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1997 Dodge Dakota consumer reviews

$12,725–$17,190 MSRP range
side view of 1997 Dakota Dodge
(15 reviews)
80% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.2
  • Interior 4.1
  • Performance 4.2
  • Value 4.3
  • Exterior 4.4
  • Reliability 4.3
Explore the 1997 Dodge Dakota

Not to Shabby but reliability issues

I bought this truck in 2001 with 76k mi it now has 172k mi. It has been a decent truck over the years. But I have had several issues with ball joints, wheel bearings, brakes (several different issues), and in dash sensors switches. The biggest issue I had though was that if I towed up hill I could but the pedal to the floor and still lost speed, and I have the V6 Magnum. I have kept up with the maintenance of the vehicle but from the start this was an issue. Now the vehicle has cosmetic issues too. Rust every where especially underneath the vehicle. had to replace a brake line the rusted through, not very safe. Also the clear coat is peeling right off making the vehicle ugly. I really liked this truck for looks and value but the performance and reliability are an issue, beyond the age. Otherwise it has been a good truck but time to upgrade.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 2.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does not recommend this car
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Doesnt know how small it is

Mine has the 3.9 v6 in it.. and it doesnt know how small it actually is. this truck will tow anything! Never feels underpowered. very reliable.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Towing
  • Does recommend this car
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This is a great truck to have!

I have owned this truck and loved it! It rides great and it feels tough without having to pay a lot!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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Excellent mid size truck

My Dakota never had anything go wrong on it. The only thing i ever did was the brakes. They have a pretty smooth ride for a truck(compared to the ranger at least). It is a very good truck for the money, but they dont get the greatest gas mileage, which is expected.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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good light truck

The dakota isnt big, or all that fast, but it can get you and whatever u need where your going. Personally i havn't run into anyproblems with it, and its been very reliable.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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