Dodge Dakota

Name: 2011 Dodge Dakota
Brand: Dodge

EPA MPG: 17 mpg

RECALL ALERT: There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

CR's Take

The Dakota midsized pickup offers a V8 engine and impressive towing capacity. The 4.7-liter V8 has plenty of power. The standard V6 is lackluster. The ride is more compliant than that of the Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tacoma, but it is too buoyant on the highway or with a load in the bed. The Dakota lacks agility and has pronounced body lean and slow steering. Stability control is not available. Interior quality could be better. 2011 is the last year for the Dakota.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2011 Pickup Trucks Reliability

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Dodge Dakota

vs. Similar Cars

Chevrolet Colorad...

Chevrolet Colorado

Ford Ranger

GMC Canyon

Honda Ridgeline

Nissan Frontier

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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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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

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2006

2007

2008

2009

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2011

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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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Dodge vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

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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2011 Midsized pickup trucks Ratings

2011 Dodge Dakota

$ NA

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2011 Chevrolet Colorado

$4,875 - $8,775

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2011 Ford Ranger

$6,925 - $9,950

EPA MPG 16 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2011 GMC Canyon

$3,075 - $8,375

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2011 Honda Ridgeline

$8,700 - $10,050

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2011 Nissan Frontier

$6,725 - $9,850

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2011 Suzuki Equator

$4,925 - $7,100

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2011 Toyota Tacoma

$9,550 - $14,250

EPA MPG 18 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 (302 hp)

5-speed automatic
4-speed automatic

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.