Hope you guys liked this episode! Longest and most time consuming video I’ve ever made 😂 I do want to cover the future rumors/speculation about the 2021+ Ram Dakota so that’ll be coming soon!
Much thanks again! The Dakota needed and deserved a long video! Hmm..2021 Ram Dak? Lets pray they do..and don't make it complex..just a simple, midsize truck. Just mechanically superior in quickness, ride, handling and work capability like the Dak's of yore :D
I loved my 1995 Dakota Sport I want to find another one like it! I hope they bring it back if they do, it should be boxy like the first gen, should have rectangular headlights and taillights like the first gen, should have an extended cab like the first gen along with a 2 door and a 4 door. As for a platform, I think it could go on a modified version of the Durango platform. For motors/transmissions the 8 speed and automatic and 6 speed manual should be available. For motor options they should use the 3.6 Pentastar with e torque, 3.0 eco diesel v6, 2.9 TT v6 (Alfa Romeo/Ferrari motor), 2.4 tiger shark motor with an electric motor, 2.2 multi jet with a electric motor, 5.7 hemp and they should use the 5.0 V8 Cummins since it’s not longer being used by Nissan and it originally was gonna be in the ram 1500. I really think all of that could work and as for the interior it should be similar to the Charger interior except with a 12 inch screen like that one Charger Pursuit concept had and all trim levels should come with light grey or black cloth seats from RAM with levels with leather and alcantara as options. Also for the interior an option for Viper seats would be awesome for R/T and SRT trims for the R/T motor options it should get the 5.7 Hemi and 5.0 V8 Cummins and for the SRT it should get the 2.9 TT v6. Last but not least it should be a Dodge and not a RAM like the last generation Dakota was trucks are also popular like SUV’s right now Dodge needs a mid size to go against the Canyon, Colorado and Ranger. Also if anyone is wondering why I put in motor options for 4 cylinders, 6 cylinders and 8 cylinder motor options it’s because the first gen did plus they didn’t have diesels so I added diesels plus other mid size trucks have diesels except for the Ranger even though overseas it has the 2.0 EcoBlue and 3.2 inline 5 Powerstroke which they should bring to the US the Powerstroke has been in the Transit and the EcoBlue will be in the transit connect. anyways let me know your thoughts on my ideas if the Dakota comes back and all I gotta say is if they were gonna do it they need to do it now if they want to get it done right plus they are merging with PSA so I’m sure they could make a electric motor for the Dakota or just base off what they got in the Pacific which in my opinion should be the new Grand Caravan and the current one should be the Caravan they did at one point have both names for minivans on the subject of the Grand Caravan I think if it’s a rebadged Pacifica/Voyager it should get the 3.6 pentastar with e torque, 3.0 eco diesel and for hybrids it should have the same power train as the Pacifica but with an addition of a 2.2 multi jet with that PHEV power train. RAM has midsize pickups in other countries so if RAM wants a midsize or two to be more competitive with Ford and GM they should use those and Dodge can do what I just suggested I also think Dodge should make a smaller mid size based on the Fiat Toro/RAM 1000 I don’t know what it could be called though
Your conclusions about the demise of the Dakota largely mirror my own - by 2011, there was no longer much of an advantage to buying a Dakota over a full-size truck. I had a first gen Dakota S regular cab short bed with the 2.5L 4 cylinder and while the engine wasn't powerful, there was a big advantage in gas mileage over the full-size Rams at the time.
Own a 2009 extended cab. Love it! Fits in the garage, gets through the snow well, easy to park and hasn’t let me down. If they remake it, I’ll buy one.
Still daily driving my '05, 275,000 miles and counting. Love this truck and the 4x4 always surprises me with its capabilities. Cant wait for the comeback.
ElGatoVolador I have a second gen dodge Dakota sport extended cab with the 318 v8, it goes and goes never skips a beat it’s a beautiful truck quite the machine
@@harleymiller5717 but the reason i chose the V6 was to have some amount of fuel economy too. All previous vehicles were 4 cyls 76 Chev Luv & 86 Mustang and I wanted more power but not completely give up mileage. EPA rating was 17/23 & pretty much got that if I didn't use AC. NOW as of 4/29/21 in SoCal were looking @ $4.10/gal gas, still have the truck 26 years later,
I am a fellow Dakota owner (2002, 4.7L V8 SLT). I am in love with my truck, it is truly one of the best vehicles ever made. It manages to mix sporty with classy, and not many mid size trucks can claim that.
The crash test ratings of the 3rd Gen were impressive compared to earlier models and the Ranger. Bought one because of it and never regretted it. Always felt safe and sturdy.
I've owned (and daily driven) a '93 for the past 5 yrs. The 3.9 runs fine in mine and averages 15-16 MPG in daily driving. To me, the truck is comfortable. The arm rests are actually usable, all the controls are in easy reach, visibility out is great, and it's easy to get in/out. It's not 'stupid big' like is so common with trucks nowadays. This is my first Dakota and I honestly did not expect to like it as much as I have when I first bought it. Good video!
You hit it on the head .. "compact " trucks ( American ) became too big . too expensive ,and got no better mileage than the full size pickups so why not buy a larger Truck ?
MassacMongo99 yeah to me it just wasn’t a compact anymore so not sure what Dodge was thinking. Should have cancelled sooner or just shrunk it back down and made it way cheaper
"Not as clumsy or random as a blaster..i mean, RAM" :p Whichever gen Dak, they were more nimble and fun than any RAM. ..except the '93 RAM 150 4x2 I owned..the Dodge truck days..ok, even more fun to drive than that..and that was the ultimate in RAM..1,000+ lbs lighter than the new ones and the actual suspension of a truck :) ..still wish the Hemi had been available in '03 up Daks, but again..it wasn't done bc all beans were going into RAM's bowl.
@@Amclaren2009 i got a Buick from when buicks were actually decent and not a pile of hot rolling garbage. A 25-year-old le saber, still runs good, and the interior puts the majority of modern cars to shame. (i tested, I whacked a bunch of dashboards at the Chicago auto show and most rattled, especially ford and dodge. chevy wasn't much better. Come to think of it, none of them were built well. The ford air vents wiggled all over the place and most bumpers and body panels were plastic or paper-thin metal. Even 70k pickups.) but mine even though its 25 years old, its stable, has real bumpers, and thick steel side panels. And a massive trunk, and a wide-open engine bay that is easy to work on. compare that with modern cars where most of the time you have to dig just to glimpse a tiny bit of your engine.
Yep, my parents had both a 3rd gen Dakota and a Raider, and when the driveshaft bent on the raider, the repair shop decided to replace it with one from the same year model Dakota. BIG MISTAKE! There was a slight length difference between the two trucks driveshaft, and that difference destroyed the drivetrain over time. 😣
TheMerk10 definitely not. That was several years ago, and we stopped taking our vehicles to that shop as soon as we started having these unresolved issues. I personally do most of my own work maintenance now, as well as some of my parent’s lighter jobs, but otherwise I go to reputable mechanic shops for any heavy-duty repairs and such. In fact, I’m about to go this weekend to have the transmission bands on my 03 Dakota adjusted, and I’m going to a transmission specialist for that. 🤷🏼♂️
I special ordered a 2001 Dakota, 4.7, crew cab, 4wd, 5 speed manual, 3.92 limited slip and I really loved that truck. It lasted until a couple of years ago when I was in a bad wreck that was no fault of mine. The truck had 437,000 plus miles on it and still running good before the wreck. And yes, original untouched engine, transmission etc.... The weak link was the hydraulic operated throw out bearing but overall a good truck.
same for mine i have a 2002 SXT 5 speed 4WD signal cab but i wish it had a v8 lol it has the v6 3.6 but i can for sure tell she is tired lol great truck though. 207k miles
Good to know. I have a 2002 in Patriot Blue, 4.7L, crew cab, 4WD, 3.92 LSD with 105,000 miles. Did have to replace the head gasket and now my rear diff needs work (noisy pinion)
As a first-gen (‘91) Dakota owner, I find this video informative and very interesting. I didn’t know much about anything after the first generation, and now I do. Great video, keep it up
Nows probably the best time for Dodge to bring back the Dakota, considering GM and Ford brought back their midsize pick ups to compete with the sales leader the Toyota Tacoma
@@chadhaire1711 He said sound. The magnum series V8 engines sound great with a nice exhaust. If you disagree you probably like how straight piped civics sound.
@@chadhaire1711 my 318 is 16. 4.7 18 avg. I can get 20mpg at 45mph w 4.7.. Hellcat w a load of firewood. Im just not impressed with the 4.7. The 5.2 im goin to switch out the efi and go carbureted. Maybe ltr build a 360 for it.. And i hate 360s
I bought an ‘06 two years ago at 70k miles ish & I’ve had no issues at all that & the few that did have I could fix myself easily, at 97k miles I’ve driven it across the country twice in all different types of weather & it’s the best truck I’ve ever had
@@HayDog322 Not true. The CEO of RAM trucks has said in interviews that they plan on bringing back a mid-size pickup by 2021 because it's a clear hole in their portfolio and the Gladiator is a completely different product that is not meant to fill it.
aw man, finally a dedicated dakota video on youtube that’s professionally made. love my 5.9 r/t 🤧 been eating civics and 4 bangers since the day i got it
I think it should come back. The Ford Ranger has come back. I believe Dodge can out do Ford on this. But like you said they need to make sure the Dakota stands out from the RAM. Dont make them look exactly the same. Ranking just on look alone id say 2nd Gen, 1st Gen, then 3rd.
Good news super chief it's back in 2020 approximately 28000 for a cheap one. Sad news is that it wont have a V8 or stick shift instead it will have a 3ish L v6
The Ranger, Colorado, and Tacomas are ALL too big and pricey. Ford should offer the Euro version of the Courier (picture Focus El Camino), but w/ a decent auto trans.
FORD didn't stop manufacturing the RANGER. They just stopped selling them in the U.S. Mexico and other countries were still able to buy them. Saw a RUclips on it.
Our 95 6cyl just made it to 431,000++. I just hope it makes it through the winter- lol. No major issues- just dealing with a coolant leak when its cold overnight. Thanks for the history!
The Dakota needs a comeback, especially since there is a lot more interest in small/mid-sized pick ups these days. Also, as to the ridiculous pricing - Ford is doing that now with the F150 and Ranger... I’ve seen a few car review videos that are basically saying that you may as well get an F150 and skip the Ranger since they’re priced so closely and you’re getting a lot more truck if you just buy an F150!
I do think they should make a midsized pickup truck again, but it should have a different name because Native American communities don't want cars and trucks to have names affiliated with them. They already want the Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Grand Cherokee L to be renamed, but unkindly, Chrysler declined it. I do want there to be a midsized truck to be in the lineup, but I don’t want its name to be affiliated with race. Native American communities didn't want the Redskins to be school mascots, and Indian Americans didn't want the Indians to be school mascots either. I would name it something wildlife related since that would probably be the kind of customer who would want one.
I had a 1988 Dakota with with the 3.9 and 8 ft bed.5 speed manual.. Today I have a 4door,2002 sport model with automatic and 3.9 l magnum.Rusting out bed with 308,000 miles. Still runs well.
I owned a 2004 Dodge Dakota with a 3.9-liter V-6 engine. It was my favorite vehicle to use for going to work. The Dakota never left me stranded with any major mechanical issues. The only major issue I had with the truck was when the headlights suddenly stopped working and I was forced to use the high beam lights to get home safely. The issue ended up being the headlight switch in the cab had an electronic malfunction, the headlight switch was replaced costing nearly $1000.00, thankfully the warranty on the vehicle cover the repair bill for that. The 2nd generation series was the best of all three because it looked sporty. The third-generation truck looked out of place and the overall design wasn't very appealing plus the price of the vehicle was way too high.
iIhad a similar problem, headlights flickering on and off. I finally figured out that it was the dimmer switch, I was even willing to go so far as to put a separate light on a separate circuit because at first I couldn't figure out what was causing the flickering. If something happened to my '95 V6 i would try to replace it with a 3rd gen Dakota 3,9 V6. THAT little 318 derived Magnum V6 is an awesome motor. Just don't like mine cause of the poor motor mounts, everything else is great.
I used to have one for years. Just sold it to a guy in california. was black single cab 98. ill put some vidoes of pictures i have of it sometime on my channel
@Kenneth Boyer Too cheap, Chrysler has always been a small brand and made cheap cars at normal prices, but even still the third generation was way too cheap.
@@sofiagamez7007 im just surprised with how bad the quality of chrysler products fell when there were bought by Daimler, you'd expect the exact opposite to happen.
@@ty1on106 You must admit when Lido Laccoca managed Chrysler under Daimler management in the beginning of the 90s Chrysler cars were ahead of it's time and looked classy, remember Chrysler Spirit/LeBaron for example. But from 95 and beyond things went from semi cheap and faux style European car to Dodge neon Shitbox.
My first car was an 89 Dakota. Very beat up, but it’s 4x4 saved me during the winter. I sold it earlier this year and ended up getting a 2000 Dakota, V8 4x4. I’m in love with it. I plan on getting a full size truck within the next two years, but honestly I don’t think I’ll ever sell my 2000 Dakota. It has a lot of life left in it, the V8 sounds amazing, and I’d like to keep it as a second backup truck. I recently polished, waxed, and detailed it, and it looks fucking beautiful. It’s a galaxy blue, and with the redetailed black trim and wet black wires it makes me grin whenever I look at it.
My 2000 model year 4.7L Magnum V8 Quad Cab SLT is still going strong since I purchased it new. I’ve had it nearly twenty years and will probably own it until I croak ! Absolutely love that truck !
I have the 95 Dakota SLT with v-6 magnum. Still running great..25years old and just rolled to 150 000 miles. Red with stock chrome rims. Still looks awesome. Many years to go.
..i had a 93 Ram 150 4x2..i hydro-locked the 5.2L and swapped in a 5.9L mag and added a 3" straight pipe..was such a sweet sound! still had the cat and original Y pipe which was generous size and mandrel bends..rumbly at idle, not too loud and when revved sounded so crazy cool..and the back rap was fantastic :D ..my nephew owns it now..200K and going strong.
Still daily driving my '99 R/T. 210,000 miles on the orginal drivetrain! Only thing replaced so far were the cats and the water pump. On the 4th set of balljoints and second set of control arms.
Still drive a '99 Dakota SLT club cab with a 5.2L engine that I got in 2013 for 1K. I replaced the brake pads, steering pump, water pump, serpentine belt, oil pan and the transfer case gaskets .Recently just put the Goodrich AT new tires on it.210k miles right now. It's very quiet and drives like a dream...Thanks for posting
I bought a 92 Sport V-6, 5 speed, short bed, standard cab in November 1993. Did some time only runs at the drag strip, best time was 15.9@85 MPH with the standard 3.21 open gears.
I still have my 1997 club cab.4x4 it has a very rusty box.. The 5.2 runs like a clock.Starts with a remote in cold weather. My main concern is the transmit on it. I am told the 97 TransmtIon was built for 97 only. And replacements are hard to find in Canada. I need high gear . Don Ostash
Duuuuude I've been trying to find a video like this for ever. Thank you! I got a 2001 Dakota Sport with the 3.9L V6 single cab. Damn good truck. I Love the donuts and drifting it can do. Lol
I have a 1994 dakota that im building on my channel and i love it. It was my first vehicle and has been a great truck. It is a shame that they just couldnt get the 3rd gen dakotas right and that 4.7l and even some of the 3.7l engines where more temperamental than the magnum engines when they first came out. They did figure them out later on though.
I bought a 2005 dakota, with 150,000 miles in 2018 for 4000 bucks. Its an automatic with rear wheel drive and a v-8. Its been a great truck and have had no problems except every time i take off from a stop it wants to burn out and take off like a rocket.I have to be very gentle on the accelerator peddle! Its almost 2020 and still running great. I also use it to haul my dirt bike and Polaris scrambler at the same time, no trailer.Just a rear bike carrier that connects off the trailer hitch. Does fine but I did switch to heavy load shocks.Killer truck.
I bought a brand new 1991 Dakota regular cab. I traded it in on a 1995 Club cab. I kept that until 2012 I bought a 4 door Dakota Crew cab. It was a great truck. I'm am sorry they stopped making them
We have owned various 2nd generation Durango and Dakotas. We still have our 2001 Durango AWD! The Dakotas were with 5.2, 5.9, and 4.7. Overall, I liked the 4.7. *Very comfortable and sturdy trucks!*
I have a 2000 quad cab with 4.7 and it has served me well for 22 years- still on the original engine and transmission. Has carried all I ever loaded or pulled with no problem. I was at Home Depot one day taking home some plywood- rolled the little cart up behind my truck and just slid the plywood sheets off the cart and into my bed. A couple parking spaces away was a young guy with one of those jacked up 4X4 trucks doing the same, but he was struggling to get the plywood up over his head and in his truck, so I took my 77 year old body over and gave him a hand.
Awesome video. My dad still has his 2003 Dakota SLT 4.7l 5 speed club-cab RWD towing package in atlantic blue & silver. 250,000 miles and still going fairly strong. It's been one of the most reliable vehicles we've ever owned. It's what I drove as a kid and learned to wrench on. I have a soft spot for the second gen, and still love driving that truck. The rack and pinion really set it apart from all the other trucks of the time. Its getting hard to find parts for the SLTs with the towing package. The aftermarket doesn't support things like radiators with the standalone trans cooler. Fun fact, those six lug hubs are the same from the viper. A common mod back then was to source viper wheels and throw them on.
I have a 3rd gen 08 SLT with the 4.7L and honestly the last body revision to the harder lines I really liked. I think its very underrated for what it is, a mid sized truck with a 310hp V8. Even to this day new Colorado owners are surprised by my "old POS dodge" having 310hp and 330lbs of torque with a 7k pound towing capacity. Mine has served me past the 200k mile mark with the AC compressor being its only mechanical thing to fail. I love the truck and I plan to keep it for many years to come.
My '93 has the 3.9 & 244K miles, and still most of original components. Doing a lot of front end work, but it's been A great daily for last 2 decades. Great info in this video, good job!
I had a 1997 5-speed, 2.5 L. It was an excellent truck for my needs and I got 28 on the highway with it. My second truck was a 2008 Raider (which is a rebadged Dakota ). I bought new and now has 207,000 miles on it, mostly trouble free.V6. And Dakotas were made in Mexico till 2012. Great video, and going to look at your other videos.
Clint .R we had a 99 R/T 5.9 automatic 4x4 on the farm. It was a single cab short box. Just as a run away truck. She hauled a$$. It was a Great little truck. After my step father passed. I sold it, I been regretting it ever since.
@@neillist5517 Skip first if you're lazy. It's not a bull low first gear with the nv3500. It's 3.49:1 ratio. In a race 1st gear takes me over 50km/h even with my 3.92 gear ratio. No reason to skip first in these trucks unless you're just a lazy shifter.
Clint .R I skipped first gear all the time. It’s considered bow low. Only used for torque. I have a a 89 F-150 with the 5speed and skip first gear on that truck too. Plus I drive big trucks for a living. I always start out in second gear. You only use first gear in a racing situation or launch off the line. Be prepared to shift in 2 seconds thou.
I'm the third owner of a 1988 Dakota with 149000 miles. Love it. Have the paperwork on it where it was dressed up at the dealer with the LX package. Bigger wheels, v6, cellphone package, cloth seat covers, etc. Someone should have completed the work though. Didn't change out the speedometer gear, and to set the cruise at 65, you have to be going at 85, to get it right. It'll do it, but the tickets are a pain to explain and pay for.
"OOOOOHHHH!!!!!" Oh yeah. The Gladiator. Well, fork..that makes 100% perfect sense..why nor revisit Dak, since they already have the chassis!! lol. ..so hm does a Gladiator cost? I bet it's as much as a RAM..lemme see..Jeep Gladiator..$33-43k. Yep..costs as much as low to mid level RAM pickups. Lmao. ..better get the 5.7L Hemi this time!! or the 500 hp Giulia Quadrifoglio twin turbski V6 mill :)
I can't say I miss the third gen dakota, but I loved the 1st and second 2nd gens. Grandmother still has her 89 first gen v6 4x4 that they bought slightly used in 90-91. Still runs but needs a valve cover gasket and a few vacuum leaks fixed.
I love my 2004 dodge dakota i bought mine with only 36k miles just recently it was garaged and babied its whole life. Got the 4.7 a work horse of engine. Its not even broken in. No accidents and just one elderly owner who used it for getting groceries.
Rumors from FCA. There could be a midsize Ram pick up in the next couple of years but I don't know if it's going to bring back the Dakota name or it's going to be something else.
I have an 06’ Dakota with 93,000 miles with the 4.7 V8, 5spd, and 3.55 diff. It’s a very reliable and capable truck that’s hauled 7,000 lbs and has 1615 lb. payload. Can’t figure why people hate on them.
I owned a '97 5.2 4WD and a '99 R/T. They were gorgeous trucks and were great value for the money. Still see that vintage Dakota and Durango out and about far more often than the ugly AF third generation. Also owned an 01 Durango that I recently traded in and regret doing so. They had the right combination of size, capability, ruggedness and affordability.
Age and Treachery they were beautiful I totally agree. Dodge was killing the game back then but then again I guess they are today with the 1500s, just a shame they let the Dakota die how they did. Still it lives on in our minds and hearts!
..I had a '00 Rango..4.7l, 140k 4x4, $1,700!! ..drove the beans out of it for yrs..loved everything about it. torsion bar front and leaf spring rear..the suspension of the mopar muscle era cars and what they put in Dak and Durango 4x4's..cept last gen Rango rear was coil and was lame :p anyways.. pure masterpieces otherwise lol ..you see more of the earlier ones bc hey made a bazillion more. my bro in law still has his '05..just handed it down to his son..200k and and going strong.
Outstanding! Owned a 2000 4x4 quad cab w/4.7 V8 & 5 speed. Had its qwerks but fast, fun, & rare truck it was! Thanks for all the great info & nostalgia!
I have a 2008 Laramie 4x4 crew cab with a 4.6 L V-8 I bought new, still have it, I've only put 33,500 miles on it, no rust, but a good-sized dent in the left rear of the box, because of my careless attempt to part it in a carport. I take it on short drives about once a week. I still love this truck.
@@ponysoftonline4533 Best truck ever as far as reliability, easy as hell to work on, rock solid in every department, I like the look and for a bare bones old school pick up it is simply awesome. Like your stars and bars I have the bonnie blue as my front plate 😁
Yeah they are something alright. Mine has yet to give me any problem that I couldn't fix within an hour. Also sweet. I plan on getting a 3rd national front plate. I also wear the 3rd national on my arm every day and fly one on my house. If we don't fight back our governments tyranny who will?
Loved the review-thanks for your research & presentation. I just bought an 05 Dakota with 136k miles, minimal rust and super clean for $3750. I couldn't be happier. It needs a few repairs & catch-up maintenance, but it's 15 years old and the price was right.
I currently drive the 08 dakota and I love it. 3.7 v6. Works fine for me. But I've also driven a Ram and there's basically no difference until you throw a 5.9L V8 in the ram.😎
Currently own an 05 Dakota crew cab SLT 4x4 V8 and I really love the truck but I wish it had more aftermarket and I wanna change the god awful interior up
Still have my 96 Dakota, 5.2, short bed, standard cab 4x4 5 speed with a few upgrades. Looks, runs and drives like new still! Barely starting to rust on the frame now, like hit it with a wire wheel and its gone rust. Going to keep that thing till I die. Plows great too, has no problem carrying around the 7' Meyers plow. Thing is a tank in the snow. My previous one 94', lost in accident, has 300k+ miles on it. Built to last.
![Stromae, Pomme - “Ma Meilleure Ennemie” (from Arcane Season 2) [Official Visualizer]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1F3OGIFnW1k/mqdefault.jpg)
Hope you guys liked this episode! Longest and most time consuming video I’ve ever made 😂 I do want to cover the future rumors/speculation about the 2021+ Ram Dakota so that’ll be coming soon!
Much thanks again! The Dakota needed and deserved a long video! Hmm..2021 Ram Dak? Lets pray they do..and don't make it complex..just a simple, midsize truck. Just mechanically superior in quickness, ride, handling and work capability like the Dak's of yore :D
The small wannabe ram
I've heard its going to be built on the jeep gladiator chassis
I loved my 1995 Dakota Sport I want to find another one like it! I hope they bring it back if they do, it should be boxy like the first gen, should have rectangular headlights and taillights like the first gen, should have an extended cab like the first gen along with a 2 door and a 4 door. As for a platform, I think it could go on a modified version of the Durango platform. For motors/transmissions the 8 speed and automatic and 6 speed manual should be available. For motor options they should use the 3.6 Pentastar with e torque, 3.0 eco diesel v6, 2.9 TT v6 (Alfa Romeo/Ferrari motor), 2.4 tiger shark motor with an electric motor, 2.2 multi jet with a electric motor, 5.7 hemp and they should use the 5.0 V8 Cummins since it’s not longer being used by Nissan and it originally was gonna be in the ram 1500. I really think all of that could work and as for the interior it should be similar to the Charger interior except with a 12 inch screen like that one Charger Pursuit concept had and all trim levels should come with light grey or black cloth seats from RAM with levels with leather and alcantara as options. Also for the interior an option for Viper seats would be awesome for R/T and SRT trims for the R/T motor options it should get the 5.7 Hemi and 5.0 V8 Cummins and for the SRT it should get the 2.9 TT v6. Last but not least it should be a Dodge and not a RAM like the last generation Dakota was trucks are also popular like SUV’s right now Dodge needs a mid size to go against the Canyon, Colorado and Ranger. Also if anyone is wondering why I put in motor options for 4 cylinders, 6 cylinders and 8 cylinder motor options it’s because the first gen did plus they didn’t have diesels so I added diesels plus other mid size trucks have diesels except for the Ranger even though overseas it has the 2.0 EcoBlue and 3.2 inline 5 Powerstroke which they should bring to the US the Powerstroke has been in the Transit and the EcoBlue will be in the transit connect. anyways let me know your thoughts on my ideas if the Dakota comes back and all I gotta say is if they were gonna do it they need to do it now if they want to get it done right plus they are merging with PSA so I’m sure they could make a electric motor for the Dakota or just base off what they got in the Pacific which in my opinion should be the new Grand Caravan and the current one should be the Caravan they did at one point have both names for minivans on the subject of the Grand Caravan I think if it’s a rebadged Pacifica/Voyager it should get the 3.6 pentastar with e torque, 3.0 eco diesel and for hybrids it should have the same power train as the Pacifica but with an addition of a 2.2 multi jet with that PHEV power train. RAM has midsize pickups in other countries so if RAM wants a midsize or two to be more competitive with Ford and GM they should use those and Dodge can do what I just suggested I also think Dodge should make a smaller mid size based on the Fiat Toro/RAM 1000 I don’t know what it could be called though
Your conclusions about the demise of the Dakota largely mirror my own - by 2011, there was no longer much of an advantage to buying a Dakota over a full-size truck. I had a first gen Dakota S regular cab short bed with the 2.5L 4 cylinder and while the engine wasn't powerful, there was a big advantage in gas mileage over the full-size Rams at the time.
Own a 2009 extended cab. Love it! Fits in the garage, gets through the snow well, easy to park and hasn’t let me down. If they remake it, I’ll buy one.
2023 Ram Dakota
Same I got an 08 and it's never broken down on me. Super reliable truck
@@PierresWildAdventureI love mine but stuff breaks pretty often
@@taylerjohnson2856 That's strange. Mines still all original after all these years other than a lift kit I added
I may not be a huge fan of dodge, but I really like how they always keep the design language between all their vehicles the same
Still daily driving my '05, 275,000 miles and counting. Love this truck and the 4x4 always surprises me with its capabilities. Cant wait for the comeback.
Same here lol
Yea my dad has one and they’re pretty nice
Ya my 2011 has 150k
Love my 05. Dropped in a 8 foot ditch last week in a snowstorm. Drove right back out like the tank it is. My v8s a fuel pig tho.
@@Bear-hr8rn yeah those 4.7 magnums sure aren't known for efficiency... they love to burn oil when they start to get old too.
I really like the look of the second gen
ElGatoVolador I have the 03 quad cab. The true baby Ram! 😍
Hulagan 808 my 03 Dakota 3.9L SLT offers the same features, just not the redesigned dash... 🤷🏼♂️
Hulagan 808 I’ve got an ‘03 with 4 wheel discs and the newer interior, although I’m not tuning a 360 Magnum.
A lot of people did. It was a great truck with the 318.
ElGatoVolador I have a second gen dodge Dakota sport extended cab with the 318 v8, it goes and goes never skips a beat it’s a beautiful truck quite the machine
The main reason I like dakotas is it’s a small truck with a v8 out of the factory.
The 3.9 V6 Magnum was also a pretty good engine too.
Same here brother.
@@glennredwine289 but the v8 is just better
@@harleymiller5717 but the reason i chose the V6 was to have some amount of fuel economy too. All previous vehicles were 4 cyls 76 Chev Luv & 86 Mustang and I wanted more power but not completely give up mileage. EPA rating was 17/23 & pretty much got that if I didn't use AC. NOW as of 4/29/21 in SoCal were looking @
$4.10/gal gas, still have the truck 26 years later,
fr
I am a fellow Dakota owner (2002, 4.7L V8 SLT). I am in love with my truck, it is truly one of the best vehicles ever made. It manages to mix sporty with classy, and not many mid size trucks can claim that.
How’s it going with the Dakota? I’m looking to buy one (2004, 4.7 V8) with 127k miles. 👍
I have an 01 SLT plus with the 4.7 and 5-speed. I don't plan to ever let it go.
Second Gen Dakota Master Race! 🙋🏻♂️
2G Dakota = Thug Life 💪🏼😎
I had an 02 dakota and it was a great truck and still running with 210k+ miles!
No
The crash test ratings of the 3rd Gen were impressive compared to earlier models and the Ranger. Bought one because of it and never regretted it. Always felt safe and sturdy.
I've owned (and daily driven) a '93 for the past 5 yrs. The 3.9 runs fine in mine and averages 15-16 MPG in daily driving. To me, the truck is comfortable. The arm rests are actually usable, all the controls are in easy reach, visibility out is great, and it's easy to get in/out. It's not 'stupid big' like is so common with trucks nowadays. This is my first Dakota and I honestly did not expect to like it as much as I have when I first bought it. Good video!
You'll end up in a 2nd gen if you haven't already. This is the way.
I had a 94 with the 3.9 for almost that long and I liked it alot.
It's hard to imagine a truck priced at 7k new.
I think the cheapest car you can buy is the Nissan Versa which is like 11k. Crazy
Yea my dad has a 2006 Dakota he got it for 20k new with the V8 4 door.. Now a days you don’t even get a base V6 med size pickup for that prize.
Correct that to inflation. It's problably about 25k dollars without taxes at best.
I bought my '89 Dakota in July of 1989. If I remember it was about $8900. It has the V-6.
@@unleashedfeverarts2607 That's about what a new corolla costs...
You hit it on the head .. "compact " trucks ( American ) became too big . too expensive ,and got no better mileage than the full size pickups so why not buy a larger Truck ?
MassacMongo99 yeah to me it just wasn’t a compact anymore so not sure what Dodge was thinking. Should have cancelled sooner or just shrunk it back down and made it way cheaper
"Not as clumsy or random as a blaster..i mean, RAM" :p Whichever gen Dak, they were more nimble and fun than any RAM. ..except the '93 RAM 150 4x2 I owned..the Dodge truck days..ok, even more fun to drive than that..and that was the ultimate in RAM..1,000+ lbs lighter than the new ones and the actual suspension of a truck :)
..still wish the Hemi had been available in '03 up Daks, but again..it wasn't done bc all beans were going into RAM's bowl.
@@MarspeedCars Drive a 3rd gen 4,7L. I bet ya $5 you'll like it :)
10% more money gets you 100% more truck. My favorite small trucks were the early Ford Rangers, those things were so tough.
I swear! Why would anyone buy a truck with lesser capabilities and slightly smaller dimensions for almost the same price??
Dodge Dakota, by far the best midsize truck ever made.
I know it's so comfy and awesome just got 2001 Sport 4X4 club cab. :D
Tacoma*
You spelled Tacoma wrong.
Mine is 15 years old and I have never had an issue.
@@Amclaren2009 i got a Buick from when buicks were actually decent and not a pile of hot rolling garbage. A 25-year-old le saber, still runs good, and the interior puts the majority of modern cars to shame. (i tested, I whacked a bunch of dashboards at the Chicago auto show and most rattled, especially ford and dodge. chevy wasn't much better. Come to think of it, none of them were built well. The ford air vents wiggled all over the place and most bumpers and body panels were plastic or paper-thin metal. Even 70k pickups.) but mine even though its 25 years old, its stable, has real bumpers, and thick steel side panels. And a massive trunk, and a wide-open engine bay that is easy to work on. compare that with modern cars where most of the time you have to dig just to glimpse a tiny bit of your engine.
There was also a Mitsubishi truck based on the Dakota called a raider
And back in the 80s there was a Dodge truck based off a Montero called a raider lol
Yep, my parents had both a 3rd gen Dakota and a Raider, and when the driveshaft bent on the raider, the repair shop decided to replace it with one from the same year model Dakota. BIG MISTAKE! There was a slight length difference between the two trucks driveshaft, and that difference destroyed the drivetrain over time. 😣
@@oxidizedolive I hope you don't go to that mechanic anymore. Anyone who's cutting corners like that shouldn't be swapping driveshafts.
TheMerk10 definitely not. That was several years ago, and we stopped taking our vehicles to that shop as soon as we started having these unresolved issues. I personally do most of my own work maintenance now, as well as some of my parent’s lighter jobs, but otherwise I go to reputable mechanic shops for any heavy-duty repairs and such. In fact, I’m about to go this weekend to have the transmission bands on my 03 Dakota adjusted, and I’m going to a transmission specialist for that. 🤷🏼♂️
The Raider is FUGLY
My dad had a 2003 Dodge Dakota for 10 years from 2003-2013. It was a fantastic car.
My father got a 2002 Dodge Ram with over 250k miles
I special ordered a 2001 Dakota, 4.7, crew cab, 4wd, 5 speed manual, 3.92 limited slip and I really loved that truck. It lasted until a couple of years ago when I was in a bad wreck that was no fault of mine. The truck had 437,000 plus miles on it and still running good before the wreck. And yes, original untouched engine, transmission etc.... The weak link was the hydraulic operated throw out bearing but overall a good truck.
same for mine i have a 2002 SXT 5 speed 4WD signal cab but i wish it had a v8 lol it has the v6 3.6 but i can for sure tell she is tired lol great truck though. 207k miles
Good to know. I have a 2002 in Patriot Blue, 4.7L, crew cab, 4WD, 3.92 LSD with 105,000 miles. Did have to replace the head gasket and now my rear diff needs work (noisy pinion)
As a first-gen (‘91) Dakota owner, I find this video informative and very interesting. I didn’t know much about anything after the first generation, and now I do. Great video, keep it up
Nows probably the best time for Dodge to bring back the Dakota, considering GM and Ford brought back their midsize pick ups to compete with the sales leader the Toyota Tacoma
A friend of mine owns a white Shelby Dakota. Beautiful truck with an incredible exhaust sound. Nothing else like a 318 V8
what a joke..318 worse...LOL
@@chadhaire1711
He said sound. The magnum series V8 engines sound great with a nice exhaust. If you disagree you probably like how straight piped civics sound.
@@chadhaire1711 have the 5.2 and 4.7 the 4.7 shouldn't even be in a station wagon..
@@bobdodge3171 gas mileage of the 5.2 was 12/17 in all that i drove...might was well get a Hellcat
@@chadhaire1711 my 318 is 16. 4.7 18 avg. I can get 20mpg at 45mph w 4.7.. Hellcat w a load of firewood. Im just not impressed with the 4.7.
The 5.2 im goin to switch out the efi and go carbureted.
Maybe ltr build a 360 for it.. And i hate 360s
I bought an ‘06 two years ago at 70k miles ish & I’ve had no issues at all that & the few that did have I could fix myself easily, at 97k miles I’ve driven it across the country twice in all different types of weather & it’s the best truck I’ve ever had
Bought quad cab brand new in 2004 and still have it, now my daughter drives it
6cyl ?how many miles im lookimg at one tommorow with 89k 6cyl
I have 01 exeptt it one says no bus on odmetet
@@rogergomez1848 I had the v6 mag, sold it at 270K. No major problems. Body was rusting out
I miss my 98 RT single cab. black, such a sweet truck. i miss it alot.
I always find myself looking up R/T s for sale so I could relive the memories
01' Ext Cab R/T was my first Dodge 11 years ago and I haven't looked back since
I bought my Dodge Dakota in 2006. I love it and I’m still driving it.
Still have my 2002 4.7 V8 Quad Cab. Waiting for Dodge/Ram to bring it back.
sweetlogo they won’t bring one back because the Jeep gladiator is thing...... the Gladiator is basically the new Dakota
Haydog _322 Nah the Dakota was sick because it’s a Med sized pickup with a Optional V8. Gladiator ain’t close to it.
Edgar H252 gladiator is a midsized truck like the Tacoma and the frontier. Doesn’t make sense to come out with another midsized truck
@@HayDog322 exactly
@@HayDog322 Not true. The CEO of RAM trucks has said in interviews that they plan on bringing back a mid-size pickup by 2021 because it's a clear hole in their portfolio and the Gladiator is a completely different product that is not meant to fill it.
aw man, finally a dedicated dakota video on youtube that’s professionally made. love my 5.9 r/t 🤧 been eating civics and 4 bangers since the day i got it
I think it should come back. The Ford Ranger has come back. I believe Dodge can out do Ford on this. But like you said they need to make sure the Dakota stands out from the RAM. Dont make them look exactly the same. Ranking just on look alone id say 2nd Gen, 1st Gen, then 3rd.
Good news super chief it's back in 2020 approximately 28000 for a cheap one. Sad news is that it wont have a V8 or stick shift instead it will have a 3ish L v6
@@kentsmalley7792 where did you get that info from?
The Ranger, Colorado, and Tacomas are ALL too big and pricey. Ford should offer the Euro version of the Courier (picture Focus El Camino), but w/ a decent auto trans.
FORD didn't stop manufacturing the RANGER. They just stopped selling them in the U.S.
Mexico and other countries were still able to buy them.
Saw a RUclips on it.
@@colonel9990 I believe they closed the US plant (Twin Cities), so they must've continued building them elsewhere. Not here.
The 2008 Dakota body panels and interior looks so cheap and industrial, which I actually really really like for some reason
It tells ya what it's meant for. A little farm truck
Yeah I have an 08, I’ve never been a truck guy, just need a vehicle to haul stuff when I need it.
I mean it’s unique looking 🤷♂️
The fleet spec ones don't look half bad with all the work equipment on them.
I had a 4wd 2000 Dodge Dakota and a 2000 Dakota 2wd. Loved them both!
Our 95 6cyl just made it to 431,000++. I just hope it makes it through the winter- lol. No major issues- just dealing with a coolant leak when its cold overnight. Thanks for the history!
The Dakota needs a comeback, especially since there is a lot more interest in small/mid-sized pick ups these days.
Also, as to the ridiculous pricing - Ford is doing that now with the F150 and Ranger... I’ve seen a few car review videos that are basically saying that you may as well get an F150 and skip the Ranger since they’re priced so closely and you’re getting a lot more truck if you just buy an F150!
I do think they should make a midsized pickup truck again, but it should have a different name because Native American communities don't want cars and trucks to have names affiliated with them. They already want the Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Grand Cherokee L to be renamed, but unkindly, Chrysler declined it. I do want there to be a midsized truck to be in the lineup, but I don’t want its name to be affiliated with race. Native American communities didn't want the Redskins to be school mascots, and Indian Americans didn't want the Indians to be school mascots either. I would name it something wildlife related since that would probably be the kind of customer who would want one.
Thats why the 3rd gen went away. You could get a ram with the same motor and features for the same or less.
My 2000 dakota has been my best friend at work for years and it just turned 220,000 miles and it’s an auto 4.7 model
I love my 2003 SLT 4.7. I've owned a 2008 Ranger v6 and a 2012 2.9 Colorado, but IMO the 2nd Gen Dakota is the best small truck.
I had a 1988 Dakota with with the 3.9 and 8 ft bed.5 speed manual.. Today I have a 4door,2002 sport model with automatic and 3.9 l magnum.Rusting out bed with 308,000 miles. Still runs well.
I owned a 2004 Dodge Dakota with a 3.9-liter V-6 engine. It was my favorite vehicle to use for going to work. The Dakota never left me stranded with any major mechanical issues. The only major issue I had with the truck was when the headlights suddenly stopped working and I was forced to use the high beam lights to get home safely. The issue ended up being the headlight switch in the cab had an electronic malfunction, the headlight switch was replaced costing nearly $1000.00, thankfully the warranty on the vehicle cover the repair bill for that. The 2nd generation series was the best of all three because it looked sporty. The third-generation truck looked out of place and the overall design wasn't very appealing plus the price of the vehicle was way too high.
iIhad a similar problem, headlights flickering on and off. I finally figured out that it was the dimmer switch, I was even willing to go so far as to put a separate light on a separate circuit because at first I couldn't figure out what was causing the flickering. If something happened to my '95 V6 i would try to replace it with a 3rd gen Dakota 3,9 V6. THAT little 318 derived Magnum V6 is an awesome motor. Just don't like mine cause of the poor motor mounts, everything else is great.
I love the rt model from 1998 its my favorite truck with the 5.9lts v8
I used to have one for years. Just sold it to a guy in california. was black single cab 98. ill put some vidoes of pictures i have of it sometime on my channel
@@MidnightPolaris800wooow
you guys fr drewling over a 21 yr old shitty truck lol
@@magnellseth DROOL much?
My 02 rcsb 4.7 5 speed manual 2wd Dakota eats Dakota R/T's all day long.
When the 3rd gen came out, they ruined it.
Nope. 2005 and 2006 still offered a 4.7 V8 paired with a 6 speed manual. After they dropped that configuration is when the Dakota was truly ruined.
elton john love my 3rd gen : /
@Kenneth Boyer Too cheap, Chrysler has always been a small brand and made cheap cars at normal prices, but even still the third generation was way too cheap.
@@sofiagamez7007 im just surprised with how bad the quality of chrysler products fell when there were bought by Daimler, you'd expect the exact opposite to happen.
@@ty1on106 You must admit when Lido Laccoca managed Chrysler under Daimler management in the beginning of the 90s Chrysler cars were ahead of it's time and looked classy, remember Chrysler Spirit/LeBaron for example. But from 95 and beyond things went from semi cheap and faux style European car to Dodge neon Shitbox.
I own a 93 LE Club Cab 2x4 it's my favorite to drive back to basics. When men were men and boys were boys
Great overview video dude... I still have my 1999 running us around to this day. Best little truck ever...
My first car was an 89 Dakota. Very beat up, but it’s 4x4 saved me during the winter. I sold it earlier this year and ended up getting a 2000 Dakota, V8 4x4. I’m in love with it. I plan on getting a full size truck within the next two years, but honestly I don’t think I’ll ever sell my 2000 Dakota. It has a lot of life left in it, the V8 sounds amazing, and I’d like to keep it as a second backup truck. I recently polished, waxed, and detailed it, and it looks fucking beautiful. It’s a galaxy blue, and with the redetailed black trim and wet black wires it makes me grin whenever I look at it.
My 2000 model year 4.7L Magnum V8 Quad Cab SLT is still going strong since I purchased it new. I’ve had it nearly twenty years and will probably own it until I croak ! Absolutely love that truck !
same here with my 2001 version of what you have!
Outstanding level of detail and thoroughness.
I’m hooked!. Keep up the great content.
Subscribed!
Thanks I appreciate it!! I’ll keep em coming
I have the 95 Dakota SLT with v-6 magnum. Still running great..25years old and just rolled to 150 000 miles. Red with stock chrome rims. Still looks awesome. Many years to go.
My dream vehicle is a blue manual 2nd gen rt 5.9 . I just love the look and the way they sound straight piped
..i had a 93 Ram 150 4x2..i hydro-locked the 5.2L and swapped in a 5.9L mag and added a 3" straight pipe..was such a sweet sound! still had the cat and original Y pipe which was generous size and mandrel bends..rumbly at idle, not too loud and when revved sounded so crazy cool..and the back rap was fantastic :D
..my nephew owns it now..200K and going strong.
Dont think the r/t ever had a 5.9 with manual they were all autos ......I had a regular 96 dakota with a 5.2 with manual that was a sweet truck
@@mudmowerregulators9559 im sure it had to have a manual
@@neverstopushing3638 nope.
Still daily driving my '99 R/T. 210,000 miles on the orginal drivetrain! Only thing replaced so far were the cats and the water pump. On the 4th set of balljoints and second set of control arms.
I had a 2nd gen with a V6. Did everything I needed it to do and was a very comfortable truck.
Still drive a '99 Dakota SLT club cab with a 5.2L engine that I got in 2013 for 1K. I replaced the brake pads, steering pump, water pump, serpentine belt, oil pan and the transfer case gaskets .Recently just put the Goodrich AT new tires on it.210k miles right now. It's very quiet and drives like a dream...Thanks for posting
I've been waiting for this video and you did not disappoint. 👌🏾
I have a 2004 Dakota. It's my first truck and I'm glad. It's very capable and fun to drive.
I have a 03 and love it.. definitely look forward to a gen4 I'm waiting..
Same here. I miss my 2006 so badly I could burst.
I don't think so if they will remake Ram Dakota then why they make Jeep Gladiator
Already posted for 2021 the dakota will be out..
A cheaper way than the gladiator..
@@hillbilly174 if it's gonna be luxurious like ram Ram limited I don't think it's gonna be cheap
I bought a 92 Sport V-6, 5 speed, short bed, standard cab in November 1993. Did some time only runs at the drag strip, best time was 15.9@85 MPH with the standard 3.21 open gears.
I love my 02 Dakota. Terrible locking brakes, rust and everything ♥️
Stustu I also love my 01 Dakota
02 here. Best gen ever
Had a 98 extended cab 4x4 5,2 5 speed with the towing package! A really tought and fun truck to drive, loved it!!!
I still have my 1997 club cab.4x4 it has a very rusty box.. The 5.2 runs like a clock.Starts with a remote in cold weather. My main concern is the transmit on it. I am told the 97 TransmtIon was built for 97 only. And replacements are hard to find in Canada. I need high gear .
Don Ostash
Duuuuude I've been trying to find a video like this for ever. Thank you! I got a 2001 Dakota Sport with the 3.9L V6 single cab. Damn good truck. I Love the donuts and drifting it can do. Lol
I had a 92, 98, 05 , and still have my 09 all gave me excellent service with 250,000 miles cannot complain about the Dodge Dakota awesome trucks
I have a 1994 dakota that im building on my channel and i love it. It was my first vehicle and has been a great truck. It is a shame that they just couldnt get the 3rd gen dakotas right and that 4.7l and even some of the 3.7l engines where more temperamental than the magnum engines when they first came out. They did figure them out later on though.
I bought a 2005 dakota, with 150,000 miles in 2018 for 4000 bucks. Its an automatic with rear wheel drive and a v-8. Its been a great truck and have had no problems except every time i take off from a stop it wants to burn out and take off like a rocket.I have to be very gentle on the accelerator peddle! Its almost 2020 and still running great. I also use it to haul my dirt bike and Polaris scrambler at the same time, no trailer.Just a rear bike carrier that connects off the trailer hitch. Does fine but I did switch to heavy load shocks.Killer truck.
I love my 04 SLT Crew Cab. Everything I need and want in a truck, with the body style of it's big brother.
my dad has a 2004 one of these and lemme tell you, they need more attention.
Honestly the convertible one is my dream truck, other than swapping the engine and updating a few things I'd keep it as stock as possible
I own a 2002 4.7l v8 Club Cab Dakota Sport, and it's pretty sweet, but MAN that thing sucks up gas like you wouldn't believe.
I'm shocked to hear that the first gen looks better than the "derpy" third gen
Yeah third gen looks like it's trying to be a third Gen RAM while I like the third gen RAM better than the dakota.
I bought a brand new 1991 Dakota regular cab. I traded it in on a 1995 Club cab. I kept that until 2012 I bought a 4 door Dakota Crew cab. It was a great truck. I'm am sorry they stopped making them
Ever since ram gone to the 8 speed it been alot better for them
We have owned various 2nd generation Durango and Dakotas. We still have our 2001 Durango AWD! The Dakotas were with 5.2, 5.9, and 4.7. Overall, I liked the 4.7. *Very comfortable and sturdy trucks!*
I love the boxy looks form the 1st-gen Dakota’s! I own a green and black ‘94 Sport.
Driving a green 95
I have a 2000 quad cab with 4.7 and it has served me well for 22 years- still on the original engine and transmission. Has carried all I ever loaded or pulled with no problem. I was at Home Depot one day taking home some plywood- rolled the little cart up behind my truck and just slid the plywood sheets off the cart and into my bed. A couple parking spaces away was a young guy with one of those jacked up 4X4 trucks doing the same, but he was struggling to get the plywood up over his head and in his truck, so I took my 77 year old body over and gave him a hand.
So many people love the 2nd Gen. Sales tanking were in part due to the Dakota becoming butt-ugly.
Gen2 sport was sexy.
Awesome video.
My dad still has his 2003 Dakota SLT 4.7l 5 speed club-cab RWD towing package in atlantic blue & silver. 250,000 miles and still going fairly strong. It's been one of the most reliable vehicles we've ever owned. It's what I drove as a kid and learned to wrench on. I have a soft spot for the second gen, and still love driving that truck. The rack and pinion really set it apart from all the other trucks of the time. Its getting hard to find parts for the SLTs with the towing package. The aftermarket doesn't support things like radiators with the standalone trans cooler. Fun fact, those six lug hubs are the same from the viper. A common mod back then was to source viper wheels and throw them on.
I have a 3rd gen 08 SLT with the 4.7L and honestly the last body revision to the harder lines I really liked. I think its very underrated for what it is, a mid sized truck with a 310hp V8. Even to this day new Colorado owners are surprised by my "old POS dodge" having 310hp and 330lbs of torque with a 7k pound towing capacity. Mine has served me past the 200k mile mark with the AC compressor being its only mechanical thing to fail. I love the truck and I plan to keep it for many years to come.
My '93 has the 3.9 & 244K miles, and still most of original components. Doing a lot of front end work, but it's been A great daily for last 2 decades.
Great info in this video, good job!
4:29 Are we just not gonna talk about that General Lee in the background?
I had a 1997 5-speed, 2.5 L. It was an excellent truck for my needs and I got 28 on the highway with it.
My second truck was a 2008 Raider (which is a rebadged Dakota ). I bought new and now has 207,000 miles on it, mostly trouble free.V6.
And Dakotas were made in Mexico till 2012.
Great video, and going to look at your other videos.
I had a 2002 sport with a 4.7 5 speed. It was a awesome truck.
I have a 2wd rcsb 2002 Dakota with the 4.7 V8 5 speed manual and 3.92 gears. It gaps Dakota R/T's and is quite a factory sleeper.
Clint .R we had a 99 R/T 5.9 automatic 4x4 on the farm. It was a single cab short box. Just as a run away truck. She hauled a$$. It was a Great little truck. After my step father passed. I sold it, I been regretting it ever since.
The 5 speed had too low a 1st gear, though. It was like 4.3:1. You could skip 1st routinely. If you had the 3.92 axle, you could hurt your back!
@@neillist5517
Skip first if you're lazy. It's not a bull low first gear with the nv3500. It's 3.49:1 ratio. In a race 1st gear takes me over 50km/h even with my 3.92 gear ratio. No reason to skip first in these trucks unless you're just a lazy shifter.
Clint .R I skipped first gear all the time. It’s considered bow low. Only used for torque. I have a a 89 F-150 with the 5speed and skip first gear on that truck too. Plus I drive big trucks for a living. I always start out in second gear. You only use first gear in a racing situation or launch off the line. Be prepared to shift in 2 seconds thou.
I'm the third owner of a 1988 Dakota with 149000 miles. Love it. Have the paperwork on it where it was dressed up at the dealer with the LX package. Bigger wheels, v6, cellphone package, cloth seat covers, etc. Someone should have completed the work though. Didn't change out the speedometer gear, and to set the cruise at 65, you have to be going at 85, to get it right. It'll do it, but the tickets are a pain to explain and pay for.
Commenting at the start so don’t know if you covered this but they are apparently bringing it back for ‘21 on the Gladiator frame.
Doc's Stim Pistol yesss!!
Doc's Stim Pistol future video idea for sure, there’s tons of speculation about the Dakota coming back in some form soon!
"OOOOOHHHH!!!!!" Oh yeah. The Gladiator. Well, fork..that makes 100% perfect sense..why nor revisit Dak, since they already have the chassis!! lol. ..so hm does a Gladiator cost? I bet it's as much as a RAM..lemme see..Jeep Gladiator..$33-43k. Yep..costs as much as low to mid level RAM pickups. Lmao.
..better get the 5.7L Hemi this time!! or the 500 hp Giulia Quadrifoglio twin turbski V6 mill :)
@@tomj4406 🤔😐🤨😮
@@nobunaga-oda Trucks aren't $15,000-$20,000 anymore! It's crazy.
I can't say I miss the third gen dakota, but I loved the 1st and second 2nd gens. Grandmother still has her 89 first gen v6 4x4 that they bought slightly used in 90-91. Still runs but needs a valve cover gasket and a few vacuum leaks fixed.
The First Generation Dodge Dakotas remind me of the ones that was used on Baywatch when the show first premiered. LoL 😁
I love my 2004 dodge dakota i bought mine with only 36k miles just recently it was garaged and babied its whole life. Got the 4.7 a work horse of engine. Its not even broken in. No accidents and just one elderly owner who used it for getting groceries.
Rumors from FCA. There could be a midsize Ram pick up in the next couple of years but I don't know if it's going to bring back the Dakota name or it's going to be something else.
2006 owner here. Decent truck. Bought used, still has power.
my dad had a third gen, in his words: "a small truck that wanted to be a big truck"
I have the 06 4x4. I love it. Haven’t had any major issues with it either
😋👌🏼 I love my first gen
87 v6 99k miles still running like a champ thanks for this video marspeed 👍🏼
I have an 06’ Dakota with 93,000 miles with the 4.7 V8, 5spd, and 3.55 diff. It’s a very reliable and capable truck that’s hauled 7,000 lbs and has 1615 lb. payload. Can’t figure why people hate on them.
I got a 1992 dodge Dakota v8 ,4x4 ext, still have it now 2019 ..
I have a 95 5.2 5spd ext. Cab 4x4... love it!!
1991 Dakota and still runs like a dream.
Favorite truck I've ever owned was a 1st gen (96) Dakota.
thomas crown I had a 95 best truck I’ve ever owned
I got the 96 😎
GunSlinger LawncareServices put a bigger trans cooler those transmissions really don’t like the v8
I still have my 2000 dodge Dakota slt club cab 20 years later it still look brand new runs awsome
"Ancient 5.2L". It may have been an old design, but it still outlives any other engine placed into the Dakota.
The 3.9 v6 was another great engine mine is still running strong
Chris h I absolutely love mine
Agreed, the 5.2 was far better than the 4.7
I miss the '92 Dakota Sport 4x4 I had. Bright blue, 3.9 v6, 5-speed, 3.5 limited slip rear. I would like to see the Dakota return again.
I owned a '97 5.2 4WD and a '99 R/T. They were gorgeous trucks and were great value for the money. Still see that vintage Dakota and Durango out and about far more often than the ugly AF third generation. Also owned an 01 Durango that I recently traded in and regret doing so. They had the right combination of size, capability, ruggedness and affordability.
The color matching bumpers won me over
Age and Treachery they were beautiful I totally agree. Dodge was killing the game back then but then again I guess they are today with the 1500s, just a shame they let the Dakota die how they did. Still it lives on in our minds and hearts!
..I had a '00 Rango..4.7l, 140k 4x4, $1,700!! ..drove the beans out of it for yrs..loved everything about it. torsion bar front and leaf spring rear..the suspension of the mopar muscle era cars and what they put in Dak and Durango 4x4's..cept last gen Rango rear was coil and was lame :p anyways.. pure masterpieces otherwise lol
..you see more of the earlier ones bc hey made a bazillion more. my bro in law still has his '05..just handed it down to his son..200k and and going strong.
Outstanding! Owned a 2000 4x4 quad cab w/4.7 V8 & 5 speed. Had its qwerks but fast, fun, & rare truck it was! Thanks for all the great info & nostalgia!
Dodge shadow and plymouth sundance?
They were really nice.
I had a turbo Dodge shadow. Nice little car. But can't remember what year it was.
I have a 2008 Laramie 4x4 crew cab with a 4.6 L V-8 I bought new, still have it, I've only put 33,500 miles on it, no rust, but a good-sized dent in the left rear of the box, because of my careless attempt to part it in a carport. I take it on short drives about once a week. I still love this truck.
My daily driver is a 1990 base model 3.9L long bed. I love it!
Mines a rock solid 87
@@jz2212 Great trucks huh? 3.9L?
@@ponysoftonline4533 Best truck ever as far as reliability, easy as hell to work on, rock solid in every department, I like the look and for a bare bones old school pick up it is simply awesome. Like your stars and bars I have the bonnie blue as my front plate 😁
Yeah they are something alright. Mine has yet to give me any problem that I couldn't fix within an hour. Also sweet. I plan on getting a 3rd national front plate. I also wear the 3rd national on my arm every day and fly one on my house. If we don't fight back our governments tyranny who will?
@@ponysoftonline4533 Roger that brother
Loved the review-thanks for your research & presentation. I just bought an 05 Dakota with 136k miles, minimal rust and super clean for $3750. I couldn't be happier. It needs a few repairs & catch-up maintenance, but it's 15 years old and the price was right.
Do you still own it ? Any major issues?
I love my 2008 Dakota
Orlando Cervera same haha
I love my 2001 Dodge Dakota
yes I like my 2008 dakota sport also
u still got it? how many km
You did such a good job and you speak in a way that doesn't bore me. Thank you.
I currently drive the 08 dakota and I love it. 3.7 v6. Works fine for me. But I've also driven a Ram and there's basically no difference until you throw a 5.9L V8 in the ram.😎
Currently own an 05 Dakota crew cab SLT 4x4 V8 and I really love the truck but I wish it had more aftermarket and I wanna change the god awful interior up
Still have my 96 Dakota, 5.2, short bed, standard cab 4x4 5 speed with a few upgrades. Looks, runs and drives like new still! Barely starting to rust on the frame now, like hit it with a wire wheel and its gone rust. Going to keep that thing till I die. Plows great too, has no problem carrying around the 7' Meyers plow. Thing is a tank in the snow. My previous one 94', lost in accident, has 300k+ miles on it. Built to last.