Dodge Dakota

Name: 2005 Dodge Dakota
Brand: Dodge

EPA MPG: 17 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 17 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

Despite its V8, the Dakota accelerates more slowly than competing models with V6 power. Horsepower increased to 302, which will probably help. The ride is better than some competitors, but is still somewhat buoyant. Dodge claims to have retuned the suspension. Interior quality could be better. Towing and payload capacities are competitive.

2005 Pickup trucks Reliability

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Dodge Dakota

vs. Similar Cars

Ford Ranger

Mazda B-Series

Toyota Tacoma

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Dodge vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

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2005

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Driving Experience

Comfort

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Dodge vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Dodge vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2005 Midsized pickup trucks Ratings

2005 Dodge Dakota

$3,700 - $5,650

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Chevrolet Colorado

$3,200 - $7,275

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

$5,400 - $6,225

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Ford Ranger

$3,625 - $6,650

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 GMC Canyon

$3,075 - $6,625

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Mazda B-Series

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Nissan Frontier

$4,350 - $7,100

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Toyota Tacoma

$5,725 - $11,300

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Midsized pickup trucks Ratings

Features & Specs

extended cab

crew cab

3 front, 3 rear

4WD, Rear

3.7-liter V6 (210 hp)
4.7-liter V8 (260 hp)
4.7-liter V8 (230 hp)

5-speed automatic
4-speed automatic
6-speed manual

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2005-2011

2005 Redesign Year

The Dakota was a mid-sized pickup, larger than compacts like the Ford Ranger, but smaller than a full-sized truck. Four-, six-, and eight-cylinder engines were available in the first two generations, but only the thirsty V8s could be considered strong. The ride is jittery and unsettled. It handled relatively well for its era, and available full-time 4WD was a plus. Model year 2000 brought a four-door Quad Cab model and a more modern V8. The 2005 redesign offered only extended-cab versions. A 3.7L V6 was standard, but even the 4.7L V8 felt sluggish and drank fuel. Further, the buoyant ride and unresponsive handling remained and ESC was not available.

1997-2004

1997 Redesign Year

The Dakota handles nimbly for a truck. Engine choices range from a 2.5-liter Four to a 5.9-liter V8. The 3.9-liter, 175-hp V6 we tested performs adequately, but it guzzles fuel like a V8. The optional automatic transmission shifts smoothly but not always promptly. The ride is jarring, especially with an empty bed. A crew-cab version dubbed Quad Cab is new for 2000; it has four full-sized doors and offers a powerful and refined 4.7-liter V8.