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1998 Dodge Dakota Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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What do you get when you leave a Dodge Ram truck in the dryer too long and it shrinks? It comes out as a Dodge Dakota. The new generation of the mid-size Dakotas, that drive like a compact, but have the power of a full-size, looked like a smaller version of the Ram, though underneath they were still very much true to Dakota. Since 1987, the engine options remained pretty much the same -- 2.5-liter I4, 3.9-liter V6, and 5.2-liter V8.
Until 1998. Mid-year, alongside the base, Sport, and SLT Dakotas, Dodge took the Ram's 5.9-liter Magnum V8 and put it into their Dakota. The Dakota R/T (I'll call it the Mini-Ram), only available as a 4-speed automatic, hit 250-horsepower and allegedly made 0-60 in seven seconds (for those must-have emergency plywood runs). Of course the 3.9-liter, 175-horsepower engine was still the most popular, but for people that appreciated the driving experience as much as the need to haul stuff, the 5.2-liter and 5.9-liter V8 engines were highly prized. There are claims out there that the 5.2-liter was able to tow up to 6700 pounds.
Other new additions to the 1998 Dakota were keyless remote entry and alloy wheels on the SLT. As always, drivers love the spacious cab, particularly for long trips, and the easy handling. Optional 6X9 power mirrors are recommended for extra visibility. Major complaints focus on gas mileage, the need for a four-door truck to access the rear seats, and constant repair shop visits.
They look sweet; if you bag 'em, shave 'em, body drop 'em, and chop the roof 3inches!!!
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1998 Dodge Dakota
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Paul R
Feb 04, 2024
This Dodge Dakota has a good look and looks well kept.Feb 04, 2024
by david s
Aug 16, 2021
wrong base color long preceding in high pricing Aug 16, 2021
by Anonymous
Feb 23, 2021
Decent truck, but it needed a front ball joint, had worn tires, and was a bit overpriced for its condition and age.Feb 23, 2021
User rating:
by Paul R
Feb 04, 2024
This Dodge Dakota has a good look and looks well kept.Feb 04, 2024
by david s
Aug 16, 2021
wrong base color long preceding in high pricing Aug 16, 2021
by Anonymous
Feb 23, 2021
Decent truck, but it needed a front ball joint, had worn tires, and was a bit overpriced for its condition and age.Feb 23, 2021
by Jim W
Mar 23, 2015
Overall, I like the truck's styling more than anything. It has a lot of potential for customization, both interior and exterior Mine already has sun roof and I intend to customize entire interior. As for towing, it is fine to tow small trailers, but I would not pull anything too heavy. Cargo bed is nice size.Mar 23, 2015
by Anonymous
Feb 09, 2015
Dodge trucks have been in my family since the beginning. When it came time to buy my first truck I wasted no time in my decision. The 5.7L 318 is one of the most durable engines and as long as the fluids are kept up they will last for a really long time.Feb 09, 2015
by Anonymous
Apr 27, 2014
the factory paint is fading,this could be because I live in the desert. I was shocked the first time I drove it has a lot of power. the overall handling is great for a mid size truck. it does a great job off road in 4-wheel drive. lots of fun.Apr 27, 2014
by Anonymous
Feb 25, 2014
I bought this truck used from a guy that used it as a commuter vehicle back and fourth to the mill, It had 198,000 miles and ran good (still does with 232,500 miles). I couldnt have asked for a better used truck for the price i got it at. It is the 3.9 v6 magnum, automatic transmission, 2wd, club cab. I have used this truck mainly for work, I have driven it from NW Indiana to Memphis, Tennessee a few times and its done great, averaged 24-25 mpg going 65mph and 22mpg going 70mph, not to shabby, and it gets 16mpg around town, best ive gotten was 17.8mpg. ive towed quite a bit of weight with it too, a popup camper with a dry, no loaded weight of 3400 lbs (helped a friend move it from his campsite back home, bout a 90 mile drive) and it handled good, on flat land it maintained a speed of 55mph in overdrive(speed limit was 55mph), coming up to hills i shut the overdrive off and it climbed them doing 55mph. In town i have towed a trailer with concrete,1,000 lbs trailer, 5,000 lbs of concrete and roughly 1400 lbs concrete in the bed, she was squatting but she pulled it good! granted we didnt have to get over 40mph it still pulled great taking off from stop signs and stoplights. Ive hauled numerous loads of sand in the bed( a yard to be exact, which weighs 2600 lbs dry, and roughly 3400 lbs wet, all this in the bed!) Needless to say my point is this truck is pretty strong for its size, it may have its quirks(just like every other vehicle out there) and people may call dodge junk but i disagree with them 100%(im not a brand hater either). I also use the truck for my lawn business so just about everyday its loaded up. From the time ive owned it i have done the regular maintenance the truck has needed and replaced parts you would expect to wear out with 200k miles plus. The truck handles well in snow, as long as you have weight in the bed and decent tires(just like any other pickup). Brakes are ok, i have the 9 inch brakes instead of the 10 inch, i think 10 inch should have been standard and either 11 or 12 inch optional. I think the anti-spin(limited slip or posi traction as some people know it as) differential should be standard on all dodges! But needless to say its a very reliable truck, whether your commuting, doing road trips or towing/hauling and dont need a full size, this is the truck for you.
