2008 Dodge Dakota Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004
Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
14 -15 City / 18 -19 HWY
Source FuelEconomy.gov
Horsepower
210 -290
Seats
4 -6
Front angle medium view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Diane S
It is a great color and fun to drive
I like the ride. I like the color. Only complaint is the back bumper is rusting.
accountCircle kenneth G
That It's great on gas mileage
I like the way it rides, It has list then 100,000 miles on it ,Only had to keep oil change
accountCircle Barbie S
Its dependable and takes me to all the places that i need to go.
I like that it takes me where i need to go. Reliability. It's a pretty truck. No complaints.
accountCircle Jolene L
Great truck that handles great. Comfy ride for everyone.
I like the style and look of it. I like how it handles. I like the how much cab room I have inside it.
accountCircle Tarin C
Dodge makes great vehicles.
I got my Dakota brand new in 2008 and it has been the best vehicle ever. I have never had any major mechanical problems with it and it is got almost 225, 000 miles! All around it is a great truck.
accountCircle Kenneth W
It's a small truck with a high punch.
The gas cap check engine light is on and won't go off. Truck runs fine. I love the truck. It is a blessing. Not sure what's wrong with the sensor. That's all I have to say. It gets good gas mileage and is completely comfortable. It is black and shiny had the windows tinted
accountCircle Douglas W
Well built truck with plenty of power.
I own two Dodge Dakota's both 4x4 have not had any problems with either one. I have 152000 on an 2008. And the 2004 Dodge Dakota has 57000 miles on it no problems. I would and have recommended this truck to all that have inquired.
accountCircle amanda r
The heated seats are the best part of my vehicle
I love my car, it has heated seats, good gas mileage. Very comfortable, and a nice vehicle. I would say that this is one of the best cars that I have ever had!

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Tara N
I do not like the way the truck handles. It is very light and all over the road. No good in the winter.
Very light and moves very easily just hitting a bump
accountCircle mike S
Is great or a little family
Problems with the oil change and the back sit door have troubles to close it and troubles with the break
accountCircle Steve J
Four wheel drive and lots of cab space.
Truck used to move wood. Hay and farm materials. 4 wheel drive makes it easy to go into the fields to feed cattle. Very good in snow and rough terrain. Eight cylinder motor provides the power and torch to go through muddy fields, extra cab space helps to have all the extras needed when working.
accountCircle Marie M
2008. No rust. Interior comfy cloth. Radio sounds like a system is installed
Small oil leak. Transmission issues. Changed twice. Rides rough. Feel every bump in the road. Shift hard. Leaks transmission fluid. Blows through gas extended cab not big enough for a little person. Good for a laboring work job. Has higher mileage and have changed every part imaginable on it. It's and old vehicle so these things are to be expected. Once parts were replaced now like a new truck but still rides rough. Not comfort for long distances
accountCircle Barry B
The handling of the vehicle is great for a truck. Meaning the suspension.
I enjoy the room. I enjoy the safety features. I do not like the gas mileage.
accountCircle Shirley B
Watch out for the transmission problems! Don't be fooled into thinking it'll run fine!
Transmission issues like crazy. I wish I knew that when we bought it last year.
accountCircle Karla T
The motor and battery is in the trunk.
This car is not economic with gas. Also. It is spacious and it runs with power in the highway. It has a AUX cord to connect with your phone.
accountCircle Mike
Reliable but
I have owned all 3 generations of Dakota's but my 2008 doesn't seem as well built as the first two. Transmission can sometimes shift hard and the truck only has 40,000 miles on it. Passenger window doesn't work because of computer bs under the hood and the unconnect has never worked right.

Dodge Dakota Models

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

car
ST
210-290 HP 16-17 MPG 5 Seats
car
SXT
210-290 HP 16-17 MPG 5-6 Seats
car
Bighorn/Lonestar
210 HP 16-16 MPG 5-6 Seats
car
SLT
210-290 HP 16-16 MPG 5-6 Seats
car
Sport
210-290 HP 16-16 MPG 5 Seats
car
Laramie
290 HP 17-17 MPG 4-5 Seats
car
TRX
210-290 HP 16-16 MPG 5-6 Seats
Photos may not match model

2008 Dodge Dakota Owner Reviews

4.09
35 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 37%
4 stars 37%
3 stars 23%
2 stars 3%
1 star 0%
accountCircle Laura S on March 20, 2021
The one most important thing about my Dodge Dakota is it's arm extremely nice truck for the price and if you like trucks like I do than you'll love this truck.
I love my Dodge Dakota because I've always loved trucks. It's a nice, roomy truck and it gets me from point A to B. My favorite is the fact it's a truck, I feel they are more useful than other vehicles.
accountCircle Tara N on January 26, 2021
I do not like the way the truck handles. It is very light and all over the road. No good in the winter.
Very light and moves very easily just hitting a bump
View All Reviews (35) chevronRightAlternative

Pros from Owners

likeFilled Dylan M.

Good gas mileage for a Midsize Truck(3.7L V6). The design of the truck makes it extremely front heavy and causes the ride to always be rough. Even after I put all new suspension under the truck, it is still not a very comfortable ride. I have 115,000 miles on mine and I have not had any transmission or major engine issues. I have the extended bed so I do not have many issues hauling around appliances and things of that nature, but there not nearly enough horse's to pull a well loaded down trailer. And if you could it would be nerve racking.

Cons from Owners

dislikeFilled Dylan M.

The truck is designed to be extremely front heavy. Hence why they have struts in the front and normal shock in the back. Because so much weight and load is in the truck end of the truck, it is very hard to ever keep up all the different types of wear and tear that is constantly building up. I actually had the OEM sway bar link break in half on me at about 85,000 miles. And before I could get to a safe spot to look at the damage, I had lost the bracket and bushing for the sway bar as well.

Ranks #8 Compact Pickup Trucks by Owners

The 2008 Dodge Dakota has an average owner rating of 4.21 out of 5 which ranks it #8 of 11 other Compact Pickup Trucks.

1
car
2008 Honda Ridgeline
4.55
2
car
2008 Isuzu i-370
4.5
8
car
2008 Dodge Dakota
4.09

Ranks #5 Compact Pickup Trucks by Fuel Economy

The 2008 Dodge Dakota has a combined MPG of 20 which ranks it #5 of 11 other Compact Pickup Trucks.

1
car
2008 Isuzu i-290
24 MPG
2
car
2008 Nissan Frontier
23 MPG
5
car
2008 Dodge Dakota
19 MPG

Is The 2008 Dodge Dakota A Good Car?

Yes, do not have many issues with it. Runs well we have had the vehicle for almost six years now. A few maintenance issues, but overall not bad.
Daniel L.

How Reliable Is The 2008 Dodge Dakota?

The suspension system and sway bar often pop but the roads where I am at are pretty rough sometimes.
Daniel L.

Is The 2008 Dodge Dakota A Good Value?

I think it was a good value we purchased pre-owned and now own the vehicle. Didn't pay too much for it.
Daniel L.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2008 Dodge Dakota cabin air filter location?

Answer: The 2008 Dodge Dakota has a cabin air filter that is fairly easy to find. It can be located in the area behind the glove box. To find it, go to the passenger side of Your truck, and get inside. Using simple...
openInNew See all Frequently Asked Questions

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

Roof Strength

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety