2003 Dodge Dakota Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
12 -15 City / 17 -19 HWY
Source FuelEconomy.gov
Horsepower
175 -250
Seats
6
Front angle view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Tress S
It is a great vehicle. Drives smoothly and is great for delivering big items.
My only complaint is that it is older so it makes noises and creaks, and occasionally needs a repair.
accountCircle Beth Z
It is older but still drives like new. But it is a gas hog.
My vehicle is very comfortable. It is easy to drive. It is very dependable.
accountCircle Terry T
The perfect light pick up truck.
I love my little Dodge Dakota. It's a small pickup truck with a lot of power and a comfortable ride. It has a nice design and a really good motor. I love having a pickup bed since I am outdoor person and I also do larger woodworking projects where the bed covers it handy. The only issues that I've had with this truck I'm mostly in the suspension. No of course my vehicle is an older one and it's high mileage however I've heard that Dodge suspensions are always a little bit flimsy. Luckily, suspension parts are fairly cheap and easy to replace So it's not that big of a deal to me. I'll mention one other thing that is not an issue for myself but it might be for some people is that the cab is very small. But if you're looking at a light two-door pickup truck said you have to assume that it's going to be a little cramped. I don't mind it though I love my truck.
accountCircle david B
It's reliable, very dependable, easy to maintain
I love it, nice features, great handling. Only dislike is wheel rust
accountCircle David C
It's reliable and very dependable
I love the style and the features. I hate the rust it has developed. It is 15 years old and still going strong. Easy to maintain.
accountCircle Ian K
Great lines the body style is very attractive.
Reliable, comfortable, perfect size, made in Canada, it is a midsize truck with a matching topper that I had put on, 4 door, all wheel drive, as well as 4 wheel low and 4 wheel high, it has done well towing and on long trips across the country, 4 wheel disc brakes are nice too.
accountCircle Steve R
Excellent economical small truck
18-20 mpg highway previous owner didn't change oil regularly so that cost a new motor. With correct maintenance I expect this little truck will last me another 15 years or more. I installed rear air bags so that I can tow utility trailers, camping trailers, and cargo in the bed without my headlights bothering oncoming traffic (highly recommended for any truck towing or loaded).Comfortable ride!
accountCircle Nathan P
Beautiful vehicle to own.
Great vehicle. Good Versatility, off-road capability is great once you get the proper tires. You can also modify the vehicle very easily if you know what you are doing. Also very easy vehicle to learn basic mechanics with. The only bad thing is the electronics are hard to deal with.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Fallon H
Even after realigning the tires, they will un-align themselves rather quickly.
I have had the vehicle for almost 2 years, I have had to do a total of $5000 in repairs to fix my steering(which is still messed up), my heating/ac has went out for the second time now as well.
accountCircle Regina R
Fits short people.I'm 4 foot 9 women..love this truck
Dodge Dakota truck it's a great truck for a short persons.it fits me perfect I stand 4 foot 8 and I can reach and feel great driving it.it rides very smooth runs like a charm.it's a very dependable truck.I love it
accountCircle Caleb D
Dodge: it gets the job done.
It is very reliable and gets me from point a to point b comfortably. The gas mileage is serviceable and I can last up to two weeks before filling my gas back up. The only two complaints I would have for it is that it is too small and the windows are hard to roll up and down.
accountCircle Dina S
How to tolerate an inherited vehicle.
It is a good truck, good mileage, not too many repairs, has delamination issues and cannot find a body shop to repair since it is not an insurance issue. I prefer a Jeep.
accountCircle Jay L
Very Reliable 4WD Dodge Dakota
My 2003 Dodge Dakota has been a very reliable method of transportation for me and my family. The only issues that have arose from my vehicle is when I got into a fender bender accident and had to replace all the tie rods on the vehicle, but other than that I have had no issues with my vehicle. This vehicle is very useful during the winter months because of the 4WD that it has to offer. This vehicle also helps a lot with towing and has a high tow load rate. The one downfall of this vehicle is the MPG that it has to offer. The City MPG is only 12 MPGs and the Highway is 16 MPG.
accountCircle Melinda B
It's falling apart. Nice body though.
Its a 2003 and is starting to fall apart. The rear end is going out. Had to replace the oil pump. Replaced the gas pump. Transmission is acting up and am afraid to drive it on the interstate. It is comfortable but not good on gas mileage. The body is still looking good.
accountCircle rich s
My vehicle is a truck that actually gets used as a truck so it isn't pretty but it does get the job done
It isn't pretty but it gets me where i have to go , its reliable but needs work
accountCircle Shawn M
Dodge Dakota 4. 7l a true beginner truck.
Nice efficient truck. The 4. 7 motors are not powerful at are and should not b a v8. The fuel pumps go quickly. And I have problems with the evap system. Which turned out to be the evap canister and a bad filler neck but if your looking for a truck for just traveling and not off-road adventures then these trucks are great.