I have already recommended this truck to a friend of mine and he got a 2004, same exact specs as mine but he has the 3.7 v6 magnum.Feb 25, 2014
by Matthew J
May 01, 2013
it was mostly a show truck but it had a lot of money in it i bought it this way
and i loved it i still miss it and i wonder where it is today but i wouldnt want it
backMay 01, 2013
by Beverly S
Mar 24, 2013
I like that it is green. I like that it is paid for. It gets good gas mileage. Paying for repairs are of average price I would expect to pay. I would love to find a bed cover so I could put items in the bed of the truck easily and keep items out of the elements that could damage items I put in the bed.Mar 24, 2013
by Dennis S
Dec 06, 2011
i love this vehicle it was my fathers truck before i bought it from him to commute back and forth to school wouldn't sell it for the world. it is a great vehicle to drive. i wouldn't sell it for the world.Dec 06, 2011
by Fran Z
Oct 26, 2011
Good acceleration/ poor brake
Fuel consumption & efficient 22 mille per gallon city/ 26 hwy milles
Great body
Good towing force
nice exhaust sound borla
Good ligths and curves HID
Top speed 118 MPH
Very fun drive with a lot of power under the hood
Oct 26, 2011
by Justin S
Oct 25, 2011
i am very happy with the truck and do not regret buying it has a lot of power for its
size the cost of owning it is low and it is very fun to drive around and putting some
accessories on it make it look goodOct 25, 2011
by Mathieu D
Mar 11, 2011
Nothing to say, it makes what it has to.
V8 5.2 L - 310 HP + KNN
Manual transmission
4X4 yeah very strong you really see the difference when you have it on
Tow Hitch
Very good acceleration, Very solid
Would like a louder exhaust thoughMar 11, 2011
by Logan Q
Dec 19, 2010
still driving it after 12 years with harsh use. The truck itself is a good build but it is a
pain to work on. at 257,000 miles it is expected to have issues, mine just all
happened at one time. I had to replace the power steering pump, bypass the a/c
compressor, replace power steering hoses, replace all ball joints, replace rear
drums and shoes, and put a fan clutch in. All this happened within a month. I love
the truck itself but it is a Chrysler product.Dec 19, 2010
by Charles P
Nov 13, 2010
No complaints.... Runs great. Starts right up in the dead of the winter
with no trouble. Car has some jump but not to much because of its size.
Overall couldnt ask for a better first car. Puurrs like a kittenNov 13, 2010
by James P
Aug 12, 2010
It was an ok truck, it did what I needed it todo, the V6 had some guts, and also some thirst, it had a nice sound (mainly thanks to the exhaust holes). I was having too many problems with it so it's good its gone, It looked cool, and the rear and side windows were a nice feature but over-all never again.Aug 12, 2010
by Anonymous
May 11, 2010
this truck is very nice and i have never had a problem with the 4wd. i dont get along so great with the little baby 3.9 this thing has in it but it works. i felt the urge to hop up this little motor by throwing a new gibson exhaust system,airaid cold air intake, and throttle body spacers. she runs pretty clean now and has that little more edge of power.May 11, 2010
by Jason S
Mar 23, 2010
great in the snow, especially with goodyear wrangler silent armors as shows. gas mileage sucks but hey its a truck. 175hp down from 180 with 4x4 r u kidding me, stupid emissions laws. but it still does a nice brake stand two lines every time.Mar 23, 2010
by Ed B
Feb 01, 2010
great mid size truck the drives great pulls anything, will give a sports car a run for the money, no major work done to it in 4 years ive owned, biggest problem bad water pump gasket. overall great mid size truck. Feb 01, 2010
by Steve L
Jan 24, 2010
It is the base 4 cyl. engine while weak it rev's nice and the 5 sp. manual tranny pulls it quite well. Nice ride. The cab is roomy and it sits up high enough. I am enjoying my new ride.Jan 24, 2010
by Nathan C
Oct 21, 2009
I like the small truck with a V-8. I wish it could have had the option for the 360 V-8 versus the standard 318. Someday I will put a 360 in it when this block blows up from the abuse.Oct 21, 2009
by Nick L
Aug 12, 2009
truck was very fast. it had a 5.2 v8. i had it straight piped so it sounded great. it was 4x4 so it was awsome going offroad even though it had stock suspension. it wasnt to fuel friendly. it burned through a crap ton of fuel.Aug 12, 2009
by Alex C
Jan 15, 2009
the engine runs really good, its a really tough truck it has gotten a beating, i think they look amazing, gas mileage is great, but maintenance not so good, and its a really fun truck to drive. i like it Jan 15, 2009
by James G
Dec 28, 2008
This is a great truck. Handles excellent in the snow. Impossible to get stuck. It gets great gas mileage. Hasnt needed any work. Its awesome to drive, feels very stable around corners. doesnt lean much at all. Highly Recommended to anybody wanting a truck.Dec 28, 2008
by Ryan N
Nov 11, 2008
This truck has ok acceleration, has some good qualities when it comes to build and strength, it handles surprisingly well for a pickup, and for those of you that think ...man a full sized Dodge Ram is too much, but for instance a Chevy S-10 is too small this is the perfect size.Nov 11, 2008
by Colin A
Sep 02, 2008
Well it was a solid truck that got into a few accidents in it's day but never sustained any frame damage, It was decent in the towing department and handled very well during winter/hurricane conditions. It was more than able to to haul alot of good without a problem at all. It was a fun truck to own/drive.Sep 02, 2008
by Bret P
Aug 14, 2008
My second dakota....had a 1992 with the 318,that was a fast truck! then later on bought this 98 with the 318 also.
