
1 star 2%
accountCircle Chris on June 22, 2021
Good power
I have an SLT club cab with the 4.7L. It's only rated at 230hp but it takes off like a sports car, and I like the growl of the engine, and exhaust. Not a practical truck though? It's small, and I get 14 mpg. It has the cool factor though.
accountCircle Drew R on May 22, 2021
It is secretly a time travel machine.
It is old and rusty, but is paid for and trusty. It needs some repairs but don't seem to care. It runs but it's loud and it makes lots of sound.
View All Reviews (81) chevronRightAlternative

Ranks #3 Compact Pickup Trucks by Owners

The 2002 Dodge Dakota has an average owner rating of 4.22 out of 5 which ranks it #3 of 7 other Compact Pickup Trucks.

1
car
2002 Toyota Tacoma
4.47
2
car
2002 Chevrolet S-10
4.25
3
car
2002 Dodge Dakota
4.22

Ranks #5 Compact Pickup Trucks by Fuel Economy

The 2002 Dodge Dakota has a combined MPG of 22 which ranks it #5 of 8 other Compact Pickup Trucks.

1
Tie
car
2002 Toyota Tacoma
25 MPG
1
Tie
car
2002 Mazda B-Series Truck
25 MPG
5
car
2002 Dodge Dakota
16 MPG

Is The 2002 Dodge Dakota A Good Car?

I've had no problems with my truck. Easy on gas I'm able to haul anything I need to weather it be wood metal has good pulling power all around good truck
Joan R.

How Reliable Is The 2002 Dodge Dakota?

I can go out put the key it and not worry if it's going to start even on very cold mornings turn the car tires right up. There isn't really any problems whatsoever. Good little truck
Jennifer P.

Is The 2002 Dodge Dakota A Good Value?

I paid $1000 for my truck it's been a great value most cost a lot more even then would be a great value
Jennifer S.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2002 Dodge Dakota rear differential fluid capacity?

Answer: The 2002 Dodge Dakota rear differential fluid capacity is 2.0 quarts. The differential oil lubricates the ring and pinion gears that transfer power from the driveshaft to the wheel axles. The purpose of the...

What's the 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab bed size?

Answer: The 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab has a bed size of 63.7 inches in length. The overall towing capacity iS5,950 to 6,050 lbs, and the total curb weight is up to 4,244 to 4,484 pounds. This vehicle gets around 18...

What's the 2002 Dodge Dakota cabin air filter location?

Answer: A 2002 Dodge Dakota does not have a cabin air filter. Vehicles without cabin air filters typically have a plastic mesh that prevents leaves and other foreign objects from entering the HVAC system. This mesh is...

What's the 2002 Dodge Dakota brake line size?

Answer: The 2002 Dodge Dakota brake line size is Length: 80" and Diameter: 5/16". Brake equipment will become old and will need to be replaced at some point. The brake pads and shoes need replacing every 50,000 miles....

What's the 2002 Dodge Dakota blend door actuator location?

Answer: The blend door actuator in a 2002 Dodge Dakota can be found on the actual blend door that is located in the dash of the vehicle. This actuator is what controls the position that the blend door is in so if it...
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Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Not Rated

Rollover

Side

Not Rated
*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Not Rated

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety