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2005 Dodge Dakota consumer reviews

$19,885–$22,735 MSRP range
side view of 2005 Dakota Dodge
(55 reviews)
83% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.3
  • Interior 4.1
  • Performance 4.3
  • Value 4.3
  • Exterior 4.5
  • Reliability 4.3
Explore the 2005 Dodge Dakota
Shop the 2005 Dodge Dakota

Dakota

Servicable truck...affordable used. Lacks quality interior and exterior. Significant brake and suspension problems even as a gentle driver.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 2.0
  • Interior 2.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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Love it !!

Got 122k on it now. Bought it new in 05. No problem. Driven every day. Used for my business. I am a general contractor.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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will take a hard hit

my kid hit a patch of black ice and weny into the wrong lane and hit a ford explorer head on she was doing about 25 mph he was doing 55 mph it bent everthing on the truck and cracked the motor the tire was 75 ft away with 4 wheeldrive still on it the truck was completely gone she was trapped for 10 min in it but walked away with bruises on both knees and 1 on her side from the seat belt it was a 05 thats what i am going to buy her back the truck saved her life thanks dodge

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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The right-sized pickup

One of my favorite things about the Dakota is the relationship between its size and its abilities. It can do most of what a full-size can do, but in a smaller package that's easier to fit into a garage or into those downtown parking ramps; however it's not quite as small as the rest of its compact/midsize competitors and has a little more people room and box space. My pickup has the 4.7L and automatic, which work well together. I have a lead foot but still manage to get 15 MPG or better most of the time, and sometimes I get 20 on the highway. The 0-50 acceleration is more than enough but passes at 65+ MPH do take a little planning if there's a headwind. The ride is firm but better controlled and more comfortable than most pickups I've driven. While the Dakota is no sports car, it has surprising aplomb on a winding road and doesn't punish you for taking a path that isn't straight and level. While the Chrysler interiors of the later years of the Daimler era have been widely criticized for their obvious cost-cutting, I really can't complain about my pickup in this department. I find the seats comfortable for 500-mile days, the controls functional and usable even with heavy winter gloves on, and the surfaces that need to be soft-touch are soft. The A/C and heater have the classic Mopar over-capacity, with quick cooldown in summer and fast warmup in winter. At 73,000 miles I have had a few issues. My truck has needed an EGR valve, a cam position sensor and a transmission cooler line; also I've had both outer tie rod ends replaced, but those are something of a wear item.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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Nice truck

So far so good. A nice compromise when getting a full size truck in the garage is a problem. Bigger then the Ford or Chevy alternative with a 6' box

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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Best Mid-Size Truck on the Market

I waited for the 2005 redesigned Dakota body style and really like the way it looks. Had a Ford Ranger for 2 years, test drove all the other small to mid-size trucks. The Dodge Dakota is the best by far. Have owned for over 5 years and very few issues...just normal maintenance. Looks and feels like a much bigger truck. I have the Quad Cab and very comfortable seating for 5 adults. I like the AWD and the ability to shift on the fly into 4 wheel lock and even 4 wheel low if needed...but never used. Just peace of mind. Handles great in the snow and on wet roads too. Like all the safety features like side curtain air bags, etc. I would highly recommend the Dodge Dakota.

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 New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Aside from the gas mileage, great truck!

Love the truck. Never had a repair in 4-years. Love the look and performance has been exceptional. Just not too keen on 12 MPG in city. :(

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

my third dakota take care of it, and it will take care of you. 5 years old still runs and drives like new. The ranger is to small and outdated. and chevys have to much plastic.always had dodge vehicles I also have a sweet running 93 plymouth grand voyager and a 03 jeep liberty all run great.

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 New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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Typical Dodge

I bought the Gold Card for the Dakota when new. I have 100,000 Km 60,000 miles. Replaced = Antisway bushings, Both front wheel bearings, Both Struts, Both lower ball joints, Both tie rod ends, The entire rack and pinion steering, Lower streering column, Upper steering column, Power steering hydraulic line, Transmission cooler lines. Differental seal, Universal joint. Yes it was under warranty. The brakes rusted out both pads and rotors. Do like the truck.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 1.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does not recommend this car
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poor quality

Owned since new, replaces, both tie rods, all sway bar bushing,ball joints,, my atv has bigger and better suspension parts! Wonder why there bankrupt?!!!Just say No to dodges!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 1.0
  • Interior 2.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 2.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does not recommend this car
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