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2008 Dodge Dakota Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Change Year or Change Vehicle
Front passenger 3/4 w/ wheels turned.
Kelley Blue Book Value®
$5,739 - $27,625
Used Fair Purchase Price Range
Crash Test
Source: NHTSA.gov
MPG (up to)
14 City / 19 HWY
Horsepower
210-290
Seats
2-6
4.13 Owner Reviews (31) Photos (52) Video Reviews (4) Compare Models & Features For Sale Near Me (3)

Expert Review

By Kelley Blue Book Editorial Staff

Editor's Overview

Show Full Review
What's New Interior Features Exterior Features Driving Impressions Pricing Notes Notable Equipment

Dodge Dakota Models & Trims

ST - $5,739 - $8,172

Horsepower: 290 hp
Engine Type: Gas V6, Gas V8
Standard Seating: Cloth
Standard Wheels: 16 x 7.0 (in.) Steel
  • Bluetooth
  • Navigation System
  • Heated Seats
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera
  • Premium Audio
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning

SLT - $5,821 - $8,286

Horsepower: 290 hp
Engine Type: Gas V6, Gas V8
Standard Seating: Cloth
Standard Wheels: 16 x 8.0, 18 x 8.0 (in.) Aluminum
  • Bluetooth
  • Navigation System (Optional)
  • Heated Seats (Optional)
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera
  • Premium Audio (Optional)
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start (Optional)
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning

SXT - $6,114 - $8,707

Horsepower: 290 hp
Engine Type: Gas V6, Gas V8
Standard Seating: Cloth
Standard Wheels: 16 x 8.0 (in.) Aluminum
  • Bluetooth
  • Navigation System
  • Heated Seats (Optional)
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera
  • Premium Audio
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning

Sport - $6,615 - $9,408

Horsepower: 290 hp
Engine Type: Gas V6, Gas V8
Standard Seating: Cloth
Standard Wheels: 17 x 8.0, 18 x 8.0 (in.) Aluminum
  • Bluetooth
  • Navigation System (Optional)
  • Heated Seats (Optional)
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera
  • Premium Audio (Optional)
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start (Optional)
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning

TRX - $8,221 - $11,518

Horsepower: 290 hp
Engine Type: Gas V6, Gas V8
Standard Seating: Cloth
Standard Wheels: 16 x 8.0 (in.) Aluminum
  • Bluetooth
  • Navigation System (Optional)
  • Heated Seats (Optional)
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera
  • Premium Audio (Optional)
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start (Optional)
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning

Laramie - $8,246 - $11,547

Horsepower: 290 hp
Engine Type: Gas V8
Standard Seating: Leather
Standard Wheels: 16 x 8.0, 18 x 8.0 (in.) Aluminum
  • Bluetooth
  • Navigation System (Optional)
  • Heated Seats (Optional)
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera
  • Premium Audio
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning

Bighorn/Lonestar - $22,030 - $27,625

Horsepower: 210 hp
Engine Type: Gas V6
Standard Seating: Cloth
Standard Wheels: 18 x 8.0 (in.) Aluminum
  • Bluetooth
  • Navigation System
  • Heated Seats (Optional)
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera
  • Premium Audio
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning

Owner Reviews

4.13
5 star
39%
4 star
39%
3 star
19%
2 star
3%
1 star
0%

Dodge Dakota Lamar, the perfect blend.

We love our truck for our current situation of renovating. It is a mid size truck so we are able haul whatever we might personally need in regards to complete our home improvements however not to large. Many friends, family, associates or neighbors all who know us well enough don't often come to us in immediate need of assistance in hauling items for them. Some of these trucks now a days are almost too much. Where appearance and keeping up with "the jones'" is a job within itself. Trucks were built to utilize maximum horsepower with limited rpg to aid in the "work" environment. I firmly believe that there is such a thing as excessive over compensation. This vehicle is just right, perfect where it counts. Even while smaller framed it can do most all big or giant trucks can do, just not in the grand scale. While still being strong enough to haul a small camper, or trailer, and all areas for any tailgating prior to games we go and see. It also blends well in traffic with its smaller framed build, either in city or on highway. The biggest downside to this particular vehicle, is perhaps its fuel efficiency. It really only sustains roughly 15-17 mpg in town, and about 20 mpg on highway. Its tank could be slightly larger also to help offset our constant fuel purchases in a given week. We also live in a seasonal climate with harsh winter, and its 4x4 over and under gear prove most beneficial on the days when you need to get out of the house. Its reliable.
Ananda W
Helpful

My dependable Dakota, I love it!!

Roomy for a midsize truck, gets over 20 mpg, adequate power, 4 door, nice uncluttered interior and dashboard. Minimum repairs in first 100, 000 miles (power steering pump, differential gasket) very dependable and economical vehicle. I would recommend to anyone seeking a used truck. I expect to get 200, 000 miles from this Dakota.
William M
Helpful

Easy drive Easy to get around in.

The only problems I have had is putting a new battery in and having the oil changed. It rides real nice and easy to get around. Vary reliable. I have never had any major problems. I like the electric seat on the drivers side and being able to adjust the mirrors from inside. Would like to get a little better gas mileage.
Blanche D
Helpful
See All Reviews (31)

Video Reviews

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Compare Models & Key Features

For Sale Near Me

Crash Test Results: Front, Side & Rollover

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides consumers with information about crash protection and rollover safety

  • Overall
  • Front
    Not Available
  • Side
  • Rollover

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a non-profit group which conducts safety testing beyond federal regulations. "Good" is the highest rating.

  • Moderate Overlap Front G
  • Side M
  • Roof Strength M
  • Driver-side Overlap Front N/A
GGood
AAcceptable
MMarginal
PPoor

Safety Features

  • Rear anti-lock brakes *
  • Driver & front passenger airbags
  • Rear child safety door locks
  • Dual note horn
* Optional Safety Feature

Long-Term Reliability

J.D. Power Ratings 2

JD Power's Initial Quality Study measures issues with a vehicle the first 90 days after purchase.

  • ‌Overall ?
  • Mechanical ?
  • Powertrain Quality ?
  • Body & Interior Design ?
  • ‌Features ?
Among the best
Better than most
About average
The rest

Safety Recalls (2)

  • .
    Air Bags May 24, 2016
    Report Receipt Date:
    May 24, 2016
    NHTSA Campaign:
    16V352000
    Summary:
    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge...
    Consequence:
    These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Chrysler mailed interim notices to owners on July 7, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43.
  • .
    Air Bags May 27, 2015
    Report Receipt Date:
    May 27, 2015
    NHTSA Campaign:
    15V313000
    Summary:
    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, SRT8, Dodge Charger and Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2010 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began for Chrylser on June 8, 2015. The recall for Mitsubishi stated on June 24, 2015. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Mitsubishi owners may call 1-888-648-7820. Chrysler's number for this recall is R25. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V817 in its entirety. Vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well.

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Kelley Blue Book® Fair Purchase Price (Used)

Updated weekly, the Kelley Blue Book® Fair Purchase Price for used cars is generally the midpoint of the Fair Market Range. It is Kelley Blue Book's estimate of what a consumer can reasonably expect to pay this week in their area for this year, make and model used vehicle with typical miles and configured with their selected options, excluding taxes, title and fees, when buying from a dealer. It's based on actual used-car transactions, plus data from other reliable third-party sources as well as market conditions.

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Initial Quality Study: After 90 days.

J.D. Power Ratings Disclaimer

Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the engine or transmission as well as problems that affect the driving experience (i.e., vehicle/brakes pull, abnormal noises or vibrations).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems that have caused a complete breakdown or malfunction of any component, feature, or item (i.e., components that stop working or trim pieces that break or come loose).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the engine or transmission as well as problems that affect the driving experience (i.e., excessive brake dust, brake noise, excessive oil consumption and battery failed).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with exterior, seats and interior (i.e., memory seat controls difficult to use, center console difficult to use and materials scuffs/soils easily).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the windshield wipers, navigation system, rear-seat entertainment system, heater, air conditioner, stereo system, sunroof and trip computer.

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2008 Dodge Dakota

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