MSRP: $20,470 - $32,135
Invoice: $18,818 - $29,280
MPG: 16 City / 20 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:8.4
Performance:7.6
Exterior:7.6
Interior:6.9
Safety:9.2
Reliability:8.0
Research we analyzed for this review
Pros and Cons
  • Only available V8 engine in its class
  • Capable of best-in-class towing capacity
  • Available class-leading six-passenger capacity
  • New lifetime powertrain warranty
  • No available traction control or stability control
  • Some interior materials appear low-grade and many find interior styling drab
  • Reviewers unimpressed with rear-seat comfort

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Dodge Dakota - What the Auto Press Says

The redesigned Dakota impresses reviewers with its hefty towing capabilities and class-leading six-passenger capacity. Nevertheless, low-grade cabin materials and poor interior comfort  detract from its overall appeal.

The 2008 Dodge Dakota has a revised exterior styling and more car-like handling that reviewers like. BusinessWeek says the new Dakota is "not only better than the previous model but offers features and capabilities that rivals can't match. For buyers who want the maneuverability of a small pickup combined with big-truck towing capacity, seating for up to six people, and a powerful V8 engine, the new Dakota may be the best small pickup on the market." Still, the truck disappoints on some important elements -- including standard safety features.  Although rear-seat comfort is not a major priority for most truck shoppers, critics warn that the Dakota's rear seats are not comfortable at all.  While the Dakato gets praise for offering a V8 engine, its V6 is among the least fuel efficient in the class.

The 2008 Dodge Dakota is available in six trim levels -- ST, SXT, SLT TRX4, Sport and Laramie -- in either Extended Cab or Crew Cab body styles. Four-wheel drive is optional. If you're shopping for a compact pickup, you should consider the Toyota Tacoma.

  • "The Dakota is for buyers who want a little more size, power, and roominess. It's ideal if you want to trade down from a full-size pickup but are reluctant to go with a genuine compact." -- BusinessWeek
  • "It's inarguable that the 2008 Dakota is better-looking and more powerful than before. … But given its newfound squishiness and lackluster interior, we find it hard to call the new Dakota truly improved." -- Car and Driver
  • "The Dodge Dakota is unique among midsize pickups. Its large size and available rear seat storage system offer plenty of room and utility for a typical family, and its powerful V8 engine makes it quicker and gives it more towing capacity than most competitors." -- New Car Test Drive
  • "It's probably not enough to revitalize a slow segment, but it's the best in its class for power, space, and towing capacity, and that's a good start." -- Motor Trend
  • "Never mind the new look if you don't care for it. The 2008 Dodge Dakota has a V8. We've been told our entire lives it's what's inside that counts." -- PickupTruck.com

Dakota Performance - 7.6 (Good)

The Dakota has several powertrain combinations, but several say the only engine worth having is the Dakota Laramie's 302-horsepower V8 engine, which gets a power upgrade for 2008. And though its refined suspension and large towing capacity are impressive, some say the Dakota's restrictive bed size and very basic braking system leave much to be desired. Read More

Dakota Exterior - 7.6 (Good)

This year's redesign makes the 2008 Dodge Dakota's styling more appealing, but the truck still trails the class leaders in its visual appeal. Car and Driver calls it "a more fetching, more refined, and decidedly handsomer mug, one that recalls the cheeky smugness of the first- and second-generation Dakotas." Read More

Dakota Interior - 6.9 (Mediocre)

The Dakota has available seating for up to six passengers, and a large cargo hold, but its interior scores suffers due to reviewer's disappointment in the cabin's overall comfort and styling. Read More

Dakota Safety - 9.2 (Excellent)

The 2008 Dodge Dakota does extremely well in federal government crash tests, but lacks some standard safety equipment. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes and supplemental side air bags are still only optional, and electronic stability control isn't even available. Read More

Dakota Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)

The 2008 Dodge Dakota reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Every new Dakota comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Read More

Review Last Updated: 3/11/09