2004 Dodge Dakota

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$17,200

starting MSRP

2004 Dodge Dakota

Key specs

Base trim shown

Pickup Truck

Body style

3

Seating capacity

215.0” x 66.1”

Dimensions

Rear-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

The good:

  • Interior space
  • Sturdy construction
  • Performance
  • Side-impact crash-test ratings

The bad:

  • Fuel economy
  • No side-impact airbags
  • Antilock brakes aren&amp
  • #8217
  • t standard
  • Aging design

11 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2004 Dodge Dakota trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Pickup Trucks for 2023

Notable features

  • New 210-hp, 3.7-liter V-6
  • Available V-8
  • Larger than most compacts
  • Three cab configurations

2004 Dodge Dakota review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Measuring close to the midsize truck category in dimensions, Dodge’s smaller pickup truck comes with V-6 or V-8 power and is offered in a variety of configurations. For 2004, a 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 engine replaces the prior 175-hp 3.9-liter. The 5.9-liter V-8 power plant and the R/T edition have been dropped. Front bucket seats are now standard in Quad Cab models.

A new Stampede package was added during 2003; offered on regular-cab and Club Cab Sport models, this option group includes ground-effects side moldings, wheel flares, 16-by-8-inch aluminum wheels and a rear stabilizer bar.

All-disc brakes are standard in four-wheel-drive and high-capacity models. Dodge offers a five-speed-automatic transmission that features a dual-ratio second gear; it teams with the 4.7-liter V-8 engine.

A value-priced but boldly styled SXT model is available for budget-minded shoppers. The lineup also includes base, Sport, Sport Plus, SLT and SLT Plus trim levels.

The Dakota was last redesigned for the 1997 model year, and the automaker is expected to redesign this truck for 2005.

Exterior
Basic Dakota styling is patterned after the company’s full-size Ram pickup. Regular-cab, Club Cab (extended-cab) and Quad Cab (crew-cab) body styles are available. The Quad Cab and Club Cab models both ride a 131-inch wheelbase and measure 215 inches long overall. Because the Quad Cab devotes more space to passengers, it comes with a shorter, 5.5-foot cargo bed as opposed to the Club Cab’s 6.5-foot bed. The Quad Cab version can tow as much as 6,100 pounds, while a regular-cab model can tow as much as 6,600 pounds.

Regular-cab models use a 6.5-foot cargo bed, and they have shorter dimensions than the Quad Cab. Each measures 196 inches long overall on a 112.1-inch wheelbase.

Unlike other extended-cab compact trucks, no rear doors are offered on the Dakota Club Cab. The SXT model includes deep gray bumpers, upper and lower fascias, body-colored fender flares and sporty 16-inch aluminum wheels.

Interior
Dakotas may be equipped with either a front bench or a pair of front bucket seats. Bucket seats are now standard in the Quad Cab. Club Cab and Quad Cab models have split rear benches with cushions that fold for extra storage space.

Because the Quad Cab’s interior is about a foot longer than the Club Cab’s, its backseat is vastly roomier. Space for adults in the Quad Cab’s rear seat is adequate, but they will likely be cramped in the Club Cab. Tall rear doors that open 90 degrees on the Quad Cab ease entry and exit.

Under the Hood
A new 210-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 serves as the base engine, but Dakotas are unique among compact pickups because they can be fitted with a V-8 engine. A 230-hp, 4.7-liter V-8 is available for all three body styles with Sport or SLT equipment. Three transmissions are available: a four-speed automatic for the V-6, a five-speed automatic for V-8 models and a five-speed manual that can team with either engine. A dashboard switch controls transfer-case operation on four-wheel-drive trucks.

Safety
Four-wheel antilock brakes are optional, and side-impact airbags are not offered.

Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.2
  • Interior 4.1
  • Performance 4.5
  • Value 4.4
  • Exterior 4.5
  • Reliability 4.5

Most recent consumer reviews

1.0

2004 Dakota..a great truck

This 2004 is my 6th Dakota since my 2008..had a Jeep Cherokee b4..was talking w sales rep while waiting for Jeep being serviced..he said they had a Dakota traded in by a 65 yr old w 40kmi he’d swap me for $350..drove that for 250k b4 I decided to replace it..regular maintenance only…replaced the others @ 125k +/-:::bought my 2004 in 2008 figuring it’s my last (I’m now 81) has 116k mi..no mech prblms..now selling it as I am a disabled vet & now using a walker..have to break it down & pull it across my lap ea time I go somewhere…Dakota was my 1st Dodge truck loved it- bought 5 more..too bad they decided to discontinue them in 2011..will replace this one with a decent used one with the mini suicide doors so I can toss my walker in the rear if I can …am pleased to recommend Dakota pick ups to others..all I had were V6 RWD trucks

5.0

Best Truck Ever Owned!

I bought my 2004 Dakota Club Cab SLT 4.7 Automatic in 2008 from a Dodge dealership used car lot. I love this truck. I've always owned mini/mid sized trucks. Datsun,Nissan,Ford Ranger, and this Dakota is the best. The comfort, drivabilty is superior. The rack and pinion steering, 4 wheel disc brakes,limited slip differential, 3.92 gears all contribute to the driving experience. I didn't know this until a few years after owning, but these trucks are classified as 3/4 ton. They have the highest towing capacity 6440 lbs. They have separate trailer circuitry independent from truck lighting. It's own trailer light fuses. The only extended cab with forward faceing rear seats with shoulder restraints. I have about 150,000 it's now 1/7/2023.

5.0

Reliable and built to last.

2004 3.7 2wd Club Cab 265,000 miles, daily driver, original owner. I had it undercoated and despite all the Michigan winters, there is very little rust. I pull my Searay 250 Sundancer to the marina and back each year and it does a fine job. I have a limited slip differential which helps in snow and rain. MPG is 17 to 19 no matter how you drive. Currently on the 2nd set of spark plugs and 2nd muffler/tail pipe. Changed upper and lower ball joints and engine valve lifters 225k. Everything,except brakes, tires, battery, radiator, hoses and belt, is original. The AC still works great. She still has plenty of power and has never let me down. I've had many vehicles throughout the years and this one is without a doubt the most durable and reliable I've owned.

See all 54 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Dodge
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
5 model years or newer/less than 75,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
3 months/3,000 miles
Powertrain
7 years/100,000 miles
Dealer certification required
125-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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