bought this truck an found it to be very reliable i don't understand the one hate comment on it they probably don't take good care of it but overall the trucks worth it an i plan on keeping it an giving it to a family member once i die its got over 213,477 thousand miles on it, its getting 25 miles per gallon its 4x4 five speed automatic but i want to switch it to manual an same thing for the 4x4 nob love the upper center console computer i would get the higher end radio head to be honest but imma keep it original its got the 4.7 liter flex fuel v8 in it i can fit six in the cab though i wish it had a long bed instead of a short bed though i need to replace the front axles the grind in four wheel drive when i steer to the left an replace all the tyres

I've owned my dakota for abou 2 years and considering that at this point it's 15 years old it's held up very well. i've obviously had problems with it, like the exhaust manifold heating up and bending causing an exhaust leak called the hemi tick. It's definitely not fast with the 3.7l v6 but it gets the job done when you need it. it will tow a good amount of stuff as well, just don't expect to have a car hauler 5th wheel. i bought mine as my first truck for 3k and considering how cheap i got it for it really is a beast. the front seats are comfortable and as a tall person (6'5") i fit surprisingly well. the back seats are... restrictive but if you have kids or people willing to have a fight ride it's perfect. the gas mileage is not great, i drive with a lead foot so i get about 9 mpg but the truck is rated for 16/20 so if you drive reasonably it's great. the bed is small at 5'4" but i've taken it camping and have no problems laying in the bed, moving around drywall and other oversized items is a breeze if you strap it down in the bed. maintenance is also incredibly easy as long as you know how to work on a vehicle. the truck looks pretty good too, mine is metallic red pearl coat and it's a stunner, it's got full sized attitude in a midsize truck and considering what it was given, it's pretty good.

I have replaced the 4x4 motor and had 4x4 rebuilt and the truck will shift into 4 wheel drive whenever it wants to. Locking and unlocking the doors will cause the 4x4 to actuate. I have also put $1800 into fixing the oil leak and it continues to have an excessive oil leak.