1990 Dodge Dakota

Pros: Incredibly reliable Fun factor is astronomical
Cons: 3.9L engine lacks power

I bought my '89 Dakota Convertible in July 2003 with 217,000 miles on it. As of November, I've only put about 3000 miles on it, but I am in love. I get looks and double-takes from so many people. Nearly every time I take it out with the top down, someone stops to ask what it is, or if I fabricated it myself.

Even with 220,000 miles on it, its running fine. The transmission has been rebuilt once that I am aware of, but everything else has required only normal maintenance.

I've taken it offroading a few times now, and for a stock truck, it has performed excellently. My skid plates are bent significantly and have some dings in them, but the critical components are unscathed. I've never been stuck; the 4x4 has always pulled through. Did I mention how incredibly fun it is offroading with the top down?

I highly recommend this truck. Good luck finding them... the production numbers were slim. Drop me an e-mail if you own one or see one, I keep a VIN registry: don.rey@uconn.edu