2005 Dodge Dakota

Pros: Style, roominess, handling and ride.
Cons: V6 engine could deliver better power.

This is my third Dakota and its every bit as reliable as the older models. Starts well in the colder weather. Handles well in rain, snow. I'm 6'5" and the interior room is excellent. Most stylish truck on the market. The V6 version is a bit underpowered - acceleration could be better. Opt for the V8 if possible.

The bed could be longer and I would like to see an automatic rear window - can't reach the sliding rear window from the front seat.

After 1 year, unlike other reviewers, I've not had any problems with mine at all.

Pros: Look, price, interior space
Cons: Poor gas mileage, repeated service needed, cheap components

As the reviewer before me, I have had many problems with my 2005 Dakota.

In the first 3000 miles, service engine soon lights came on. Problem (O2 sensor) was fixed under warranty, but took the dealership a day to fix. Dealership claims O2 sensor problems are not common at all in Dakotas, so assuming this is a defective part from the factory.

At 5500 miles I noticed a rattling sound from the undercarriage that reminds me of loose metal. Took the vehicle and they removed a rock from the interior door panel. Surprisingly, this wasn't the problem. I've had the vehicle in the shop 3 times for this rattle, and they just can't seem to find the source.

At 8200 miles, airbag light comes on. Dealer unable to fix, and I will soon be working on Lemon Law paperwork (www.carlemon.com).

Do not buy this truck (or any Dodge truck for that matter) - our family has owned 3 Dodge/Chrysler vehicles, and the only one worth the price is the Caravan.

Instead, spend a little more and get a solid F-150.

Pros: Nice looks, handles well, reasonablly priced, nice acceleration
Cons: brakes, rattles, transmission, airbags.

I own a 2005 Dakota. I choose this truck over a 2004 Ford Ranger. I think that it was a bad decision on my part because I have had on going problems with the brakes since around 5k miles. The vehicle has been in the shop three times so far, and is still not fixed. The first time in the shop it was for a transmission slippage in reverse. That was fixed. Second time was for brakes. They would vibrate when applied going downhill. They were adjusted. and cost me over $80.00. This did not solve the problem, being that the third time I brought it back for the same problem. They had to rip apart the rear axel and replace most of the rear brake system. Today the problem still exists in the brake system. There is also a rattle under the truck that is quite loud that comes from the undercarrige when I start the truck. To top it all off, I started the truck tonight and the air bag light came on.