2000 Dodge Dakota Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Slowly transforming into a family car that just happens to be a truck in its off-hours, the 2000 Dodge Dakota proves to be an alternative...
Slowly transforming into a family car that just happens to be a truck in its off-hours, the 2000 Dodge Dakota proves to be an alternative to the more traditional SUVs and minivans favored by suburban families.
The mid-size Dakota achieved this in 2000 by finally building a 4-door Quad-cab model, the Crew Cab, available in the Sport and SLT trims. Maintaining the 131-inch wheelbase of the extended Club Cab, it shaved off 13 inches in the bed to make room for comfortable rear bucket seats that fit three and flipped back to reveal more storage room underneath. The shorter 5'3" bed meant you were trading in hauling capacity for partying with five of your friends, but it was ample cargo space for the average person's needs. The 8-foot bed option in the regular cabs disappeared, so all non-Crew Cab models came standard with a 6.5-foot bed.
Why did it take Dodge so long to listen to the number one complaint of many drivers and create a four-door with easy access to the rear seat for loading both humans and cargo? No one knows, but everyone applauded the innovation.
The other big change in the 2000 Dakota was the replacement of the old 5.2-liter V8 with a more fuel-efficient 4.7-liter V8 that hit 235-horsepower (compared to the 225 in with the 5.2). It ran better and faster than previous versions of the V8 engines and came as either a 5-speed manual or a redesigned 4-speed automatic.
The 2000 Dakota, with its new roomy rear seats, heavy suspension, and car-like handling, offered a comfortable ride that was surprisingly quiet (unless you opted for the R/T trim, which proudly announced its engine power upon acceleration). Good visibility due to big mirrors and windows, and the easy access made the Dakota a safe family "car" choice, but it's optional 5.9-liter V8 Magnum engine appealed to drivers looking for the intense power of a sports truck. The biggest complaint, despite the convenience of four doors, was the shortened bed in the Crew Cab.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2000 Dodge Dakota appreciate its power and performance, particularly with the V8 engine. Many love how enjoyable it is to drive and how easy it is to work on. However, some drivers are frustrated with the fuel economy and occasional reliability issues, especially with the older engine models."
Performance- Acceleration is great, thus far i've smoked all contenders off the line, but she tops out at only about 118-120. Brakes are very good, but the handling suffers ever so slightly due to ride hignt. I prefer the 2wd version. Quailty- She is built very strong, however I question the engineer's defenition of functionaity as far as interior bells and whistles are concerned. Also, the oil filter is very awkard to get to. Appearence- She is beautiful, she shines inside and out :) Cost of ownership- I average around 20 mpg, but i can get 22 with fresh filters all around. This is practicly a zero maintanance vehicle besides gas and oil changes. Fun factor- She is a blast to drive, and the Infinity sound system is not too bad. However, upgrading the subs in the back will yeild very potent results.
March 7, 2009The Dodge Dakota is one of the best if you are looking for a mid sized pickup, its not to big and its not to small. mine has the 287 4.7L v-8 so it has pretty good acceleration although it could be better. I think that the truck handles pretty good on just about any kind of surface except gravel roads that have that washboard effect on them, then it handles horrible. The build quality of the truck overall seems to be pretty good although i have noticed that my tailgate does squeak and rattle and it is annoying when you have the rear sliding window open. I think the styling of the truck inside and out is pretty good and i dont think i would change anything on the outside of the truck. The gas mileage is not to bad on the highway as long as you are going about 60mph-65mph you will see 16-24mpg depending on how flat the road is and how much wind there is. However if you are going to go 75mph-80mph on the interstate dont plan on seeing anything better than 15mpg. Gas mileage in town all depends on how much acceleration you want when the light turns green, my average for in town is about 14mpg. My truck is 4x4 which makes it a pretty fun vehicle to drive when it snows of when you go off-road, however if you are going to be off-roading a lot in this truck i would plan on getting some mud tires because before i got my mud tires i found it easy to get my truck stuck. Now that i have had these new mud tires on it i have not been stuck once.
August 7, 2008Able to go places that I am shocked that it can go. Could use the bigger V-8. Fuel economy is by far not the greatest. Fun in the snow, mud, going over logs, and climbing over small boulders. The tires mean everything
April 3, 2010What owners say
Performance- Acceleration is great, thus far i've smoked all contenders off the line, but she tops out at only about 118-120. Brakes are very good, but the handling suffers ever so slightly due to ride hignt. I prefer the 2wd version. Quailty- She is built very strong, however I question the engineer's defenition of functionaity as far as interior bells and whistles are concerned. Also, the oil filter is very awkard to get to. Appearence- She is beautiful, she shines inside and out :) Cost of ownership- I average around 20 mpg, but i can get 22 with fresh filters all around. This is practicly a zero maintanance vehicle besides gas and oil changes. Fun factor- She is a blast to drive, and the Infinity sound system is not too bad. However, upgrading the subs in the back will yeild very potent results.
March 7, 2009The Dodge Dakota is one of the best if you are looking for a mid sized pickup, its not to big and its not to small. mine has the 287 4.7L v-8 so it has pretty good acceleration although it could be better. I think that the truck handles pretty good on just about any kind of surface except gravel roads that have that washboard effect on them, then it handles horrible. The build quality of the truck overall seems to be pretty good although i have noticed that my tailgate does squeak and rattle and it is annoying when you have the rear sliding window open. I think the styling of the truck inside and out is pretty good and i dont think i would change anything on the outside of the truck. The gas mileage is not to bad on the highway as long as you are going about 60mph-65mph you will see 16-24mpg depending on how flat the road is and how much wind there is. However if you are going to go 75mph-80mph on the interstate dont plan on seeing anything better than 15mpg. Gas mileage in town all depends on how much acceleration you want when the light turns green, my average for in town is about 14mpg. My truck is 4x4 which makes it a pretty fun vehicle to drive when it snows of when you go off-road, however if you are going to be off-roading a lot in this truck i would plan on getting some mud tires because before i got my mud tires i found it easy to get my truck stuck. Now that i have had these new mud tires on it i have not been stuck once.
August 7, 2008Able to go places that I am shocked that it can go. Could use the bigger V-8. Fuel economy is by far not the greatest. Fun in the snow, mud, going over logs, and climbing over small boulders. The tires mean everything
April 3, 2010It has lots of cab room for the family and hauling stuff. The bed doesn't fit a four wheeler unless the doors down, so that sucks.
June 18, 2008I love the v8 engine in a midsized pickup
January 10, 2021This was my 2000 Dodge Dakota. I had it for two years and loved every minute of it!! I miss it soo much! I should have never gotten rid of it. Balls to the wall everyday and never had a problem!
October 15, 2009I love the acceleration and handling of this truck but the braking could be a little bit better. It has a few rattles and no squeaking that I've heard so far. It is an extremely fun car to drive. Nothing like driving down the road as fast as possible and jamming out to music.
November 24, 2008Love the truck. Quick off the line
February 25, 2008I love my dakota what i like most is, it is easy to work on. I also like that it gets real good gas mileage since it is a v4
June 9, 20075.9L fast when not at full throttle. Instant power and great throttle response. Sleek flowing design. Doesn't take much to get it lowered to a good stance. Awesome truck to drive anywhere. Haven't replaced anything on the truck. Overall a good, fast, reliable truck.
October 18, 2011Trims & specs
Base MSRP $17,990 | Seating 6 |
Engine 2.5L 120 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $17,550 | Seating 3 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $21,380 | Seating 6 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $20,725 | Seating 6 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $22,470 | Seating 6 |
Engine 5.9L 245 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 13 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $19,115 | Seating 3 |
Engine 5.9L 245 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 13 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $16,415 | Seating 3 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $14,100 | Seating 3 |
Engine 2.5L 120 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $18,380 | Seating 6 |
Engine 2.5L 120 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $22,865 | Seating 6 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $21,092 | Seating 3 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $17,792 | Seating 3 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $15,060 | Seating 3 |
Engine 2.5L 120 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $20,063 | Seating 3 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $20,605 | Seating 6 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $17,400 | Seating 6 |
Engine 2.5L 120 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $19,337 | Seating 6 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $24,570 | Seating 6 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $21,550 | Seating 6 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $20,070 | Seating 3 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $21,855 | Seating 6 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $23,385 | Seating 6 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $20,730 | Seating 6 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $23,535 | Seating 6 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $21,750 | Seating 6 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $18,715 | Seating 3 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $18,692 | Seating 6 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $16,373 | Seating 3 |
Engine 3.9L 175 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain RWD |
