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.
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.
Walter S
on November 18, 2020
Comfort inn drive all time
Is so great for company and conford in drive for other people is a nice cars ever i am so happy for own thanks you.
Kris B
on October 13, 2020
Wouldn't buy again. Breaks down all the time.
This is definitely not a truck I would ever buy again. Not smooth, not as powerful as I had wanted, and most importantly it broke down constantly. Not a reliable truck. The gear shift on the steering column is a little temperamental and requires perfect placement before finding the right gear. Traction on wet pavement and snow is weak when the bed is empty.
Jay L
on October 8, 2020
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.
Melinda B
on September 15, 2020
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.
Nathan P
on August 30, 2020
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.
Dwayne meek
on August 24, 2020
It'sa great truck
Love this truck
Terry T
on August 22, 2020
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.
Justin
on August 7, 2020
Impressive truck to say the least...
17 years, and 209k miles on the original 3.9L V6 engine and 4-speed automatic. Heck, I’ve thrown a ported throttle body, cold air intake, headers, and a full custom exhaust in the past 20k miles, and she keeps on truckin’. Truck is super easy to work on, and gets fair enough economy on the highway, and is big enough for most small families and tasks. Would definitely recommend this generation of Dakotas, but I must say, the 4.7L V8 option (2000-2004) and the 3.7L V6 (2004) had some reliability complaints, so unless you want the slightly anemic 3.9L V6 or the gas guzzling 5.9L V8, grab a 1997-1999 Dakota, with the tried-and-true 5.2L V8. Really can’t complain at all, this truck does everything a guy could ask of it.
david B
on August 4, 2020
It's reliable, very dependable, easy to maintain
I love it, nice features, great handling. Only dislike is wheel rust
Beth Z
on August 4, 2020
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.
Charles N
on July 31, 2020
15 years old still going strong
Not fast starting off the line recurring problem with AC line stopping up. It's got 103000 and everything else is still in good working order. I've had about 8 years
Ben L
on June 3, 2020
My 2003 dodge Dakota review. Enjoy.
My truck is not all wheel drive, and is a stick shift. Transmission is going bad. Just replaced tires, wheel bearings and brake rotors. Bad MPG. Just bought new truck canopy. Still reliable, but may change as my drive is long to work everyday. Very basic model. Comfortable, but no fancy Interior. No AUX for audio. CD and AM/FM radio only.
Amy A
on June 1, 2020
It is my pride and joy, I would be lost without it, it has made me feel extremely safe and secure in any weather conditions
I have loved my truck since the day i bought it. Very safe and dependable, never lets me down
Dina S
on May 20, 2020
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.
Kenneth M
on April 4, 2020
I think that it is very reliable, however, it does not get great gas mileage.
I really enjoy my truck. I have owned several Dodge Dakota models before. I think the Dakota models are really reliable, and affordable to maintain. It has basic features for a truck built in 2003. It is comfortable and easy to drive.
rich s
on March 29, 2020
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
Larry F
on March 5, 2020
It has less that 100,000 miles.
I wish the paint job wouldn't have faded. Love my truck.
Regina R
on January 24, 2020
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
Debra M
on January 22, 2020
It is that safe in all types of weather snow, ice, and freezing rain.
The truck is the most reliable even though it is so aged. We have not had any major problems with it and it is wonderful as long as we do regular maintenance on it. It is very comfortable to drive and right in you do not feel the bumps and it is a 4 wheel drive 4 by 4 so we're able to have other people than just those sitting in the front seat truck. The truck has a c 4 wheel drive cruise control DVD/ tape player which is normal for a vehicle at that year.
Steve R
on December 4, 2019
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!
Shawn M
on October 25, 2019
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.
Robert J
on October 23, 2019
My wood gatherer Truck never keys me down esp. With 4WD
Small V8 has plenty of power, very reliable but could use more cabin room as the seat does not go back very far. Truck has 70000 Miles and no major problems. I use vehicle for errands and hauling firewood. Just starting to deal with surface rust after 16 years. This truck is a real workhorse.
Caleb D
on October 3, 2019
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.
Greg S
on July 7, 2019
Perfect combo of everything you need in a truck.
Perfect size to fit three car seats in the back but still have a real bed while still fitting in a normal garage. Bad gas mileage.
Chastity H
on July 6, 2019
Best truck in the world!!
We love this truck! It easily carries anything we put in the bed of the truck. It also has decent room in the cab and is safe for my daughter's car seat in the back seat! We hardly ever have any issues at all with it! The seats are also very comfy! And its decent on gas mileage for a truck of its size.
Fallon H
on June 23, 2019
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.
David C
on June 10, 2019
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.
melanie A
on April 28, 2019
Window regulator in a dodge Dakota
Regulators on window had to be replaced due to breaking and fatigue you have to replace the whole window unit which was 750 each for the front two windows but they did not match the tinted windows on rest of my truck fixed at dealer $$$
Margaret H
on April 7, 2019
My 2003 Dakota 4WD is a reliable truck.
My Dodge Dakota is very reliable, a 4WD with regular maintenance and good fuel mileage. Able to tow and haul. It runs and drives great and with 4WD, able to go in bad weather. I am able to haul things in the back, as well as the room in the back seat. It has been very reliable with regular maintenance and tires. I haven't had any major problems with my Dodge, plus it looks great.
Ian K
on January 30, 2019
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.
Jon S
on January 30, 2019
Reliable and Long Lasting
I love the reliability of my truck. I have owned it for many years and only had to do routine maintenance. It is durable for taking on construction sites and comfortable for my family.
Tress S
on January 8, 2019
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.