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
175-250 HP 15-15 MPG 6 Seats
car
SLT
175-250 HP 15-15 MPG 6 Seats
car
R/T
250 HP 16-16 MPG 6 Seats
Photos may not match model

2003 Dodge Dakota Owner Reviews

4.15
34 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 47%
4 stars 29%
3 stars 18%
2 stars 3%
1 star 3%
accountCircle Charlie R on December 23, 2020
Get yearly check-ups on the transmission. It is had problems in the past.
It is a mid size truck, 4 door and it has a v8. We use it to pull trailers. The seats are very comfortable. It gets about 27 miles a gallon. It is my second Dodge and it has never failed me. I have never had a new truck if I did I would pick Dodge.
accountCircle Pete U on December 15, 2020
Good all round work and pleasure truck.
Sticking transmission valve. Loss of fuel pressure after sitting overnight. Good pickup and passing speeds. Truck is a four door model with plenty of legroom in front and back seat. Overall performance is good. The gas mileage is not that good. I get about 15 mpg.
View All Reviews (34) chevronRightAlternative

Ranks #6 Compact Pickup Trucks by Owners

The 2003 Dodge Dakota has an average owner rating of 4.14 out of 5 which ranks it #6 of 10 other Compact Pickup Trucks.

1
car
2003 Subaru Baja
4.69
2
car
2003 Toyota Tacoma
4.56
6
car
2003 Dodge Dakota
4.15

Ranks #7 Compact Pickup Trucks by Fuel Economy

The 2003 Dodge Dakota has a combined MPG of 21 which ranks it #7 of 10 other Compact Pickup Trucks.

1
Tie
car
2003 Subaru Baja
26 MPG
1
Tie
car
2003 Mazda B-Series Truck
26 MPG
7
car
2003 Dodge Dakota
18 MPG

Is The 2003 Dodge Dakota A Good Car?

It is a very good vehicle. It runs like a top. The engine is perfect. We don't have the heart to give it up.
Vladimir P.

How Reliable Is The 2003 Dodge Dakota?

It's very reliable, and the only problems are cosmetic... All the parts are in perfect running shape.
Emma A.

Is The 2003 Dodge Dakota A Good Value?

It's worth about $1500. If it was for sale. It's worth much more to us. It's a great value, I know people with new cars, that don't run as well as my old reliable dodge
Daniel C.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2003 Dodge Dakota 3.9 Oil capacity?

Answer: For the 2003 Dodge Dakota with the 3.9 L V6 engine the oil capacity iS4 US quarts or 3.8 litres with a filter. The recommended F-TYPEor the vehicle for the best performance is SAE 10W-30 Synthetic in above 0 F...

What is the 2003 Dodge Dakota cabin air filter location?

Answer: The 2003 Dodge Dakota cabin air filter location is found by watching: https://www.Youtube.com/watch?v=y1lPX98rnyw You will come across a few annoying noises from the air conditioner. Loose mounting bolts will...

What is the 2003 Dodge Dakota blower motor fuse location?

Answer: It is located in the engine compartment on the left of the fender panel, or in the main fuse panel. Most vehicles have two blower motor fuses, one in the interior of the fuse block and under the hood. The...

What's the 2003 dodge dakota fuel tank size?

Answer: The 2003 Dodge Dakota fuel tank size is specified by the manufacturer as 22 gallons and the recommended gas octane rating iS87 octanes unleaded fuel. The total miles per full tank of gas will range froM350 to...

What's the 2003 dodge dakota 4.7 Oil type?

Answer: The 2003 Dodge Dakota4 7 oil type iS-10w-30. Your oil needs to be changed out someday. Every 5,000 to 10,000 miles or so is a good rule of thumb. If You don't replace it, there will be problems with the engine....
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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

Rollover

Side

*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