put an intake on,duels,custom headlights,topper,chromed the rims.
this truck has the posi rear end...so when i go for a powerbrake the ass end swerves!
love the truck!Aug 14, 2008
by Andy L
Jul 06, 2008
Truck is very quick, tops out at 115
Will eat up cheap brakes every 3k miles
Standard sport look, they just dropped the front 2 inches
Gas mileage is horrible, I barely squeak out 13 mpgs
It was a fun truck in its day, but not to practical for a married man with a kid.Jul 06, 2008
by Edwin G
Jul 01, 2008
Lots of power...solid/durable(even when all four wheels leave the ground)...and looks good while doing what it does!!! ...the tranny proved to be a lil weakJul 01, 2008
by Malcolm F
Jun 11, 2008
Good power, quick acceleration, overall good truckJun 11, 2008
by John C
May 07, 2008
It's hard to argue with the torque this thing has, it'll keep pulling as long as your foot's in it. Rides a bit rough on account of the previous owner cranking the torsion bars to fit 33" tires, but with the look and added clearance, I got over it pretty quick.May 07, 2008
by Tyler S
Mar 30, 2008
it is a great looking, good running truck. i had no complaints except i would have liked an extended cab. it did have one problem with the way it ran but it would always get over it in a minute or two and it only happened once in a while.Mar 30, 2008
by Travis R
Feb 08, 2008
It's nice when I don't blow up the rear end and can drive it.Feb 08, 2008
by Ralf Q
Jan 12, 2008
Had this truck since new, 10 years! I loved it. Durable V8 engine, the last of the 318's (5.2L). Rock solid transmission. The interior was OK, but it had a lot of options, some even my 2007 Honda Accord EX-L V6 doesn't have.
Smaller compact size outside, but it felt and pulled like a full-size. These trucks were over built, they shared many parts from the full-size Ram.
Overall, I don't think you can go wrong with this truck.Jan 12, 2008
by Evan W
Jan 06, 2008
Parents got this truck new in 98. Drove through highschool as main transport, still keep around as auxilary vehicle for 4x4, ATVs in the back, tow my jetboat, tow the horse trailer. Have the 5.2 liter v8. thats the older 318 ci block that has been around with MOPAR since the 70s. theres somthing to be said for tried and true engines and this is one of them. Jan 06, 2008
by Jeremy M
Dec 20, 2007
This truck is still in amazing condition for bein almost 10 years old, although its kinda fallin apartDec 20, 2007
by Anonymous
Oct 14, 2007
not a bad truck good for going back and forth to workOct 14, 2007
by Anonymous
Apr 20, 2007
I bought my 98 Dakota Slt brand new in 1998. No major problems with the truck. The only bulbs I replaced are the driving lights. 125K now and not burning oil. This truck does not like performance parts. Keep it OEM and it will lastApr 20, 2007
by Anonymous
Dec 05, 2006
I have had this truck since I bought it brand new from the dealership in St. Louis MO.
I absolutly love this tuck, but it seem to have a few major problems:
When it rains hard, and my truck is just sitting (like in my driveway facing uphill), water pools in the driver and passenger floor boards as well in the extended cab portion of the truck. This doesn't seem to happpen hardly at all, if my truck is facing downhill though.
Also in the past summer, the upper-body vents quit working. So now the A/C and heater air only comes out of the floor vents and the windshield vents. I can hear air escaping from the vacuum switch some where in the dash but I can't seem to find the source of the problem.
If any one has any comments or suggestions please email me.
thanks
corair89
corair89@yahoo.comDec 05, 2006
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1998 Dodge Dakota?Compare this car
1998 Dodge Dakota Pricing
Original MSRP
$13,635 to $21,465Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: vinyl
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: cloth
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: chrome · Paint: two-tone · Rear bumper color: chrome
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: chrome · Paint: two-tone · Rear bumper color: chrome
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: rear
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Skid plate(s): front and rear
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: cloth
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: chrome · Paint: two-tone · Rear bumper color: chrome
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Skid plate(s): front and rear
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: chrome · Paint: two-tone · Rear bumper color: chrome · Skid plate(s): front and rear
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Skid plate(s): front and rear
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: rear
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: chrome · Paint: two-tone · Rear bumper color: chrome · Skid plate(s): front and rear
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Skid plate(s): front and rear
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent