1998 Dodge Dakota Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Overview
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...
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!!!
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 1998 Dodge Dakota express a strong affection for this truck, highlighting its power and durability. Many appreciate the enjoyable driving experience and the truck's capability, especially in off-road conditions. However, some drivers noted issues with maintenance and fuel economy, indicating that these are areas for consideration. Common praises include its robust engine, fun performance, and solid design, while complaints often centered on parts durability and gas consumption."
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
October 26, 2011Good power, quick acceleration, overall good truck
June 11, 2008Parents 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.
January 6, 2008What owners say
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
October 26, 2011Good power, quick acceleration, overall good truck
June 11, 2008Parents 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.
January 6, 2008I 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 last
April 20, 2007this 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, 2010This 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.
December 28, 2008Dodge 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.
February 9, 2015great 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.
February 1, 2010It'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 7, 2008Nothing 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 though
March 11, 2011Trims & specs
Base MSRP $15,625 | Seating 3 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
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Base MSRP $17,520 | Seating 3 |
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Base MSRP $17,615 | Seating 3 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
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Base MSRP $14,095 | Seating 3 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
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Base MSRP $14,620 | Seating 3 |
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Base MSRP $19,785 | Seating 3 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
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Base MSRP $16,085 | Seating 3 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
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Base MSRP $17,775 | Seating 6 |
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Base MSRP $20,660 | Seating 6 |
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Base MSRP $20,265 | Seating 6 |
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Base MSRP $16,830 | Seating 6 |
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Base MSRP $13,635 | Seating 3 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
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Base MSRP $21,465 | Seating 6 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
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Base MSRP $17,865 | Seating 6 |
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Base MSRP $18,780 | Seating 3 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
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Base MSRP $21,190 | Seating 6 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
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Base MSRP $15,080 | Seating 3 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
