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1992 Dodge Dakota Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$9,315 to $17,024

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.2

avg user rating

(20 reviews)
1992 Dodge Dakota Preview summaryImage

Do pickups have mid-life crises? Somewhere between 1991 and 1992, the Dodge Dakota woke up believing it was a Mustang. As if adding a V8 engine in 1991 wasn't enough, the Dodge Dakota delivered even more power in 1992. A re-engineered fuel injection system gave the 3.9-liter engine an incredible boost of horsepower from 125 to 180 (that is not a typo), which is more than the 1991 V8 even rated. Not to be outdone, the V8 received its own boost, going from 170 to 230-horsepower. The 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder remained at a respectable, if not quite practical, 116-horsepower.

This new series of engines warranted its own name, something large, powerful and solid, yet with a bit of class. Hmm, the Magnum Series works nicely. Paired with the 5-speed manual transmission, the V8 was clocked at 0-60 in 8 seconds. What does the Dakota think it is, some kind of muscle car?

Not surprisingly, most owners were blown away by the speed and power of what, on the outside, appeared to still be a mid-size pickup. The roomy cab and cargo room was also a selling point. A bad paint job still haunts the Dodge Dakotas, and though they praise its durability, owners seem to rack up quite a list of repairs.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
Sometimes our content pages are the result of a team effort. As with all CarGurus editorial, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 1992 Dodge Dakota

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User rating:
by Anonymous
May 22, 2015
This is one of the best trucks I've ever owned. It's a true classic and the newer versions don't even come close to matching it's character and ruggedness. The 5.2 Liter Magnum V8 delivers everything you'd want from a pickup truck engine. It is an absolute powerhouse, and allows for impressive acceleration compared to larger Dodge pickups. Not only does it have considerable power, but it delivers decent fuel economy and a wonderful classic V8 rumble. The transmission is the original 4 speed automatic. It's not the smoothest shifting transmission by any means, but it certainly is durable. The original transfer case can be a bit un-cooperative sometimes, but the 4 wheel drive still works great when engaged. Overall the mechanical components of the truck may experience normal wear and tear, but still function as expected, and that's whats most important. Though most of the critical parts are original and in good working order, there are components that may give you trouble. Aside from basic maintenance, we've replaced radiators, ball joints, brake lines, fuel pumps, and a rear axle. There's never an absence of inexpensive parts however, so overall repair costs should stay low, especially if you fix things yourself. The overall design of the truck is simplistic. The exterior is very square-like and lacks any impressive curves or body lines, not that you need them. The LE receives a chrome grille and chrome bumpers, as well as large chrome mirrors. You may want to steer clear of the Bright White paint if you are considering buying one of these trucks, as that paint is prone to peeling. The interior is just as minimalist looking as the exterior, but the LE features power windows, power locks, power mirrors, cruise control, and tilt steering, all of the basic convenience features that you need. All of the original electronics function as they should, and the AC still blows ice cold. The dashboard has a convenient storage tray, and slide out cup holders. The factory AM /FM stereo has a cassette player, but isn't anything special, we've long since replaced it with a newer Sony single din unit. The factory speakers do sound pretty good, but for a truly rich audio experience, you may want to replace those as well. The seats are incredibly soft and comfortable, even on long trips. Though the back seat has sparse leg room. Under the back seats you'll find some storage areas and your jack. As far as interior wear is concerned, the dashboard is prone to cracking if continuously exposed to bright sunlight, and this may cause the rear view mirror to become detached from the windshield as well. You are better off parking in the shade. The fuel gauge also only sometimes works. Besides that, and some minor scuffs, the interior is in good shape and really well put together. We've used this truck as a daily driver, but also have done some serious off-roading in it. In either case, the truck never left us stuck or stranded, and always kept on kicking. Overall, the 1992 Dodge Dakota is affordable, decent on gas, and built like a truck should be, couldn't be more satisfied with it. May 22, 2015
by Anonymous
Dec 17, 2014
I bought this truck when it was 22 years old. I put a lot of work into the brakes, the heater and condenser, all of the hoses, and belts, and replaced the computer. When I bought it there was a camper shell on it. I took that off, and put a tonneau cover on it, that helped with the fuel economy, less weight and better profile. I love driving this truck, It's comfortable, and solid, has enough power, and it's a 4x4. Can't wait for some snow! LOL!Dec 17, 2014
by Anonymous
Dec 12, 2013
I love that my four-wheel drive has some gumption. I can climb any slick surface (I live in Colorado foothills) without slippage, and I love that the truck has a bench seat in front, like any good truck I remember from my childhood. Handles fairly well, minus the turn radius (parking lots can take some time), but does great in crawling. Good size bed, can transport most any piece of furniture or project material without having to attach a flag or leave the gate down. Easy to work on for the most part, the engine compartment is nice and roomy. Not a lot of busted knuckles. The oil filter is buried, though, and makes doing the most basic form of maintenance, an oil change, a bit of a project; easy to get under the truck without having to jack it up, on the other hand. Back seats are a joke, but who else has a truck that can legally seat 6 inside? Overall, this truck is a great truck. Parts are cheap and plentiful, easy to work on, useful as all get-out, and a pleasure to own and drive. I would not recommend seating six for more than thirty minutes, but I imagine that it would be great to drive a distance if it were only you or you and a friend. Easy to drive if your 5' 6" or taller, and virtually no blind spots, since you sit higher than the majority of the vehicle.Dec 12, 2013

1992 Dodge Dakota Pricing

Original MSRP
$9,315 to $17,024
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A
Dodge Dakota price trends

Trims & specs

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Seats

Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: vinyl

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Steering wheel: tilt-only

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Steering wheel: tilt-only

Exterior Features

Paint: two-tone

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Seats

Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: vinyl

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Steering wheel: tilt-only

Exterior Features

Paint: two-tone

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Seats

Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: vinyl

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Steering wheel: tilt-only

Exterior Features

Paint: two-tone

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Seats

Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: vinyl

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: rear-only

Convenience Features

Steering wheel: tilt-only

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

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

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Steering wheel: tilt-only

Exterior Features

Paint: two-tone

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Steering wheel: tilt-only

Exterior Features

Paint: two-tone

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Steering wheel: tilt-only

Exterior Features

Bumper color: chrome · Paint: two-tone

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Seats

Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: rear-only

Convenience Features

Steering wheel: tilt-only

Exterior Features

Bumper color: chrome · Skid plate(s): front and rear

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

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

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Steering wheel: tilt-only

Exterior Features

Bumper color: chrome · Skid plate(s): front and rear

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Steering wheel: tilt-only

Exterior Features

Paint: two-tone · Skid plate(s): front and rear

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: vinyl

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Steering wheel: tilt-only

Exterior Features

Paint: two-tone · Skid plate(s): front and rear

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Seats

Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Steering wheel: tilt-only

Exterior Features

Paint: two-tone · Skid plate(s): front and rear

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: vinyl

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Steering wheel: tilt-only

Exterior Features

Paint: two-tone · Skid plate(s): front and rear

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Seats

Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Steering wheel: tilt-only

Exterior Features

Paint: two-tone · Skid plate(s): front and rear

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Seats

Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: vinyl

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Steering wheel: tilt-only

Exterior Features

Paint: two-tone · Skid plate(s): front and rear

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Seats

Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

See all trims (17)

Other years

1992 Dodge Dakota For Sale

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